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Good morning, Mets fans!

Framber Valdez outshined Justin Verlander as the Astros snapped their five-game losing streak with a 4-2 victory over the Mets at Minute Maid Park. Valdez showcased his skills by limiting the Mets to just two runs and four hits, striking out an impressive nine batters. He remained dominant throughout the game, not allowing a baserunner until the sixth inning and maintaining a shutout until the eighth. On the other side, Verlander struggled in this outing, surrendering four runs off eight hits in seven innings. For more, check out our recap.

The Mets are back in action on Wednesday against the Astros at 2:10 p.m., with Tylor Megill going against Cristian Javier.

Now onto the morning briefing!

Latest Mets News

The team at Baseball America has assessed and ranked the top 20 prospects who have been on fire in the past week. In this edition of the Prospect Hot Sheet, it looks at minor league player’s strong performances up until June 19. Notably, Mets prospect Ronny Mauricio claimed the 13th spot on this list.

This week marks the 40th anniversary of Keith Hernandez‘s journey toward having his number retired by the Mets. On Jay Horowitz’s podcast, Jay recently had a heartfelt conversation with his close friend about the pre-and post-New York City experiences that shaped Keith’s career. They also delved into the tenacity of the legendary ’86 Mets, Keith’s thoughts on ongoing discussions about his induction into Cooperstown, and his current role as a broadcaster for the Mets on SNY.

Ben Cafardo of ESPN PR, announces that the matchup on July 23 featuring the Boston Red Sox hosting the New York Mets will be featured on ESPN’s Sunday Night Baseball. The game is scheduled to start at 7 p.m. ET. The broadcast team for the game will include Karl Ravech, David Cone, Eduardo Perez, with Buster Olney also serving as the reporter during the game.

Latest MLB News

On June 20th, 2024, the iconic Rickwood Field, America’s oldest pro baseball park and the historic stomping grounds of the Birmingham Black Barons, will come alive with a regular season match between the St. Louis Cardinals and the San Francisco Giants.

Reds outfielder Wil Myers has been reinstated from the 10-day injured list and returned from his rehab assignment. However, the team has subsequently designated him for assignment.

Pitcher Seth Lugo has been reinstated from the 15-day injured list by the San Diego Padres. In a corresponding move, the team has designated pitcher Nabil Crismatt for assignment. Crismatt pitched seven years in the Mets minor league system.

Chelsea Janes and Ben Strauss of the Washington Post report that the Baltimore Orioles and Washington Nationals have settled their dispute over the value of the Nationals’ local television rights from 2012 to 2016. The Orioles will pay the Nationals nearly $100 million. However, unresolved issues remain for the 2017-2021 period. The settlement aims to simplify future discussions on rights fees.

The Cincinnati Reds are in first place! In an 8-6 victory over the Rockies at Great American Ball Park, the Cincinnati Reds extended their winning streak to 10 games. Elly De La Cruz, the team’s top prospect, had three hits, while TJ Friedl and Will Benson contributed with home runs. This winning streak marks the longest for the Reds since 2012, the same year they clinched the National League Central division.

Latest on MMO

Patrick Glynn writes that the Mets need to move Starling Marte out of the two-hole.

Patrick also notes that no Mets are currently leading their position in the 2023 All-Star voting.

On This Date In Mets History

1964: On Father’s Day in 1964, Jim Bunning of the Philadelphia Phillies threw a perfect game against the New York Mets, the fifth in baseball’s modern era. Bunning’s dominant pitching led to a 4-0 victory. In the second game of the doubleheader, Phillies pitcher Rick Wise made his MLB debut, allowing only a few hits and securing an 8-2 win over the Mets at Shea Stadium.

Birthdays: Sam Clay (29), Jeff Musselman (59).