Credit: Brad Penner-USA TODAY Sports
Good morning, Mets fans!
The Phillies have removed the interim tag on Rob Thomson, giving him a two-year contract to manage the team. Thomson took over the team after a disastrous 22-29 start under Joe Girardi, and the Phillies went a strong 65-46 under Thomson’s lead. After winning a playoff series for the first time in 12 years, Thomson and the Phillies are set to do battle with the Braves in the NLDS.
Speaking of the NLDS, all four division series begin today. As usual, they will be best-of-five. The Phillies take on the Braves at 1:07. p.m. ET, then the Astros vs. Braves at 3:37, Guardians vs. Yankees at 7:37 and Padres vs. Dodgers at 9:37.
Latest Mets News
Right-handed pitching prospect Dominic Hamel was named South Atlantic League Pitcher of the Month for September. The 23-year-old made two starts in the month, tossing 14 scoreless innings, allowing just seven hits and one walk with 17 strikeouts.
Francisco Lindor spoke about how he felt following the team’s disappointing finish, and how they didn’t meet the expectation of winning the World Series. Lindor however said he felt this year was a step in the right direction, and praised the fans for showing up all year.
The Mets announced a few coaching changes to the team’s minor league system. Triple-A manager Kevin Boles, hitting coach Joel Chimelis and pitching coach Steve Schrenk will not be returning to the organization, and neither will Double-A pitching coach Jerome Williams.
With the offseason beginning, the Mets now have nine players set to hit free agency. The Mets also announced that Billy Eppler and Buck Showalter will be retained heading into 2023.
Latest MLB News
The Braves announced they have signed fireballer Spencer Strider to a six-year contract worth $75 million. The young righty is battling back from an oblique injury, but he’s been phenomenal this year, striking out 202 batters in just 131 2/3 innings (13.8 K/9) and registering a strong 2.67 ERA/1.83 FIP.
Mookie Betts is producing a film about Jackie Robinson that will debut on FS1 on Wednesday. Fabian Ardaya of The Athletic spoke to Betts about the project.
The Giants have hired former Astros assistant general manager Pete Putila to be their new GM. Putila has spent the last 12 years in the Houston organization.
Dodgers skipper Dave Roberts announced that southpaw Julio Urías will start game 1 of the NLDS against the Padres. Clayton Kershaw will take the hill for Los Angeles in game 2.
Journeyman catcher Dustin Garneau announced his retirement from baseball. The 34-year-old played for six different teams in his eight-year MLB career, spending this season with the Tigers.
Latest on MMO
Nate Mendelson reflects on the Mets’ disappointing end to the season.
Chris Bello examines the upcoming free agency for Brandon Nimmo.
On This Date in Mets History
1988: Kevin McReynolds hits a two-run homer and David Cone throws a complete game to keep the Mets alive and force a game 7 of the NLCS with a 5-1 victory. McReynolds collects four hits, finishing a triple shy of the cycle, while Cone throws 120 pitches, allowing five hits and three walks with six strikeouts.
2000: Mike Hampton tosses seven shutout innings, and Todd Zeile and Jay Payton both hit homers in the ninth inning as the Mets take game 1 of the NLCS from the Cardinals, 6-2.
Birthdays: Orlando Hernández (57), Ty Wigginton (45)
