Morning Briefing: Taijuan Walker to Start Subway Series Finale

Reinhold Matay-USA TODAY Sports

Good morning, Mets fans!

The Mets’ offense struggled and the Yankees were able to get to Max Scherzer in a 4-2 defeat at Yankee Stadium last night. Dan Vogelbach hit a two-run homer to draw the Mets a little closer, but the Mets couldn’t mount anything further against Ron Marinaccio and Jonathan Loáisiga.

Today’s game initially was going to be Jacob deGrom‘s game, but instead, Buck Showalter will send Taijuan Walker (10-3, 3.36 ERA) in order to separate his two aces. Walker last started on Tuesday in Atlanta but was removed after two innings due to a bulging disc in his back. Frankie Montas (4-10, 3.87 ERA) will take the mound for the Yankees, searching for his first win in Pinstripes. First pitch is scheduled for 7:05 pm.

Latest Mets News

The Mets made a few roster moves before last night’s game. Tomás Nido was activated off the Covid-IL, and lefties Nate Fisher and Rob Zastryzny were both designated for assignment. In addition, the Mets optioned José Buttó back to Syracuse and called up right-hander Connor Grey.

Mark Vientos continued his strong season in Triple-A, earning International League Player of the Week honors. Vientos hit .448/.467/.828 with three homers and 10 RBIs last week.

Latest MLB News

The Yankees placed right-hander Scott Effross on the injured list with a right shoulder strain. In his place, the Yankees have recalled Clarke Schmidt from Triple-A Scranton/Wilkes-Barre.

The Dodgers agreed to a one-year extension with two-time All-Star infielder Max Muncy. The deal is worth $13.5 million and has a club option for 2024 worth $10 million with incentives.

Albert Pujols provided the only offense in the Cardinals’ 1-0 win over the Cubs, smacking the 693rd home run of his career. The homer came off Drew Smyly, who becomes the 449th pitcher Pujols has taken deep, tying Barry Bonds‘ major-league record.

Latest on MMO

Alexis Farinacci recaps the Mets’ series-opening loss to the Yankees.

Mathew Brownstein looks at Pete Alonso‘s domination of the Phillies in the latest edition of Mets by the Numbers.

On This Date in Mets History

1964: The Mets sweep a doubleheader from the Cubs, and reliever Willard Hunter collects the win in both games. Hunter would go on to win just four games in his career.

2006: The Mets jump on Mark Mulder for nine runs in three innings and hold off a late charge by the Cardinals to win 10-8. Jose Reyes hits a three-run homer and Chris Woodward hits a bases-clearing double.

2015: Making a spot start, Logan Verrett tosses eight innings, allowing just four hits and one run while striking out eight and walking one as the Mets finish off a sweep of the Rockies at Coors Field with a 5-1 victory. The win puts the Mets a season-high 11 games over .500.

2016: In his first start back with the Mets, Jon Niese is forced to leave after facing just four batters due to an apparent injury. However, Robert Gsellman weathers the storm with 3 2/3 shutout innings, and Josh Smoker, Jerry Blevins, Jim Henderson, Addison Reed, and Jeurys Familia hold the Cardinals to just one run in a 7-4 win at Busch Stadium. Wilmer Flores socks a three-run homer and Justin Ruggiano hits a monstrous home run that travels an estimated 468 feet.