Morning Briefing: MLB, MLBPA Agree To New COVID-19 Protocols

Good Morning, Mets fans! On Wednesday, Rick Porcello had his best start in a Mets uniform going seven innings allowing one run, on five hits, while striking out four batters in a 3-1 win (150th of Porcello’s career) to end their road trip on a high note.

The Mets will have a rare day off on Thursday before Michael Wacha kicks off the home stand tomorrow against the Miami Marlins.

Last night, MLB and the MLBPA agreed to new COVID-19 protocols following the breakouts among the Marlins and the Cardinals. These protocols involve increased regulations on face coverings and players notifying their club if they need to leave their hotel.

Let’s take a look at what else went on around the league yesterday!

Latest Mets News

Marcus Stroman (torn calf muscle) will throw a simulated game in Brooklyn today as he continues to progress towards rejoining the big league club, per Anthony DiComo of MLB.com.

The Mets traded for Texas Rangers right handed pitcher Ariel Jurado in exchange for a player to be named later and cash considerations and designated outfielder Ryan Cordell for assignment. Jurado will be assigned to their alternate Brooklyn site, per team announcement.

Jeff McNeil spoke to the media and says his intercostal strain is minor, video from SNY. McNeil missed his second straight game last night.

More promising injury news as Robinson Cano said he expects to return to the club as soon as he’s eligible, story from Tim Healey of Newsday.

Billy Hamilton made his Mets debut starting in center field and picked up his 300th career stolen base, video from SNY.

Latest MLB News

Commissioner Rob Manfred talks with ESPN‘s Jesse Rogers about the Covid safety protocols working despite experiencing setbacks along the way.

MLB cracks down on their safety rules threatening suspensions and fines to repeated offenders. Officials will be monitoring clubhouses and hotels and masks are now required for everyone that’s not on the field, per Bob Nightengale of USA TODAY Sports.

Mike Trout talks how hard it was to leave his wife and newborn in order to rejoin the Angels this season, story by USA TODAY Sports.

The St.Louis Cardinals, who have finally arrived back home after their Covid-19 quarantine, have added four players from their alternate site calling up Alex Reyes and Genesis Cabrera, while purchasing the contracts of Max Schrock and Roel Ramirez, per Nightengale.

Reds outfielder Nick Castellanos is off to a scorching hot start to his 2020 campaign at the plate, tweet from Fox Sports: MLB.

The Athletic‘s Eno Sarris highlights seven pitchers, who are throwing new pitches this year.

Sports Illustrated examines some of the craziest feats we could potentially see in a shortened MLB season.

Latest NL East News

Nationals ace Max Scherzer exited after one inning against the Mets last night after pulling up lame coming off the mound. Scherzer told the media he tweaked his hamstring recently but does not believe it to be more than a minor issue moving forward.

Wednesday saw a Philly sports matinee highlighted by the Phillies vs. Yankees doubleheader along with the 76ers afternoon matchup, as well (tweet from Made For Philly).