Morning Briefing: Mets Take First Game Against Yankees at Citi Field

Good morning, Mets fans!

After 6.1 innings pitched for Zack Wheeler, the right-hander left the game after giving up only two runs to the Bronx Bombers. Wheeler had a rocky start to the day racking up a high pitch count early, but he was able to regain control and go six innings with eight punch outs and one walk. James Paxton did better than his opponent as he lasted six innings with no runs given up, despite having runners on base in almost every inning.

Fortunately, with the help of come crafty bullpen work from the Mets and some clutch hitting from J.D. Davis and Michael Conforto, the Mets take game one in a 4-2 win against their cross-town rival. Before Tuesday, Conforto was 1-for-24 at the dish, but got a big double to give the Mets the lead in a tied game with the bases loaded.

Davis has done very well at Citifield this year, with a .376 batting average and 1.083 OPS in 85 at-bats at Citi he continued his success in Flushing Tuesday going 2-for-4 with a home run and double on the day. Another important thing to note is that the bullpen threw 2.2 scoreless innings of relief behind Wheeler.

The Mets have declared their starter for game two of this Subway Series in Jason Vargas, and the Yankees chose Domingo German to face him. Jason Vargas has a 3-3 record, so far for 2019, and a 3.66 ERA. Vargas is ranked second amongst Mets starters in ERA. In the month of June, Vargas posted a 2.70 ERA in 30 innings pitched, giving up only nine runs in five starts.

The southpaw’s last start against the Yankees was his worst of that month, while it was effective, he gave up three earned runs in six innings pitched. German has a 3.86 ERA for the year with a 9-2 record; He has been on the injured list since June 9 with a left hip flexor strain. In his last four starts prior to his IL stint, he owned a 7.32 ERA with eight home runs allowed.

Latest Mets News

The Mets promoted first-round pick, Brett Baty to rookie-level Kingsport, as confirmed by Tim Healey of Newsday.

Mets, All-Star and utility-man, Jeff McNeil will be a judge during this year’s Hot Dog Eating Contest July 4 and made a video with Joey Chestnut to advertise the night.

Dilson Herrera has opted out of his minor league deal with the Mets and will try his luck in free agency.

The Mets made multiple moves on Tuesday as Jeurys Familia, Luis Avilan, and Justin Wilson were activated from the injured list. Luis Guillorme also was recalled to the major league team. In turn, Stephen Nogosek, Brooks Pounders, Chris Mazza, and Chris Flexen were optioned to Triple-A Syracuse.

Tim Britton of the Athletic mentioned that Steven Matz will be spending the rest of the games before the All-Star break in the bullpen.

According to Mike Puma of the New York Post, Pete Alonso stated that if he won the Home Run Derby July 8, he would donate 10% of his winnings to charities. He plans to donate 5% to Wounded Warriors and the other 5% to Tunnel for Towers.

Latest MLB News

Molly Knight of the Athletic drove to Anaheim to speak with Angels fans about their reactions and thoughts in regards to the tragic loss of pitcher Tyler Skaggs Monday afternoon.

After staring in the Little League World Series as a 13-year-old, Mo’ne Davis became the fourth American girl to ever play the game. Davis threw two shutouts that lead her team, Taney Dragons, to the semifinals. The star pitcher, although basketball was her main focus in high school, will continue her journey playing softball for Hampton University in Virginia.

Eno Sarris, who reports for the Athletic, spoke to some former derby contestants regarding “the curse” the Home Run Derby has on players’ success at the plate following the contest.

Logan Morrison has opted out of his minor league contract with the Yankees and the team placed Luke Voit on the injured list prior to Tuesday’s game against the Mets while they called up Mike Ford.