Good morning, Mets fans!

Mark Feinsand of MLB.com reports that minor league players officially joined the MLB Players Association on Wednesday after Major League Baseball voluntarily recognized the union as the players’ bargaining representatives.

The MLBPA intends to form a separate bargaining unit for the minor leaguers, including its own dues, player representatives and executive board. Negotiations for a collective bargaining agreement are expected to take place this offseason.

The MLB previously had taken steps to improve the working conditions of minor league players. Last year, MLB raised the minimum salaries for Minor League players, while the league began requiring teams to provide housing for most minor leaguers in 2022.

The Mets lost their third game in a row to the Cubs Wednesday, as they couldn’t overcome a six-run first inning. The Braves lost as well, so the Mets’ division lead remains 0.5 games for now.

Now, it is time for the morning briefing.

Latest Mets News

Pat Ragazzo of Sports Illustrated has video of Brett Baty fielding ground balls at Citi Field.

Anthony DiComo of MLB.com reports that Drew Smith is scheduled to pitch back-to-back outings on Friday and Saturday, after which the Mets may consider activating him. Smith (strained right lat) has been on the IL for the last seven weeks.

Anthony DiComo of MLB.com also reports that Max Scherzer (left oblique tightness) struck out seven batters and allowed one run over 3 2/3 innings for Syracuse Wednesday night. Following his rehab start, Max Scherzer told reporters in Syracuse that he felt “excellent.” And when asked if he’ll be activated when eligible Monday in Milwaukee, Scherzer replied: “Yeah, I’m ready.”

Jacob Resnick of MLB Pipeline reports that nine Mets prospects were selected in Wednesday’s Dominican Winter League rookie draft: William Lugo, Luis Moreno, and Jeffrey Colón to the Estrellas, Franklin Sánchez and Joel Díaz to the Toros Michel Otañez to Licey, Junior Tilien to the Águilas, Omar De Los Santos to the Leones, and José Mena to the Gigantes.

ESPN claims that the Mets are the only team in the divisional era to get swept at home while 35+ games over .500 against a team 20-plus games under .500. Last team to suffer such a sweep: Detroit Tigers in the final three games of the 1968 regular season.

Latest MLB News

Yadier Molina and Adam Wainwright made history tonight by making their 325th start together and becoming the duo with the most starts as a battery in MLB history.

MLB.com reports that MLB Network will exclusively air the entire 2022 American League Division Series and American League Championship Series in Spanish-language this Postseason.

Latest on MMO

Dan Quiñones has a recap of Wednesday’s 6-3 loss against the Cubs.

Michael J. Famulari has an article about the case for Tomás Nido winning the gold glove award.

Chris Bello discusses DH struggles for the Mets.

Michael Mayer reports on Jeff McNeil‘s chase for the batting title.

On This Date in Mets History

1969: In a season filled with miracles, the contest they played on September 15, 1969 is unexplainable. Facing Steve Carlton of the Cardinals, the Mets struck out 19 times which was then the record for the most strikeouts in a nine inning game. Despite the high number of batters fanned, the team stuck Carlton with a 4-3 loss thanks to a pair of two-run homers from Ron Swoboda.

Birthdays: Jason Hardtke (51), Doug Simons (56), Satoru Komiyama (57), John Christensen (62), John Pacella (66), Charley Smith (would’ve been 85 today)