Morning Briefing: Texas Rangers to Allow Full Capacity at Their Ballpark

Baseball fan Mark Southard, of Wichita Falls, Texas, takes a photo during a tour of Globe Life Field, the new home of the Texas Rangers baseball team, Monday, June 1, 2020, in Arlington, Texas. (AP Photo/LM Otero) ORG XMIT: TXMO204

Good morning, Mets fans! The Texas Rangers announced on Wednesday that they plan to open their stadium at full capacity (40,518) in April with a mask requirement, designated social distancing areas and a restriction on tailgates, according to Levi Weaver of The Athletic.

After a day off from Grapefruit League play on Wednesday, the Mets will be back in action tonight against the Houston Astros at 6:05 p.m.

Now, let’s take a look at what else went on around the league yesterday!

Latest Mets News

According to Tim Britton of The Athletic, Mets agreed to terms with 15 pre-arb players on Wednesday. Pete Alonso and Jeff McNeil did not agree to terms, meaning their contracts were “renewed”. Simply put, Alonso and McNeil wanted more than the Mets offered, but they have zero leverage in the situation.

Manager Luis Rojas announced that starting pitcher Carlos Carrasco is experiencing elbow soreness and will be shut down from throwing for a few days. The hope is that Carrasco will be able to face live hitters by late next week, per Rojas — however, serious or not, this puts his status for the beginning of the season in jeopardy.

Superstar shortstop Francisco Lindor is donating $1 million for a new middle school building at his alma mater Montverde Academy.

First baseman Pete Alonso made his return to the Cookie Club podcast, joining teammates J.D. Davis and Dominic Smith — along with SNY’s Steve Gelbs.

Latest MLB News

Cincinnati Reds first baseman Joey Votto tested positive for COVID-19 and will be on the injured list indefinitely, according to The Athletic.

Yankees’ slugger Giancarlo Stanton absolutely demolished a home run at 115.1 mph off the bat in his team’s exhibition matchup with the Pittsburgh Pirates last night.

Latest NL East News

MLB insider Jon Heyman believes the Philadelphia Phillies could be among the teams in play for the slew of talented shortstops set to hit the free agent market next year in Francisco Lindor, Trevor Story, Corey Seager, Carlos Correa and Javier Baez.

According to Andy Slater of Fox Sports, the Miami Marlins have reached a multi-year deal with Florida Pest Control to disinfect their stadium using drones.

Latest on MMO

Mets’ top prospect Ronny Mauricio spoke to the media via Zoom about his experience in big league camp this spring, in a story by Ryan Finkelstein.

In an MMO Fan Shot, Mickey Parrella says to not sleep on reliever Sam McWilliams this season.

Thomas Hall believes it would make little sense for the Mets to sign infielder Maikel Franco.

MMO Digital

On today’s episode of Locked On Mets, host Ryan Finkelstein is joined by Dylan Short, host of Locked On Braves to continue their discussion about how these two teams stack up atop the NL East.

In part two of this two-part conversation, Ryan and Dylan do a position-by-position breakdown to see which team has the superior players. They also talk about whether any other team can compete in this division outside of the Mets and the Braves.