Morning Briefing: Mets Look to Take Game 2 Against Cubs

Good morning, Mets fans!

After a 5-2 win over the Cubs on Monday night, the Mets will look to take Game 2 on Tuesday night at Citi Field. New York will send righty Taijuan Walker (5-2, 2.07 ERA) to the mound to face off against Chicago right-hander Alec Mills (2-0, 6.08 ERA).

First pitch is set for 7:10 p.m. and will be broadcasted on WCBS 880 and WQBU 92.7 and will be simulcasted on ESPN and SNY.

Let’s get into Tuesday morning’s briefing.

Latest Mets News

Mets owner Steve Cohen gave $1.5 million to a group supporting Eric Adams for his New York City mayor bid this year, per Fola Akinnibi of Bloomberg. Adams will be on the ballot for the New York City Democratic Primary, which is set for June 22.

Justin Toscano of The Record writes on his experience sitting in a vaccinated section at Citi Field and what fans can expect as restrictions are lifted.

Latest MLB News

Cy Young Award winner Shane Bieber was placed on Cleveland’s 10-day injured list on Monday due to a strained shoulder. As a result, lefty Kyle Nelson has been recalled. Bieber was pitching with a 3.28 ERA and a 7-4 record.

Stephanie Apstein and Alex Prewitt of Sports Illustrated write on Bubba Harkins, a former Angels clubhouse attendant who pitchers from across MLB reached out to for “sticky stuff.” Notable names who have reached out to Harkins include Max Scherzer and Gerrit Cole.

Former Met and current Blue Jays lefty Steven Matz has tested positive for COVID-19, according to the team. Matz is currently symptom-free.

White Sox outfielder Eloy Jimenez has been medically cleared to resume baseball activities at Chicago’s spring training facility where he is expected to spend at least a month, per Bob Nightengale of USA Today. Jimenez has been out since the beginning of the season after he underwent shoulder surgery.

Marlins third baseman Brian Anderson has been moved to the team’s 60-day IL to make room for Triple-A prospect Luis Madero, according to Jordan McPherson of the Miami Herald. Anderson has been out for 18 games after he suffered from a left shoulder subluxation.

Twins righty Michael Pineda has been placed on the team’s 10-day IR with a right elbow inflammation, per Steve Adams of MLB Trade Rumors. This is a notable loss for Minnesota as Pineda is pitching this season with a 3.70 ERA.

Reds infielder Mike Moustakas has been assigned to Triple-A Louisville for a rehab assignment and will play on Tuesday, per the team. Before Moustakas suffered from a right heel contusion, he was batting .241 and hit four homers in 28 games.

Latest on MMO

Joesph Langan gets an exclusive interview with Brooklyn (A+) manager Ed Blankmeyer over at MetsMinors.net.

Matt Musico evaluates three areas where Dominic Smith has struggled in.

James Villani writes on how Joey Lucchesi can be a “Serviceable Back-End Rotation Arm.”

Anthony E. Parelli takes a look at the Mets’ 3-2 week as New York’s pitching prevailed last week.

Patrick Glynn takes a look at the highs and lows of the Mets’ series win over the Padres.

Rich Sparago previews the Mets home series against the Cubs.

Beyond the Blog

Locked On Mets: On today’s episode, host Ryan Finkelstein breaks down David Peterson’s bounce back start last night and what adjustments he made to produce the best outing of his young career. He also takes a look ahead to the All-Star Game and wonders which Mets could be invited to the Midsummer Classic.

Mets Maniacs: In this episode of Mets Maniacs, hosts Ty Wilkes and Mike Breznak recap the Padres series, the Mets success at home this season, and the 1-2-3 punch we have at the top of our rotation in deGrom, Stroman, and Walker. They also talk bullpen strategy, the performance of Luis Rojas thus far, and injury updates. Check it out, and give them a follow on twitter @MetsManiacsPod to get their most streamlined Mets thoughts.

On This Date in Mets History

1969: The Mets get first baseman Donn Clendenon via a trade with the Expos in exchange for righty Steve Renko, infielder Kevin Collins and a pair of minor leaguers. Clendenon later played an important role in New York’s first World Series title as he was crowned MVP of the Fall Classic.

1977: After 10 seasons in New York, Hall of Fame pitcher Tom Seaver was traded to the Reds for pitcher Pat Zachry, second baseman Doug Flynn and a couple of minor leaguers, including Steve Henderson.

Birthdays: Dominic Smith (26), Eduardo Nunez (34), Jeremy Reed (40), Tony Clark (49), Dave Liddell (55), Brett Butler (64) and Ken Henderson (75).

Let’s go Mets!