Morning Briefing: Mets Gain Ground in NL East, Wild Card Race

Good morning, Mets fans!

The Mets defeated the Braves 12-7 on Friday night. The offense woke up in a big way, recording 21 hits, while Nolan McLean dazzled in seven strong innings. Reed Garrett and Ryan Helsley faltered, though, and gave up a combined five runs over the final two innings.

With the Mets’ win, and the Phillies and Reds both losing, the Mets gained ground in both the NL East and the Wild Card race. The Mets are now 6 games behind Philadelphia for the division lead and 1.5 games ahead of Cincinnati for the final playoff spot in the National League.

Mandatory Credit: Peter Aiken-Imagn Images

Latest Mets News

Tylor Megill pitched well in his latest rehab start with Triple-A Syracuse. Megill went five innings and allowed no runs on just a hit and a walk with four strikeouts.

The Mets signed catcher Ali Sánchez to a minor league deal. Sánchez spent time with the Mets in 2020 and provides depth for the team after Francisco Alvarez was put on the injured list.

Latest MLB News

The Orioles signed catcher and top prospect Samuel Basallo to an eight-year, $67 million extension. Basallo recently made his MLB debut and just turned 21 years old.

Eno Sarris of The Athletic wrote about Bubba Chandler, who made his MLB debut on Friday, and some of the top starting pitching prospects still in Triple-A.

According to Red Sox manager Alex Cora, the team is moving starter Walker Buehler to the bullpen. Buehler has struggled this year with a 5.40 ERA in 22 starts.

The Twins DFA’d reliever José Ureña to make space for Mick Abel, who they acquired from the Phillies in the Jhoan Duran trade. Abel will make his Twins debut in a start on Saturday.