By John Jackson

Good morning Mets fans! The New York Mets (81-75) fell 8-4 to the Miami Marlins (55-101) in the first game of the teams’ four-game series. The Mets’ elimination number stands at two, and they could be officially eliminated as soon as Tuesday night.

Latest Mets News

Noah Syndergaard (10-8, 4.22 ERA) will get the nod in the second game of the series and will be opposed by Sandy Alcantara (5-14, 4.00 ERA). First pitch is scheduled for 7:10 p.m. EDT, with game coverage on SNY, WCBS 880 and ESPN 1050.

Robert Gsellman threw some live batting practice on Monday as he works his way back from what was diagnosed as a partially torn right lat.

Tim Healey of Newsday noted that Dominic Smith was among the batters who faced Gsellman on Monday. It was the first time Smith faced live pitching since suffering a stress fracture in his left foot.

The Mets handed out their annual Minor League Awards. Mark Vientos was named the Hitter of the Year, Kevin Smith was named Pitcher of the Year, Andrés Giménez was named the Defender of the Year and Sam Haggerty was named the system’s top baserunner. Freddy Valdez and Ronny Rincones were named the organization’s top hitter and top pitcher, respectively, for players in the DSL. The Gulf Coast League Mets’ manager, David Davalillo, was named the Mets Minor League Coach of the Year.

Former Boston Red Sox scout, Jaymie Bane, took a job as pro scout with Mets, per Tim Brown of Yahoo Sports.

Latest MLB News

Ned Yost announced that he will retire as manager of the Kansas City Royals following the team’s season finale on Sunday.

Vance Wilson and Pedro Grifol are two early favorites for Yost’s position according to Jon Morosi of MLB Network. Morosi noted that both men are currently on Yost’s coaching staff, are very well-respected in the organization and are known as excellent communicators.

Jason Kipnis said that he will undergo surgery on his right hand Tuesday. The surgery will be done in New York by Dr. Thomas Graham.

Marc Carig of The Athletic wrote about the 2009 under-18 U.S. National Team which took down the formidable Cuban team while boasting the likes of Bryce Harper and Manny Machado, among others.

In the three-way AL Wild Card race, the Oakland Athletics sit in the first Wild Card spot with a 1.5-game lead over the Tampa Bay Rays. The Cleveland Indians are very much alive as they are only a half game behind the Rays.

In the NL Wild Card race, the Washington Nationals hold a 0.5-game lead while in the first Wild Card spot and the Milwaukee Brewers hold a 4.0-game lead while in the second Wild Card spot. The Cubs (82-74; 4.0 game back), Mets (81-75; 5.0 games back) and Phillies (79-76; 6.5 games back) are the only teams remaining that have yet to be officially eliminated, but all would need miracles to make the playoffs.

Latest NL East News

The Atlanta Braves (96-61) remain atop the NL East standings, followed by the Nationals (86-69; 9.0 games back), Mets (81-75; 14.5 games back), Phillies (79-76; 16.0 games back) and Marlins (55-101; 40.5 games back).

The Nationals beat the Phillies 7-2. The Braves had an off day.

Chase Irle of SportsTalkATL.com looked at how some of the players that the Braves traded are currently faring.

Latest on MMO

Matt Musico analyzed how the Mets’ roster has performed in comparison to their preseason expectations.

Tim Ryder uploaded the latest episode of Simply Amazin’. In it he discussed the Mets’ all-but-dead playoff hopes, positives with the 2019 team and the group of Mets minor leaguers that are playing in the Arizona Fall League

Ryder also broke down Marcus Stroman‘s start from Sunday.

Ryan Finkelstein wrote about Brandon Nimmo and Jacob deGrom who were both named “MMO Players of the Week.”

John Sheridan continued his “3 Up, 3 Down” series after the Mets’ three-game set with the Reds.

Danny Torres wrote a Fan Shot that looked at Roberto Clemente‘s life, legacy and place in Mets history.

This Day in Mets History

1968: Gil Hodges suffered a mild heart attack as the Mets were playing the Braves in Atlanta, and was hospitalized until Oct. 20, 1968. Hodges was cleared by doctors to manage in 1969, but was warned about the continued risks of smoking and too much stress.

1969: In the first year of divisional play, the Mets clinched the National League East divisional title with a 6-0 victory over the St. Louis Cardinals.

1975: For the third time in his career, Tom Seaver loses a no-hit bid in the ninth inning. With two outs in the ninth, rookie Joe Wallis hit a single to right field to break up the no-hitter. The Cubs went on to win 1-0 in 11 innings.

1991: Howard Johnson hit his 37th home run of the season to set a new National League home run record by a switch hitter. He finished the season with 38 home runs, which extended the record which he previously set in 1987.

Birthdays: Drew Smith turns 26, Bernard Gilkey turns 53 and Hubie Brooks turns 63.