Good morning, Mets fans!

In their series finale against the Diamondbacks, the Mets erased an early 3-0 deficit with a four-run third inning, highlighted by back-to-back triples from Brandon Nimmo and J.D. Martinez, but the team’s bullpen woes persisted. Nursing a 4-3 lead in the ninth inning, Jake Diekman allowed a lead-off double to pinch-hitter Gabriel Moreno, and Ketel Marte hammered a slider over the center field fence for a go-ahead two-run homer — his second long-ball of the day. The Mets went down in order in the bottom half of the inning against Paul Sewald, suffering a tough 5-4 loss.

This was the Mets’ sixth loss since May 1 in which they’ve led after eight innings — no team has suffered such a fate more than twice in that period. It was also the bullpen’s 10th loss in that time, which is tied with the Cubs and Reds for the worst mark in the majors.

Latest Mets News

The Mets begin a three-game series with the Nationals in Washington D.C. this evening. Tylor Megill (0-2, 1.69 ERA) will try to follow up his gem against the Dodgers in his last outing, while the Nationals will counter with lefty MacKenzie Gore (4-4, 2.91 ERA). Last season, the Mets won seven of their 13 match-ups against Washington. First pitch is scheduled for 6:45 PM.

The Mets activated Drew Smith from the injured list and optioned Josh Walker to Triple-A Syracuse prior to Sunday’s game. Smith has been on the IL for just over a month due to a shoulder issue.

Latest MLB News

On Sunday, Major League Baseball celebrated the fourth annual Lou Gehrig Day to increase awareness for ALS. Mandy Bell of MLB.com re-shared the inspiring story about her co-worker and best friend, Sarah Langs, who was diagnosed with ALS at the age of 28 in 2021.

Yankees manager Aaron Boone told reporters Sunday that Gerrit Cole will make a rehab start for Double-A Somerset on Tuesday. The reigning AL Cy Young award winner has been out of action since spring training with an elbow injury.

Defending NL Cy Young award winner Blake Snell was removed from his start on Sunday due to groin tightness. Giants skipper Bob Melvin told reporters he expects Snell to go on the injured list. Snell, who didn’t sign until late in spring training, has already missed time this season with a left abductor strain.

Dodgers infielder Max Muncy has been shut down from all baseball activity after experiencing a twinge in his rib cage while swinging a bat in Arizona recently. There is no timeline for his return.

The Tigers are promoting outfielder Justyn-Henry Malloy for his major league debut. Malloy is batting .255/.412/.477 with six homers and 15 doubles in 194 plate appearances. Additionally, Detroit is optioning Spencer Torkelson to Triple-A Toledo. The former first-overall draft pick is batting just .201/.266/.330 (69 OPS+) in 230 plate appearances this year.

The Marlins have placed righty Sixto Sánchez on the 15-day IL with right shoulder inflammation. Sánchez has pitched to a 6.06 ERA in his return to major league action this season.

The Pirates are recalling catcher Henry Davis from Triple-A Indianapolis. Davis has gone just 11-for-68 in the majors this year, but he owns a 1.082 OPS with seven homers in 97 plate appearances since getting sent down.

The Yankees welcomed Art Schallock, the oldest living major leaguer, to their clubhouse before Sunday’s game to meet with the team. Schallock was a two-time World Series champion for the Yankees as a relief pitcher.

Latest on MMO

James Villani recaps the Mets’ loss in their series finale against the Diamondbacks.

John Wilson breaks down the recent performance of J.D. Martinez.

Christian De Block looks at Mark Vientos‘ strong play.

On This Date in Mets History

1969: Behind eight strong innings from Tom Seaver and two homers by Ed Kranepool, the Mets beat the Dodgers, 5-2. The win moves the Mets to 24-23 on the season, marking the latest the team has been over .500 in the franchise’s young history.

1980: With the first pick of the 1980 MLB Draft, the Mets select outfielder Darryl Strawberry from Crenshaw High School in Los Angeles.

2006: Chris Woodward drives home Lastings Milledge with a sacrifice fly in the 11th inning as the Mets earn a doubleheader split with a 3-2 victory over the Giants. The Mets’ bullpen combines for four shutout innings, with Duaner Sánchez earning his fourth win of the year.

2012: Jon Niese strikes out 10 batters in six shutout innings, and Kirk Nieuwenhuis homers and drives in three as the Mets beat the Cardinals for the third straight day, 6-1. The Mets are now in a virtual tie for first place in the NL East with the Nationals and Marlins. Before the game, John Franco is inducted into the Mets Hall of Fame.

Birthdays: Ed Glynn (71), Aaron Ledesma (53), Carl Everett (53), Zach Lutz (38), Harrison Bader (30)