Good morning, Mets fans!
Francys Romero reports that Yoenis Céspedes will return to baseball in Dominican Winter League, per sources. It will be with the Aguilas Cibaeñas. The last time he played an official game was on August 1, 2020.
The Mets showed that they deserve to be on top of the NL East standings Wednesday by defeating the Braves 7-3 and winning the series. The Mets are 4-3 against the Braves this season, which has helped them keep a 2.5 game lead in the division. In yesterday’s game, Francisco Lindor had a huge three-run home run in the third inning that gave the Mets a commanding 4-0 lead in the game. Chris Bassitt also pitched very well in the contest, giving up one earned run in six innings.
Dan Quiñones has a more complete recap of yesterday’s game. The Mets will play the Chicago Cubs today at 8:05 p.m. EST.
And don’t forget, Jacob deGrom is pitching for Triple-A Syracuse tonight at 6:30 p.m. ET and MLB tv will have the game for free.
Now, it is time for the morning briefing.
Latest Mets News
Michael Mayer of Metsmerized reports that Kevin Mitchell will represent the Mets at the MLB draft on Sunday.
Pete Alonso gives his message to Mets fans yesterday in The Players’ Tribune. In the article, Alonso said, “we represent the greatest city in the world. And whether you’re a player or a fan, we all should be proud to be a part of this thing. We should say LFGM like we effing mean it.”
John Heyman and Joel Sherman interviewed Sandy Alderson on about his thoughts on Jacob deGrom, Billy Eppler, team needs, and how the Mets were close to getting Billy Beane as their president of baseball operations.
In a collaboration between the New York Mets and Marvel, the first 25,000 fans in attendance on July 23 will receive a Captain America tribute funko pop.
Latest MLB News
Charlie Montoyo was fired by the Toronto Blue Jays. John Schneider will serve as the interim manager and Casey Candaele will serve as the interim bench coach through the end of the season.
Eric Stephen of SB Nation reports that the Los Angeles Dodgers reclaimed Jake Reed off waivers.
The Washington Nationals called up Tyler Clippard after placing Tanner Rainey on the 60-day IL.
Jeff Passan of ESPN reports that 10 players on the Kansas City Royals’ 26-man roster will not make the trip to Toronto this week because they are unvaccinated, sources tell ESPN. That includes the team’s lone All-Star and a top trade target, outfielder Andrew Benintendi. Other players who are missing the series include: IF/OF Whit Merrifield, C M.J. Melendez, DH Hunter Dozier, SP Brad Keller, SP Brady Singer, CF Michael A. Taylor, OF Kyle Isbel, RP Dylan Coleman and C Cam Gallagher.
Latest on MMO
Nate Mendelson explains how the Mets proved that they are the best team in the NL East.
Patrick Glynn reports that Sandy Alderson acknowledged the Mets’ lack of production from the DH spot.
On This Date in Mets History
1970: Gil Hodges earned the right to manage the National League at the 41st All-Star game. Tom Seaver and Bud Harrelson also represented the Mets that year. Seaver threw three shutout innings, including four strikeouts, as the starter, while Harrelson went two for three to help the NL defeat the AL, 5-4.
2001: Mets manager Bobby Valentine earns his 1000th career win on a combined one-hit shutout from Glendon Rusch and Armando Benitez.
2015: Jacob deGrom strikes out all three batters he faces in the All-Star Game.
Birthdays: Robin Ventura (55), Jack Leathersich (32)
Let’s go Mets!
