Kamil Krzaczynski-USA TODAY Sports

Good morning, Mets fans!

On Thursday night, the Mets and Cubs concluded their three-game series at Wrigley Field, with the Mets securing an impressive 10-1 victory, courtesy of an outstanding performance by Carlos Carrasco. Jeff McNeil and Pete Alonso played key roles in the Mets’ triumph, contributing significantly to the team’s second-highest run total of the season. Notably, five Mets players achieved multi-hit games during the matchup. For more, here’s our recap!

The Mets will begin a series with the Rockies at Coors Field tonight at 7:40 p.m. ET.

Now onto the morning briefing!

Latest Mets News

During the middle game of the three games series versus Chicago, Former Met and current Cubs pitcher Marcus Stroman, successfully ended the eighth inning with a ground-ball double play while his team was leading 4-2. In an exuberant display, Stroman directed his excitement towards the Mets’ dugout, shouting and thumping his chest. While some Mets fans and players may have taken offense to his celebration, Mets player Pete Alonso defended Stroman’s actions, acknowledging his outstanding performance and suggesting that the Mets should have performed better if they were bothered by it. Mets manager Buck Showalter also commented, stating “If you don’t like it, do something about it. Play better.”

In his first rehab game for High-A Brooklyn, Mets catcher Omar Narváez had a mixed performance at the plate. He had no hits in one at-bat, which resulted in a strikeout due to a pitch clock violation. However, he did manage to draw a walk and spent five innings playing as a catcher.

In collaboration with Citi, Wheelchair Sports Federation, and the Mets Accessibility & Disability Alliance Employee Resource Group, the Amazin’ Mets Foundation organized a Wheelchair Softball Tournament & Clinic at Citi Field. The event saw the participation of adult athletes from local wheelchair softball teams, who received encouragement from Mets alumni Todd Zeile, Mr. Met, and Mrs. Met. The athletes competed in the tournament and also had the opportunity to attend a clinic specially designed for students with disabilities.

On December 30, 2022, former Mets draft pick Matthew Budgell lost his battle with cancer. Despite his own battle, Matthew started a foundation to support other cancer patients. The family is now seeking to collect all of Matthew’s baseball cards, particularly his 2011 Bowman Draft Picks & Prospects 1st Bowman Card. A collector has already found the Superfractor, but more cards are needed to complete the collection. People are encouraged to search for Matthew’s cards and contact @FunkoPopHead on Twitter to contribute. The goal is to bring joy and support to the family through the shared passion of collecting baseball cards.

Latest MLB News

Jeff Passan of ESPN writes about the implementation of automated balls and strikes (ABS) in the future of MLB’s minor leagues. Referred to as “robo-umps,” these automated systems use cameras and artificial intelligence to accurately determine whether a pitch is a ball or a strike. The article explores the advantages and challenges of ABS, such as improved consistency, decreased umpire errors, and potential impact on the game. While ABS has already been tested in some minor league games, there are still adjustments and fine-tuning needed before potentially introducing it to the major leagues. Passan emphasizes that ABS is not intended to replace umpires entirely but rather to enhance the accuracy and fairness of the game.

Eric Hosmer, the veteran first baseman, has been released by the Cubs, as indicated on his MLB.com profile page. After being designated for assignment last week and going unclaimed on waivers, Hosmer will now enter the open market following his release.

Latest on MMO

Tommy Pham Not Catching On With Mets

Mark Vientos Struggling to Get Consistent Playing Time

Francisco Álvarez Cementing His Place As Mets’ No. 1 Catcher

On This Date in Mets History

2011: On May 26, 2011, Johan Santana displayed his brilliance by shutting out San Diego at Citi Field, all within a tight 96-pitch count. The Mets provided robust offensive support, scoring a total of nine runs, with four in the first inning and five in the eighth. However, the most extraordinary aspect of the game, surpassing Johan Santana’s impressive return after a year sidelined by shoulder surgery, was the electrifying final burst of runs. What made it particularly memorable was that a significant portion of those runs came from a remarkable grand slam hit by Mike Nickeas.

Birthdays: Sam Haggerty (29), Gabriel Ynoa (30), Paul Sewald (33)