Morning Briefing: Taijuan Walker Excited to Watch Alonso Win Home Run Derby

Mandatory Credit: Wendell Cruz-USA TODAY Sports

It’s Saturday, Mets fans. The weekend has arrived!

But, more importantly, Taijuan Walker is an All-Star! The 28-year-old right-hander was informed of his addition to the National League roster on Friday night after the Mets’ 13-4 victory over the Pittsburgh Pirates. When asked what he is looking forward to most, Walker simply stated he’s excited to “watch Pete [Alonso] win the Home Run Derby.”

Latest Mets News

The Mets defeated the Pirates, 13-4, on Friday evening, highlighted by a ten run sixth inning that included a three-run blast from Pete Alonso and a grand slam off the bat of Francisco Lindor. With the win, the Mets move to 4.5 games above the Atlanta Braves in the N.L. East, and 5.0 games above the Phillies.

With the July 31 trade deadline inching ever-so closer, the Mets have shown interest in both Jose Berrios and Josh Donaldson of the Minnesota Twins, according to Dan Hayes of The Athletic. Talks for both players have not progressed.

Carlos Carrasco threw off a Citi Field mound again on Friday as he continues to strengthen his injured hamstring, according to Deesha Thosar of the New York Daily News. He will pitch his second live bullpen today, and could start a rehab assignment next week.

According to Michael Mayer of Metsmerized, Mets flame-thrower Noah Syndergaard threw from 90 feet on Saturday as he continues to progress in his return from Tommy John Surgery.

As the Chicago Cubs transition to sellers, they have been heavily scouting the St. Lucie Mets over the last few days, according to Michael Mayer of Metsmerized. Two prospects they have shown interest in are utility man Jaylen Palmer and RHP J.T. Ginn.

Mets’ prospects Francisco Alvarez and Brett Baty have soared into the top 20 prospects in baseball, with the former now ranked at No. 11 and the latter ranked at No. 16. Ronnie Mauricio also moved up, sitting at No. 40.

The Mets claimed RHP Geoff Hartlieb off waivers from the Pirates on Friday, and was immediately optioned to Triple-A Syracuse, according to Jason Mackey of the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette.

The Brooklyn Cyclones announced their new black jerseys on Friday on their Twitter account.

Latest MLB News

Mookie Betts is the only Black player on the N.L. All-Star team, a stark difference from many decades prior, when many more Black athletes played in the Midsummer Classic. The New York Times analyzed the issue in a recent article.

Milwaukee Brewers starting pitcher Freddy Peralta has replaced teammate Brandon Woodruff on the National League All-Star team, according to Adam McCalvy of MLB.com.

Astros infielder Carlos Correa went on the IL on Friday due to health and safety protocols, according to Jake Kaplan of The Athletic.

The Chicago Cubs reinstated reliever Ryan Tepera from the IL on Friday, and subsequently placed LHP Brad Wieck to the very same list, according to Bruce Levine of WSCR-AM.

The St. Louis Cardinals signed RHP Luis Garcia to a MLB contract on Friday, according to Bob Nightengale of USA Today Sports.

Vanderbilt hitting coach and former Met Mike Baxter believes Jack Leiter has the ability to traverse the Minor League’s and enter Major League Baseball quite quickly, according to Justin Toscano of The Record.

Joe Pepitone is suing the Baseball Hall of Fame for $1 million and a baseball bat, which he claims is his, according to The Athletic. The bat belonged to Mickey Mantle, and was used to hit his 500th home run in 1967.

Mets-Minors.Net released a draft profile for Sam Houston State center fielder Colton Cowser.

Prospects Live released their final version of the 2021 MLB Mock Draft on Friday, with Eastlake’s Marcelo Mayer topping the list.