Morning Briefing: Thor Looks to Propel Mets to Series Win

Good morning, Mets fans!

On Saturday, the Mets lost to the Phillies by a score of 5-0. Marcus Stroman had another disappointing outing, lasting just four innings, giving up five runs on 10 hits. The offense could not solve Phillies starter Drew Smyly or their bullpen, with Pete Alonso being the only player to collect multiple hits.

Today, the Mets face the Phillies in a critical rubber match for both teams. Noah Syndergaard will get the start against Vince Velasquez. The game can be seen at 1:10 p.m. EST on SNY or TBS.

Latest Mets News

With both a Mets loss and a Cubs loss, the Mets stay at four games back from the second Wild Card spot.

First baseman Dominic Smith, who was originally diagnosed with a stress reaction in his right foot, said he is actually dealing with a right foot stress fracture. Despite the team telling him his season is most likely over, Smith is holding out hope for a return this season.

For the first time all season, Jed Lowrie stepped to the plate for the Mets on Saturday, striking out in his only plate appearance.

The Mets invited players and coaches from Elmora Youth Little League, the Mid-Atlantic regional team in the Little League World Series, to spend a day at Citi Field on Saturday.

Latest NL East News

Despite missing the Phillies game on Saturday, both Bryce Harper and manager Gabe Kapler did not express concern for Harper’s right hand after he was hit by a pitch on Friday.

Making his first Major League appearance in four years, Nationals reliever Aaron Barrett became overcome with emotions after throwing a scoreless inning against the Braves.

Latest MLB News

In a potential season-altering blow for the Cubs, Javier Baez was diagnosed with a hairline fracture in his thumb, sidelining him for most, if not the rest of the regular season.

Ex-Mets prospect Anthony Kay talked to Tampa Bay Times writer and former Metsmerized Online writer Ryan Kolakowski about his debut with the Blue Jays as well as about his experiences with both the Mets and Blue Jays organizations.

Yankees manager Aaron Boone expressed optimism in pitcher Luis Severino‘s rehabilitation from a shoulder injury, stating that he will most likely need one more start in the minors before making a Major League return.

The Twins suffered a blow to their rotation, with starter Michael Pineda being suspended 60 games for the use of PEDs.

Latest on MMO

Tim Ryder analyzed the recent success of Jeff McNeil, opining that his short-lived slump is behind him.

Josh Finkelstein shared his thoughts on the magical run the Brooklyn Cyclones, Mets short-season single-A affiliate, has been on, helping them reach the Penn-League finals.