Morning Briefing: Mets Fall To Season-Low Six Games Under .500

Good morning, Mets fans!

The Mets gave up, yet another, win-able game to the Phillies courtesy of the bullpen. After Walker Lockett threw 5.1 innings and gave up four earned runs, Wilmer Font entered the game and gave up three earned runs to hand the Phillies a 7-5 lead which remained intact from the sixth inning through to the ninth. The Mets lost even after out-hitting the Phillies 12 to eight.

In other, more positive news, Jeff McNeil continued his success at the dish going 4-for-5 raising his batting average to .348 on the year with a .908 OPS. McNeil is in 2nd place in the Major Leagues in batting average preceded only by Cody Bellinger. Amed Rosario had a two-hit day along with his double-play partner, Robinson Cano, who had a single and double Tuesday night.

Today, LHP Jason Vargas (3-3, 3.75 ERA) will face off against RHP Nick Pivetta (4-2, 5.54 ERA). Jason Vargas has allowed only three earned runs or less in his last 10 outings. In the southpaw’s last start, he threw four and two-thirds innings of two-run baseball. Vargas’ last outing against the Phillies was positive having thrown four innings and gave up only one run. His opponent, Pivetta, has struggled a few times this season having given up six earned runs in his last start to the Washington Nationals.

In that outing, Pivetta threw 5.1 innings against the Phillies’ division rival. The right-hander’s last start against the Mets was more effective, throwing five innings and giving up only three earned runs. With that mixed bag of outcomes, it is hard to know what comes next for him. Game three of the series will begin at 7:05 o.m. and will be broadcasted on SNY, and heard on WCBS 880 and ESPN 1050.

Latest Mets News

Justin Toscano of The Record reported that Justin Wilson threw a bullpen of about 20-25 pitches. Wilson explained that he made all his pitches and felt no discomfort when throwing. The lefty plans to throw a few more bullpen sessions and take his rehab day-by-day.

Noah Syndergaard started Tuesday for the Brooklyn Cyclones; he threw only 67 pitches, 56 of them strikes, over five innings pitched. The 26-year-old gave up three earned runs and struck out nine batters in his rehab outing. It is unknown if he will have another rehab start before returning, but he is eligible to return from the injured list for his projected start Saturday. Syndergaard said he “felt great” and continues to “tinker with mechanical issues” in each outing he has.

Latest MLB News

According to MLB Pipeline, Yoelkis Cespedes, younger brother to Yoenis Cespedes, has left the Cuban National Team and aims to sign with a Major League ball-club.

Astrophysicist, Meredith Wills, discussed the trends found with major league baseballs this year and how they have affected the ball’s trajectory in an intriguing article on The Athletic.

The Houston Astros have activated All-Star outfielder George Springer and RHP Collin McHugh from the injured list. LHP Reymin Guduan and RHP Rogelio Armenteros have been optioned to Triple-A to make room on the active roster.

Alex Meyer has announced his retirement via Instagram according to Mike DiGiovanna of the Los Angeles Times. Meyer has not played in a major league game since 2017. His last outing showcased one of the best outings of his career tossing seven innings of shutout baseball giving up one-hit with seven strikeouts and one walk.

Jordan Hicks of the St. Louis Cardinals will undergo Tommy John surgery to repair his torn UCL on Wednesday. The 100 mph slugger recorded a 3.14 ERA/3.18 FIP in 28 and two-thirds innings in 2019.

The Texas Rangers have activated Joey Gallo from the injured list. The first baseman and center fielder was placed on the injured list June 2 with a left oblique strain. He was in the lineup for Tuesday’s game and went 1-for-4 on the day with a double, a walk, and three strikeouts.

Former Mets relief pitcher Carlos Torres has signed a minor-league deal with the Minnesota Twins. Torres spent the month prior with the Detroit Tigers before being designated for assignment this past weekend. While he did clear waivers and could have stayed with the Tigers, he elected free agency.

The Twins also designated Gabriel Moya for assignment after reinstating infielder Ronald Torreyes from the restricted list.

The Baltimore Orioles have claimed RHP Tayler Scott off of waivers from the Seattle Mariners and, in turn, designated LHP and former Mets reliever Sean Gilmartin for assignment.

Steven Wright of the Boston Red Sox has been reinstated from the restricted list. Wright was serving an 80-game suspension after a failed PED test. Josh Smith has been optioned to Triple-A.

The New York Yankees have reinstated Kendrys Morales from the injured list and designated him for assignment. The Bombers also optioned Jonathan Holder to Triple-A and recalled Stephen Tarpley.

Latest NL East News

Howie Kendrick is having the best season of his career slashing .335/.388/.588 with a .976 OPS. While he is not an everyday player for the Nationals, he is doing remarkably at the plate and it’s all thanks to the time he spent with Nationals hitting coach, Kevin Long in the offseason. Jamal Collier of MLB.com wrote about Kendrick’s success this season.

The Nationals have selected the contracts of RHP Fernando Rodney and LHP Jonny Venters.

LHP Sean Newcomb has completed his rehab assignment and was reinstated from the seven-day concussion injured list. The Braves optioned RHP Chad Sobotka to Triple-A

The Marlins announced that Neil Walker has returned from his rehab assignment and has been reinstated from the 10-day injured list. The club has optioned Jeff Brigham to Triple-A.

Latest on MMO

John Sheridan updated fans on the status of fourth-round pick, Jake Mangum‘s contract and how is aids in the future contract of third-round pick, Matthew Allan.

Marshall Field wrote about the All-Stars from the Miracle Mets in honor of the 50th anniversary of the 1969 World Series winning team.

Matt Musico talked about Jeff McNeil‘s success this year and how his above .300 batting average has him chasing a Mets franchise record of his own.

Josh Finkelstein elaborated on the comments made by former Mets manager Terry Collins regarding Mickey Callaway‘s press conferences Monday with the media.

Gianna Arantes wrote about the alleged micromanaging from Brodie Van Wagenen.