Morning Briefing: Mets Face Nationals to Finish Disappointing First Half

Steven Matz will look to lead the Mets against the third-place Washington Nationals on Thursday night at Citi Field. Matz will be opposed by Nationals ace Max Scherzer. The game will be on SNY and 710WOR at 7.10 P.M.

Yesterday, yet again, Jacob deGrom received no run support while pitching another magnificent game. deGrom’s current ERA is narrowly behind Dwight Gooden‘s for the best first-half ERA in Mets history (1.677 vs 1.678). Brandon Nimmo‘s pinch-hit homer in the bottom in the tenth gave the Mets their third walk-off on this homestand. Mets win 3-0!

Latest Mets News

The Mets promoted Matt den Dekker and Jacob Rhame to their major-league club at the expense of Drew Gagnon and Kevin Kaczmarski. den Dekker last played for the Mets in 2014 while Rhame is 0-1 with a 6.59 ERA for the Amazin’s this year.

The Mets needed a 40-man roster spot for den Dekker so they released former top prospect Marcos Molina. Ever since Molina underwent Tommy John Surgery in 2016, he hasn’t been the same since.

Tony Dibrell took Molina’s spot on MLBPipeline’s list of top Mets prospects.

Jason Vargas will make his second rehab start for Brookyln on Saturday.

John Ricco revealed that Yoenis Cespedes will hopefully play MiLB rehab games during the MLB All-Star break. He also expressed interest in playing first base upon his arrival in the Majors.

Noah Syndergaard‘s bullpen session went swimmingly and he’s expected to start for the Mets on Friday.

The New York Post reported that a vendor tragically choked and eventually died while at Citi Field late Tuesday night. We wish all the best for his family.

Tim Tebow and Levi Michael represented the Binghamton Rumble Ponies in the Double-A All-Star game.

Latest MLB News

The Astros surprisingly optioned closer Ken Giles to Triple-A after a video of him swearing at his manager went viral(warning: NSFW). This move has many speculating that the Astros could be a potential suitor for Jeurys Familia.

The Dodgers claimed Zac Russcup off waivers from the Rockies and DFA’d Edward Paredes.

Jesus Aguilar and Jean Segura won the NL and AL Final Vote award, respectively.

Bud Norris‘s controversial comments, where he consistently belittled his minority teammate, have caused quite the stir, per Lindsey Alder of the Athletic.

Addison Reed has been placed on the 10-day DL with right triceps tightness.

The Twins have let go of Cameron Rupp.

Fernando Salas was released by the Diamondbacks.

The Rangers DFA’d Austin Jackson. Jackson was just acquired in a trade that allowed the Rangers to effectively buy a prospect from the Giants in exchange for salary relief.

White Sox starter Miguel Gonzalez will undergo shoulder surgery and will miss the remainder of the season.

Angels hurler Garrett Richards will weigh his options after he heard he has suffered UCL damage.