Morning Briefing: Rays to Depart Tropicana Field

Good morning, Mets fans!

According to Marc Topkin of the Tampa Bay Times, the Tampa Bay Rays are set to announce a new agreement with the city of St. Petersburg for a new St. Pete stadium, meaning the Rays will be departing the Trop soon enough.

The Mets began a three-game series by scratching out a 2-1 win over the Marlins, who are in the thick of a Wild Card race. Check out the full recap here.

Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports

Latest Mets News

News came out on Monday that Edwin Díaz is not expected to pitch in the 2023 season. According to Anthony DiComo of SNY, Díaz is expected to continue to throw bullpen sessions through the end of September, but the Mets don’t want to risk him in a game given their place in the standings. He is expected to be ready for a normal offseason and the start of the 2024 season.

NBA Communications on Monday announced the passing of public relations expert and member of the NBA family, Dennis D’Agostino. D’Agostino was formerly one of the New York Mets’ PR officials, statistician, writer, and was also an MLB official scorer. MLB Communications went on to extend their condolences to his wife Helene and their family…

Howie Rose of WCBS880 released a statement with his condolences as well: “This is an incredibly sad day for the Mets family. Dennis D’Agostino, a former right hand man to Jay Horwitz in the Mets PR department, including in 1986 died suddenly last night. He spent many years working for the Knicks. Beloved by all who knew him. RIP, dear friend.”

Jay Horwitz of Mets PR also released a sentimental tribute to D’Agostino: “Heartbroken today. Dennis D’Agostino, my friend of over 40 years and co-worker for 5 with the Mets, died suddenly. We shared the 1986 Championship. Couldn’t have done it without him. He went on to enjoy a great PR career with the Knicks. He was a Met forever. Love you Dennis.”

The Mets on Monday announced that infielder Luis Guillorme was returned from his rehabilitation assignment and reinstated from the injured list. Infielder Jonathan Araúz was optioned to Triple-A Syracuse.

William Ladson of MLB.com talked in an article about why Buck Showalter is not surprised by Coach Prime’s successes in 2023 at Colorado.

According to Anthony DiComo of MLB, Ronny Mauricio’s six stolen bases are the most ever by a Mets player through 14 career games. Keith Miller and Mookie Wilson both had five, and Lee Mazzilli had four.

Per SNY, Steve Cohen could make Shohei Ohtani the “biggest offer” if he is willing to come to New York.

MLB Pipeline on Monday released their newest rookie power rankings. Kodai Senga of the Mets ranks No. 3.

Latest MLB News

Per Do-Hyoung Park of MLB.com, the Minnesota Twins announced that Carlos Correa exited Monday night’s game against the Cincinnati Reds with an aggravation of his plantar fasciitis.

Per Robert Murray of FanSided, the Cincinnati Reds designated outfielder Hunter Renfroe for assignment.

According to Bill Shaikin of the Los Angeles Times, there will be a new Silver Slugger Team award honoring MLB’s top offensive clubs. It will combine analytics and a fan vote. It is set to be put in place this season.

Tim Healey of Newsday Sports caught up with David Robertson who now pitches for the Marlins and discussed whether he would entertain reuniting with the Mets and making a deal with the team during the offseason.

Adam Wainwright of the St. Louis Cardinals collected his 200th major league win.

Major League Baseball announced on Monday that Rafael Devers (AL) and Juan Soto (NL) are the Chevrolet AL and NL Players of the Week.

Latest on MMO

Johnluke Chapparo recapped Mark Vientos’ strong performance on Sunday against the Reds as he continues to improve at the plate.

Jack Markowski discusses the Metsmerized Players of the week, Ronny Mauricio and Kodai Senga who continue to lead the Mets’ rookie surge.

Daniel M. recaps the Mets’ minor league affiliate performances from Sunday, September 17 that included Jeremiah Jackson finishing his season strong.

Jack Sargente looks at the report by MLB executives that Steve Cohen is expected to make the biggest offer for Shohei Ohtani.

Andrew Steele-Davis discusses the positives and negatives in the Mets’ series against the Reds as they avoided being swept by the Reds.

Jack Markowski talks about why Ronny Mauricio could be the Mets’ long-term answer at third base.

Michael Famulari previews the Mets’ series against the Marlins in their final road trip to Miami, FL.

Mojo Hill elaborates on the report that Mets closer Díaz will not pitch during the 2023 season.

Johnluke Chaparro recaps the Mets’ 2-1 win over the Marlins in which José Butto and Jeff McNeil led the way.