Morning Briefing: Mets Look To Get Past Another Extra Inning Loss

Yet another depressing morning to be a Mets fan. As Gary Cohen mentioned, Friday night’s contest was “a wasted effort by Jacob deGrom,” which preceded another heart-breaking extra-inning loss.

Jacob deGrom had another stellar outing throwing 108 pitches in seven innings giving up only three hits, three walks, and no runs, while striking out 10. In this outing, not only did deGrom lower his ERA to 3.02, but he surpasses Ron Darling for sixth place on the New York Mets all-time strikeout list with 1,154 punch outs.

Unfortunately, the opposing pitcher, Tyler Beede, matched deGrom inning for inning, and the Mets could not score. Beede threw eight scoreless innings and gave up only three hits, while striking out five and walking one. He finished the night with 89 pitches.

RHP Walker Lockett (0-1, 11.74) will take the bump today against RHP Jeff Samardzija (7-7, 3.93) in the Golden Gate City for game three of this series. With only two major league starts under his belt, Lockett has not been able to find a routine having given up four and six runs in his two outings this season.

These numbers, while not promising, reveal that he is not great with too many or too little days rest. In Lockett’s first start for the Mets, he was working with 99 days rest between starts, which can explain the lack of control, and in his second outing, he pitched with only four days rest. Being used in spot starts situations, doesn’t allow Lockett to create a pattern between starts or have a consistent amount of time to rest leaving him rusty from lack of use and/or fatigued.

After a rough start to the year giving up 18 earned runs in only five starts, Samardzija, has found his groove again having not allowed more than three earned runs in a start since May 17. In July, the veteran pitcher has a sub-two ERA in three starts this month against three great teams in the Padres, Cardinals, and Rockies.

Latest Mets News

After a 16 inning marathon starting Thursday night and ending early Friday morning, the Mets were in desperate needs of some fresh bullpen arms to pair with Jacob Rhame, who was the only reliever not used Thursday. The team called up Tyler Bashlor and Stephen Nogosek from Triple-A and optioned Chris Mazza and Luis Guillorme.

Mike Puma of the New York Post overheard information regarding potential trade pieces, Todd Frazier and Jason Vargas. He explained that any trade that could occur including those two would happen right at the deadline. Puma included that the team believes that if Wheeler comes back before the deadline, July 31, they believe they can get a good return for him.

Zack Wheeler, on the injured list with right shoulder impingement, threw 13 pitches off the slope of the mound Friday. In order to come off the injured list, he still would need to throw a full bullpen session within the next few days to be eligible in the team’s eyes, via Anthony DiComo of MLB.com.

Mets’ Head of Alumni Relations, Jay Horowitz, wrote a brief article on the late Gil Hodges in lieu of the Veterans Committee of the Hall of Fame preparing to select their candidates for the Hall of Fame.

Latest MLB News

The Athletic released a statement regarding the assault charges against writer Jonah Keri, “The Athletic has a zero-tolerance policy for violence of any kind. We have suspended Jonah Keri pending further information”. Keri was charged with two counts of assault, a count of assault where he caused bodily harm, and one count for issuing death threats. Unfortunately, the sportswriter was granted bail on Friday even with all those charges against him.

Yankees manager, Aaron Boone, was suspended for one game and fined because of his actions during game-one of the Bombers’ doubleheader Thursday. ICYMI, after watching the home plate umpire calling an inconsistent and erratic strike-zone Boone had enough and went to complain. While on his tirade, he had a few choice words for the rookie umpire in regards to the blown calls and even made contact with the umpire. His suspension was served Friday night.

Brian Fonseca of NJ.com spoke with former Yankees manager, Joe Girardi who explained that he still wants to be a manager and is open to working for any team that wants him or that will give him the opportunity.

Former Mets pitcher, Matt Harvey was designated for assignment by the Los Angeles Angels. Harvey threw six innings in which he allowed as many runs the night prior. He has a 7.09 ERA in 59.2 IP this season for the Angels.

San Diego Padres have recalled infielder, Luis Urias and will call up LHP Adrian Morejon from Triple-A and Double-A, respectfully.

The Houston Astros has designated first baseman, Tyler White, for assignment.

Latest NL East News

The Phillies have moved RHP Nick Pivetta to the bullpen. This is the second time that Pivetta has made the move to the ‘pen. The Phillies agreed to a contract with LHP Drew Smyly and expect him to take over Pivetta’s spot in their rotation spot.

The Braves recalled RHP Wes Parsons and RHP Patrick Weigel from Triple-A and optioned RHP Kyle Wright and RHP Touki Toussaint.

Former Mets and now Marlins outfielder, Curtis Granderson has reached 2,000 career games played. Congratulations Granderson!