The long awaited arrival of one of the Mets’ top prospects, Ronny Mauricio, will finally be coming to fruition as he is going to be promoted to the major league roster in the coming days. The initial news came from Daniel Álvarez-Montes of El Extrabase, who reported that the Mets third-ranked prospect will be promoted when the rosters expand to 28 on Friday, September 1. For more in-depth analysis of the call-up, click here.

Ronny Mauricio – Final Destination? Outfield. Photo Courtesy of https://momentodeportivord.com/que-significa-carlos-correa-en-los-mets-para-ronny-mauricio/

The Mets won in walk-off fashion Wednesday night, as they salvaged the last of three games against the Texas Rangers by a score of 6-5. Denyi Reyes had his best performance as a Met, going 5 1/3 innings while only allowing two earned runs on three hits, but that became a minute detail in a night that was all about DJ Stewart.

Stewart started his heroic night by teaming up with Daniel Vogelbach on a pair of home runs in the second inning to give the Mets a 2-0 lead. Facing a 5-3 deficit in the bottom of the eighth, DJ struck again as he knotted the game right back up by sending another home run over the right field wall. He also sparkled in the field as he ran into the right-center field wall to rob Marcus Semien of a double in the top of the ninth. With the bases loaded in the bottom of the 10th in a 5-5 game, Stewart got hit by the first pitch he saw from Aroldis Chapman to win the game and cap off his unforgettable night.

The Mets will take Thursday to rest as they prepare to host the red-hot Seattle Mariners over the weekend at Citi Field.

Latest Mets News

All sorts of Pete Alonso buzz has been swirling around for the past two months. Most recently, there has been an increase in rumors concerning Alonso having a negative impact on the clubhouse. But an article from Deesha Thosar article of FOX Sports tried to put that to rest. The article highlights that a possible trade involving Alonso will be purely fiscally motivated. Alonso gave off the sentiment that the trade rumors are not getting to him, and many Mets players rallied around him. The article details how a Mets higher-up said players were upset with the reports saying Alonso was “toxic,” and many players plan to make it known that they want him back with the club for years to come. 

Daniel Palka, who the Mets recently signed back to a minor league contract, quite literally hit a home run out of the ballpark as he sent a moonshot that traveled 458 feet and was rocketed 112.8 mph off the bat. 

458 feet at 112.8 mph by Daniel Palka in his second day back with the Triple-A Syracuse Mets.

He had three hits in his first game back.

pic.twitter.com/njoNDPBwxP

— Mike Mayer (@mikemayer22) August 30, 2023

Latest MLB News

Juan Recio and Jeff Passan of ESPN provided an update on the Wander Franco situation, as the Dominican Republic is investigating a second formal complaint that the Rays’ shortstop engaged in a relationship with a minor. This is the latest of three accusations against Franco; prosecutors from the division that are investigating Franco’s situation hope to speak with him in the coming weeks.

The New York Yankees are calling up two of their top 10 prospects in outfielder Jasson Domínguez and catcher Austin Wells, Passan of ESPN also reported. The two newest call-ups join Anthony Volpe, Oswald Peraza, and Everson Pereira as the Yankees continue to call up highly touted prospects in their system to the major league level. The two latest additions are expected to join the club in Houston during their series against the Astros over the weekend. 

Two veterans found new homes Wednesday while clubs are looking to make last-minute additions to their rosters, as players need to be in the organization a month prior to the start of the postseason to be eligible for the postseason roster. One of those players was former Met Billy Hamilton. The Tampa Bay Rays signed the know base stealer to a minor league deal, per Marc Topkin of The Tampa Bay Times, although he might not be able to play right away as he is still nursing a shoulder injury. The other was catcher Tucker Barnhart, who signed a minor league deal with the Los Angeles Dodgers after being released by the Cubs earlier this month. Robert Murray of FanSided was the first to report the Barnhart news.

Philadelphia Phillies star Bryce Harper notched his 300th career home run as he hit a go-ahead two-run shot in the eighth inning of a loss against the Los Angeles Angels. Harper has been in the spotlight from a very young age, donning the cover of Sports Illustrated at 16 year old, and he has not let the expectations get to him. The former phenom has succeeded at every level, and accumulating his 300th home run Wednesday afternoon was just another milestone eclipsed on his trip to Cooperstown. 

BRYCE. HARPER.#RingTheBell pic.twitter.com/zy0uCGTa6Q

— Philadelphia Phillies (@Phillies) August 30, 2023

Latest on MMO

Ross Bentley did a deeper breakdown of the Mets clubhouse responding to rumors of Pete Alonso being “toxic.”

Metsmerized Online‘s witter page is holding a giveaway for three Kevin Parada rookie cards!

Metsmerized Online is also giving you the opportunity to win three of the Mets newest call-up Ronny Mauricio’ rookie cards!

On This Date in Mets History

2016: In the bottom of the eighth inning, Kelly Johnson broke a 2-2 tie as he hit a bases clearing double to take a give the Mets a 5-2 lead against the Miami Marlins. Jeurys Familia came in for the top of the ninth as he notched his 44th save on the season, breaking Armando Benítez and his own record of saves in a season which previously stood at 43. 

2020: Tom Seaver passes away at the age of 75. “The Franchise” took a young Mets franchise to prominence, leading the Amazin’s to wo World Series appearances and one World Series win, along with notching 3 Cy Young awards and 10 All-Star appearances while with the club. Seaver would go on to be the first retired number in Mets franchise history and is recognized in Cooperstown for eternity.

2021: Trailing 5-1 in the ninth inning of the first game of a day/night doubleheader against the Marlins, Brandon Nimmo sparks a late rally with a two-run homer as he cuts the deficit in half. Newest Met Javier Baez, who reached on an infield single, would then race from first to home on a Michael Conforto double to give the Mets the win, following a week of “thumbs up, thumbs down” controversy.

Birthdays: Ramón Ramírez (42), Hideo Nomo (55), Pat Howell (55)

The post Morning Briefing: The Ronny Mauricio Era Set to Begin appeared first on Metsmerized Online.

Update (5:11 p.m.):

Jeff McNeil was diagnosed with a bone contusion (bruise) in his left knee, manager Luis Rojas announced after Thursday’s game.

McNeil is considered day-to-day and the team will reevaluate him before Friday’s series opener in Philadelphia.

Original post:

Mets left fielder Jeff McNeil made a fantastic catch to save two runs in the top of the first inning on Thursday afternoon against the Nationals. Unfortunately, for the Mets he hit the wall hard and was shaken up on the play.

The MLB Network broadcast of the game noted that the x-ray on McNeil’s knee were negative and he will now go for an MRI.

.@JeffMcNeil805 giving his all. pic.twitter.com/HI65wQUiXM

— New York Mets (@Mets) August 13, 2020

McNeil tried to walk back to the dugout with help from the trainer, but the Mets called the cart to take him off the field.

Billy Hamilton replaced McNeil in the lineup.

The post Jeff McNeil Day-to-Day With Knee Contusion appeared first on Metsmerized Online.

The New York Mets added another potential starting pitcher to their player pool on Wednesday, making a deal with the Texas Rangers for RHP Ariel Jurado. Jurado was designated for assignment by the Rangers on July 31st to make room for former Yankee first baseman Greg Bird on their 40-man roster.

Jurado, 24, has made 44 appearances (26 starts) for the Rangers dating back to 2018 and has pitched to a 5.85 ERA. Jurado was ranked as the No. 72 prospect in baseball by Baseball Prospectus prior to the 2017, but has struggled to adjust to the big league level. He has given up 28 home runs in 177 career innings pitched. Jurado has a five-pitch arsenal, but mostly relies on his sinker.

The Mets sent a player to be named later and cash considerations to the Rangers in exchange for Jurado. They have optioned him to their alternate training site in Brooklyn.

To make room for Jurado on the 40-man roster, the Mets DFA’d outfielder Ryan Cordell just a day after he made his first start. Cordell was on the team for his speed and defense in center field, but now that Billy Hamilton is on the roster, Cordell became expendable.

The post Mets Acquire Rangers RHP Ariel Jurado, DFA Ryan Cordell appeared first on Metsmerized Online.

The New York Mets will select the contract of outfielder Billy Hamilton from the team’s alternate training site in Coney Island ahead of Thursday’s series opener in Washington, per manager Luis Rojas.

Hamilton, 29, was acquired from the San Francisco Giants for right-handed prospect Jordan Humphreys on Sunday.

A defense-first player, Hamilton’s 73 defensive runs saved and 54.3 ultimate zone rating since 2013 both rank fifth in the majors over that span.

Over 353 plate appearances between the Royals and Braves last season, the speedster (29.5 feet-per-second sprint speed last season was 20th in MLB; 30.1 ft/s in 2018 was fourth) hit just .218/.289/.275 with 22 stolen bases.

In the absence of Yoenis Cespedes, who opted-out of the 2020 season due to COVID-19 concerns on Sunday, and Jake Marisnick, who’s been on the injured list since July 29 (hamstring strain), Hamilton is expected to help fill the gap.

No corresponding move has been announced yet. We’ll keep you posted as new information becomes available.

The post Mets Activate Billy Hamilton Ahead of Series Opener at Nationals appeared first on Metsmerized Online.

The New York Mets made a flurry of roster moves ahead of Sunday’s game in Atlanta, presumably hoping to shake things up amid their ongoing four-game losing streak.

Right-hander Jordan Humphreys, designated for assignment earlier this week, was traded to the San Francisco Giants for veteran outfielder Billy Hamilton.

Humphreys, 24, missed nearly two full seasons after undergoing Tommy John surgery in 2017, returning for two Gulf Coast League appearances last season (two innings, one run) and the Arizona Fall League, where he excelled (0.77 ERA over 11.2 innings).

Added to the 40-man roster this past offseason, Humphreys needed to pass through waivers in order to remain in the Mets’ organization. Clearly, the Giants see promise in the Florida product.

Hamilton, 29, is a defensive specialist in the outfield. Since making his MLB debut in 2013, Hamilton’s 73 defensive runs saved and 53.4 ultimate zone rating both rank fifth in the majors and his 57 outs above average (Statcast) since 2017 rank third among the same group.

Without much offense to speak of (.218/.289/.275, 22 stolen bases in 353 plate appearances between Kansas City and Atlanta last season), Hamilton’s defense must continue to be his calling card.

In other roster news, the Mets activated right-handed reliever Jared Hughes off the injured list after his bout with COVID-19.

Hughes, 35, signed a minor-league deal with New York just ahead of the restart of baseball operations (June 30) and figures to play an integral part in the struggling Mets bullpen (6.81 ERA is third-worst in MLB).

Franklyn Kilome, who performed admirably in Saturday night’s loss to Atlanta (four innings, two runs on two hits, five strikeouts, no walks), was optioned to the team’s alternate training site in Coney Island as the corresponding move.

Saturday’s outing was the first professional action for Kilome, acquired from Philadelphia for Asdrubal Cabrera in 2018, since undergoing Tommy John surgery in October 2018.

Lastly, the Mets sent infielder Jed Lowrie (PCL laxity) to the 45-day injured list, essentially ending his tumultuous tenure in New York having taken just nine plate appearances (0-for-8, BB).

The 36-year-old would be eligible to return from the IL on September 6, but considering the enigmatic nature of his ongoing health issues (left-side issues), it’s anyone’s guess whether Lowrie would be ready to return when eligible.

We’ll keep you posted with more information as it becomes available.

The post Mets Acquire Billy Hamilton From Giants, Activate Jared Hughes appeared first on Metsmerized Online.

In the NL East, the center field position, at least at the highest level, is a story of haves and have-nots, with FanGraphs projecting three teams (Braves, Nationals, and Mets) comprising the upper half of the National League and the latter two clubs (Marlins and Phillies) bringing up the rear and second-to-rear spots.

Assessing minor-league depth doesn’t shake up the arrangement much, though it certainly adds to the conversation, with some teams in far better shape going forward than others. With all this in mind, here are the 2020 NL East positional rankings for center field! Starting at the bottom:

5. Philadelphia Phillies

If Andrew McCutchen were still capable of patrolling center field, there could certainly be an argument out of the cellar for the Phillies. Unfortunately for them, they simply have more corner outfield bats than they need and little to no inspiration where outfield defense matters most.

Adam Haseley figures to garner the most at-bats in 2020, but he only has 67 big-league games (and a .344 BABIP) to his name, and only 315 innings in center field to stand on. He’s projected to post a measly 0.6 fWAR as the glove-first candidate, but if his offense drags enough, Philadelphia may have some trouble adjusting.

Roman Quinn, who put up a .668 OPS in 44 games last year, and Scott Kingery, who regressed terribly during the second half last year, both figure to be next in line, though the former is on his last minor-league option and the latter is already slated to start at second base. But hey, there’s always Odubel Herrera!

4. Miami Marlins

There’s a bright future in center field for the Miami Marlins. Monte Harrison, Jesus Sanchez, and Victor Victor Mesa all have a shot in the coming years at holding down the position for the next five. unfortunately, the current scenario is pretty nebulous.

They figure to give speedy middle infielder Jonathan Villar the most games in center field, though he only has six to his name dating back to 2017. Jon Berti could be an interesting alternative if his first 270 plate appearances at the end of last year can translate a second time around.

Lewis Brinson, who has since been dispatched to play right field, could find his way back, but it won’t mean much if he’s still batting below the Mendoza line. Another former top prospect, Magneuris Sierra, could also get a shot, but the 24-year old is already out of options, so Miami can’t afford to miss theirs.

All in all, the Marlins have a handful of options that are intriguing for a rebuilding team, but would never mesh with a team intent on winning a division. They can really only hope for short-term results out of one or two heads.

3. Washington Nationals

The Nationals are evidently very high on former top-10 prospect Victor Robles, and considering the 22-year old posted a 23 DRS in center last season, I can’t say I blame them. After never topping 10 homers in a minor-league season, Robles mashed 17 in his first extended taste the majors.

Sitting in the 95th percentile in sprint speed could also take his 28 steals last year a step further, but there’s still work to be done with the bat. Robles is in the 10th percentile in both xBA and xSLG, and his average exit velocity last year, out of 250 qualified hitters, ranked 249th (only ahead of Billy Hamilton).

The homers suggest there’s a potent bat somewhere in there, but Washington seems dead-set on extracting that potential… so much so that they’ve foregone really any appropriate depth measures. Michael A. Taylor has averaged a 72 wRC+ the last two seasons, and spent most of the year in Double-A Harrisburg. Andrew Stevenson has put up much more convincing numbers (.486 OBP in 30 games off the bench last year), but he’s also done so at a much smaller clip. The Nats have essentially put all of their stock in Robles, but they’re also banking on his growth.

2. New York Mets

So long as Brandon Nimmo stays on the field, the Mets should get sufficient production out of center field. However, as the case is with a few of their other positions, they’re definitely operating on extremes, and the depth (or lack thereof) makes it hard to fully commit to the position as a force to be reckoned with in the division.

Nimmo makes up for his stiff defensive figures with a hardened ability to get on base, whereas both Jake Marisnick and Ryan Cordell make up for their respective inabilities to get on base with exemplary athleticism in center field. The prospect of Nimmo running into an IL stint – as lethal as he expects to be when healthy – should definitely worry fans given the lack of sufficient everyday replacements.

The best solution to protect the lineup would arguably be moving Michael Conforto to center field and putting one of J.D. Davis or Dominic Smith in right field, but even this measure compromises their defense pretty badly. Not having any outfield prospects doesn’t make matters any better. A lot like the Nationals, the Mets are really putting all their eggs in the basket of their lone starter, but fortunately for New York, Nimmo has already done things at the big-league level that Robles hasn’t.

1. Atlanta Braves

Unfortunately for the other four teams, this one really isn’t a contest. FanGraphs ranks the Braves’ center field alignment as the sixth-best in all of baseball, and it really only starts with the fact that Ronald Acuna Jr.is one of their options.

All told, Acuna currently slots into right, and two-time Gold Glover Ender Inciarte into center, though any offensive signs of life from veteran right fielder Nick Markakis could turn center field into a mix-and-match between the former two. Acuna’s standing need not be elaborated beyond his 5.6 fWAR and 11 DRS in the outfield last season, but Inciarte’s merits as a part-time player are also substantial. His .151 ISO in 65 games last year would have made for a career-high, and his .931 OPS in his first month off the IL during the second half could be encouraging in limited doses.

What makes Atlanta’s outfield even more special is the minor-league depth. They have not one, but two center fielders cracking MLB Pipeline‘s top 25 prospects in Cristian Pache and Drew Waters. Among one of the best farms in all of baseball, Pache and Waters both make the upper echelon, and Pache could be the next Braves farmhand to receive a call to the bigs if he continues to improve.

First Base, Second Base, Shortstop, Catcher, Bullpen 

The post NL East Positional Rankings: Center Field appeared first on Metsmerized Online.

Good morning, Mets fans!

Days until pitchers and catchers report: two days

Days until Opening Day: 47 days

Latest Mets News

Jessica Mendoza has resigned from her job as special advisor for the New York Mets. Brodie Van Wagenen and the Mets released a statement on her resignation. According to Andrew Marchand of the New York Post, Mendoza has resigned as Mets advisor and will continue to work for ESPN. It was later reporter, by AP Sports, that she had signed a contract extension with ESPN, but will remain there as an analyst, according to AP Sports.

Brian Schneider is going to assume the role of quality control coach in lieu of Luis Rojas‘ promotion to manager. The Mets announce this hire on Twitter. Schneider was supposed to serve as Triple-A manager for the Syracuse Mets. He spent the last four years as catching coach for the Miami Marlins. After his 13-year career playing professional ball, he managed the Single-A affiliate for the Marlins.

Latest MLB News

The Boston Red Sox’s manager search is rumored to be over. MLBTR writer, Steve Adams, reported that the team plans to hire Ron Roenicke as their 47th manager.

Speaking of the Red Sox, MLB Commissioner, Rob Manfred, believes that he will come to a conclusion on the Red Sox possible cheating scandal next week, according to AP Sports.

The Dodgers have agreed to a two-year deal with INF/OF Chris Taylor, according to Ken Gurnick of MLB.

Marly Rivera of ESPN, reported that Kendrys Morales has officially announced his retirement from Major League Baseball.

Bob Nightengale, of USA Today, reported that the San Francisco Giants have signed both OF Billy Hamilton and RHP Nick Vincent to minor league contracts.

Hunter Pence is going back to the San Francisco Giants, his deal is official according to Jon Heyman of MLB Network.

The MLBPA made an announcement on Friday afternoon stating that the reported deal between the Dodgers, Red Sox, Twins, and Angels must be resolved as soon a possible as it is unfair to the players and their families to have their fate in limbo. The Players Association also mentioned that the “unethical leaking of medical information” is unacceptable and reveals how players are “treated as commodities” rather than people.

Baseball America posted an article ranking the minor league baseball broadcasts.

Sean Forman was awarded SABR‘s Conference Lifetime Achievement award.

Reliever, Jake Petricka, is in agreement with the Toronto Blue Jays, according to Robert Murray.

The Texas Rangers have signed RHP Cody Allen to a minor-league deal with an invite to major league spring training.

Cameron Rupp was signed to a minor-league deal by the Cleveland Indians and was invited to major league camp.

Latest on MMO

Pat Ragazzo wrote about just how important is it for Jeurys Familia to perform this upcoming season in order for the Mets to reach their potential.

Mike Mayer continues MMO,’s Top 30 Mets prospect list with No. 18, RHP Dedniel Nunez.

Jack Hendon engages fans with an article on how former Met, Pedro Martinez, has helped Edwin Diaz prepare for the 2020 season.

On This Date in Mets History

1979: Jesse Orosco becomes the PTBNL in the Mets trade of Jerry Koosman to the Twins.

The post Morning Briefing: Mendoza Resigns As Special Advisor appeared first on Metsmerized Online.

The issue is the Mets don’t have many roster spots to help fix their defense. It’s likely that as many as 10 position players from last season will return to the team. That’s not including injured players like Jed Lowrie and Yoenis Cespedes.

That doesn’t mean the Mets can’t improve though. It does mean that the team will have to make some sacrifices though. That’s especially true for the young players on this roster, but if the Mets want to win next season they are sacrifices the team has to make.

Martino Maldonado

Maldonado would not be a flashy signing, but he would be a necessary one. The Mets are desperate for a defensive-minded catcher.

Wilson Ramos‘ -13 DRS was the worst among catchers in baseball in 2019. Tomas Nido wasn’t stellar either at just 1 DRS. The Mets do also have catching prospect and defensive standout, Ali Sanchez, in Triple-A, but his offense lags very far behind his defense.

Maldonado would provide a strong presence and strong defense behind the plate coming off the bench. Noah Syndergaard complained all year about pitching to Ramos, and the bullpen was much better overall when Nido was behind the plate.

That’s just the difference from the worst in baseball to average. Imagine how things would look with a catcher who put up 8 DRS last year and hasn’t been worth less than 3 DRS in any season since 2011.

Maldonado should not be the starting catcher for the Mets in 2020, but having him on the bench or as a personal catcher would be huge. It would not only help the Mets’ defense, but also the pitchers better every time he played.

The issue is that Maldonado provides no offensive value. However, neither did Tomas Nido nor will Ali Sanchez. For a team hell-bent on winning in 2020, it’s worth giving Maldonado $2 million on a one year deal to be the primary bench catcher and Noah Syndergaard‘s personal catcher.

As for Nido, the Mets have two options. The first is, look to move him in a deal similar to the one they made last offseason involving Kevin Plawecki. The other is to send Nido back to Triple-A to split time with Ali Sanchez and hope his bat comes along.

Jose Iglesias

This one is going to sting for some Mets’ fans, but it needs to be said. Luis Guillorme is not the defensive wizard the team promised. In two seasons with the Mets, Guillorme has been worth a combined -1 DRS.

His UZR/150 is negative at every position other than SS, where his numbers are just average. It doesn’t help that his bat is light, though improving. It’s time to face up to the possibility that Guillorme might not be the best SS off the bench for this team moving forward.

Jose Iglesias, on the other hand, is one of the best defensive SS’s in all of baseball. He put up 8 DRS last year and is above average by every other evaluation metric. He’s also a better hitter than Guillorme is. Iglesias slashed .288/.318/.407 as compared to Guillorme who hit .246/.324/.361.

Iglesias likely won’t cost much on the free agent market after making just $2.5 million in 2019. He would provide the Mets’ bench with another cheap veteran who’s defense can change the game.

This doesn’t mean the Mets should dump Guillorme though as he should be on stand by at Triple-A, where he will be the first infielder called up for an injury. That said, this one is more difficult than the dilemma at catcher.

It’s possible that Guillorme’s poor defensive numbers are caused by his lack of consistent playing time. It’s also possible that he develops into a player very similar to Jose Iglesias. The issue is the Mets want in 2020, not in 2022 or beyond.

For that reason and that reason alone, Jose Iglesias makes sense over Luis Guillorme. His consistency and guaranteed good play off the bench should be too much for a win-now team to pass on.

Billy Hamilton

For whatever reason Billy Hamilton is one of the most divisive players in all of baseball. Fans all over MLB twitter constantly argue over whether or not Billy Hamilton is any good.

The answer to that age-old debate is that yes he is good if used correctly. Billy Hamilton is not an everyday player, but he is a phenomenal piece on any bench. He is one of the best defensive center fielders in all of baseball, and his speed as a pinch-runner can be a game-changer late in games.

The Braves used Hamilton perfectly once they acquired him. Having him come off the bench Hamilton provided excellent defense while he hit .268/.375/.317. They put Hamilton in situations to succeed and he became an integral part of their team down the stretch.

With Juan Lagares‘ $9.5 million dollar team option not likely to be picked up, the Mets have an opening on their bench for a defensive outfielder. Hamilton should fill that spot as he provides everything the Mets need off the bench and can step into the starting lineup if need be against right-handed pitching.

Marcell Ozuna

Ozuna improves the defense indirectly. He is a good left fielder on his own, but that’s not how he helps the Mets. His playing left field would force Nimmo into center field, which would be a net neutral move for the outfield defense.

Where he helps the defense is forcing Jeff McNeil out of the outfield and down to 3B where he is a borderline elite defender. McNeil was worth 3 DRS and 19.4 UZR/150 at 3B in 2019. It’s clearly his best defensive position.

Having McNeil putting up those defensive numbers at 3B over a full season while still getting good defense in left field would be a boon for the Mets. Plus, Ozuna is a middle of the order bat that would help the defense.

The big issue with this is that it leaves J.D. Davis on the bench until someone gets injured. Davis would still likely get around 400 at-bats in that role, but that might not be his most useful role.

It would probably be best for the Mets in this scenario to trade J.D. Davis for pitching. Ideally, he would headline a package for a young middle of the rotation pitcher under contract for multiple years such as Matthew Boyd or Brad Keller.

This scenario improves the Mets in every way headed into 2020. The only thing blocking this path from happening is money and the Mets’ faith in Yoenis Cespedes. Hopefully, the team realizes they are close to being a World Series contender and take the steps necessary to make that dream come to fruition.

The post Who Can Help the Mets Defensively? appeared first on Metsmerized Online.

Ouch.

As if Mets fans weren’t hurt enough from the outcome of Saturday afternoon’s game against the Cincinnati Reds, the hits kept on coming post game as well. And not from the team the Mets were playing against.

It came from the Atlanta Braves, who already clinched the NL East and who the Mets are facing in their last series of the regular season. In fact, it came from one specific player on the Atlanta Braves, who is quite the familiar face to the Mets — Adeiny Hechavarria.

The Braves beat the San Francisco Giants Saturday night, 8-1. Hechavarria greatly contributed early with a double down the line in the second inning that scored Billy Hamilton and Ronald Acuña Jr. In his last seven games, he is batting .385/.467/.692.

You could say that Hechavarria is grateful for what he has contributed with the Braves so far. Actually, that is exactly what he said through a translator after the game.

“I just want to thank god for the opportunity, removing me from the Mets and putting me on this team,” Hechavarria said. “I felt at home instantly when I got here.”

Watch for yourself, as Fox Sports: Braves posted it to Twitter:

“I just feel extremely grateful for everything that has happened.”

— Adeiny Hechavarría discusses his journey this season and his big night against the Giants. #Braves | #ChopOn pic.twitter.com/CNvtAuUeVY

— FOX Sports: Braves (@FOXSportsBraves) September 22, 2019

Eek. Now it’s not surprising that Hechavarria would have a bad taste in his mouth from the Mets. The Mets designated Hechavarria for assignment, back on August 9, which was one day before he was due to receive a $1 million roster bonus. It was a total salary dump, and Hechavarria knew it. He was then placed on release waivers and signed by the Braves a couple of days later.

I’ve seen a couple of people on Twitter talking about this and having a back and forth regarding whether the translator should have translated this directly, while live on television. I’ll leave that for you to decide.

The post Former Met Adeiny Hechavarria Thanks God They Released Him appeared first on Metsmerized Online.

Good morning Mets fans! The New York Mets (64-60) had a chance to rest up on Monday as they enjoyed a day off. They now go back into action at Citi Field as they host the Cleveland Indians (74-51) for a three-game set to kick off a nine-game homestand.

Latest Mets News

Steven Matz (7-7, 4.33 ERA) gets the ball in Game 1 of the series as he takes on Shane Bieber (12-5, 3.27 ERA) and the Indians. First pitch is scheduled for 7:10 p.m. EDT, with coverage on SNY, WCBS 880 and ESPN Deportes 1050.

Al Jackson, an original 1962 Met, passed away at the age of 83 on Monday.

Tim Britton of The Athletic caught up with Mets prospects Ronny Mauricio, Mark Vientos and Shervyen Newton.

Mike Puma of the New York Post wrote a piece about Joe Panik turning his career around with the Mets.

Kevin Kernan of the New York Post wrote about Mets pitching coach Phil Regan‘s curious way of inspiring the team.

The Mets signed former major leaguer Nick Rumbelow to a minor league contract according to MMN‘s Jacob Resnick. He was most recently playing Independent ball for the Sugar Land Skeeters.

Latest MLB News

The Oakland Athletics are promoting their No. 2 prospect A.J. Puk ahead of Tuesday’s game with the New York Yankees, per Martin Gallegos of MLB.com.

Nathan Patterson, the man from the viral pitching machine video at Coors Field who recently signed with the Athletics, struck out the side in his professional debut in the Arizona League.

Chris Sale will not need Tommy John surgery according to Jeff Passan of ESPN. The Boston Red Sox then released a medical update that stated Sale will be shutdown from throwing and re-evaluated in six weeks by Dr. James Andrews.

Carlos Correa left the Houston Astros’ game against the Detroit Tigers on Monday with back discomfort.

Andrew Simon of MLB.com wrote about seven players who have broken out in 2019.

Latest NL East News

The Atlanta Braves (74-52) remain atop the NL East standings, followed by the Washington Nationals (68-56; 5.0 games back), Mets (64-60; 9.0 games back) Philadelphia Phillies (64-60; 9.0 games back) and Miami Marlins (45-78; 27.5 games back).

The Nationals shutout the Pittsburgh Pirates 13-0. The rest of the NL East had off on Monday.

The Braves claimed Billy Hamilton off waivers.

Latest on MMO/MMN

Joe D. recounted his memories of Al Jackson in response to his passing.

Samantha Brown broke down Zack Wheeler‘s start from Sunday.

Matt Musico took a closer look at Jacob deGrom and continual dominance.

Brian Devine wrote about the NL Wild Card race and where the Mets find themselves as of now.

Michelle Ioannou wrote a piece on the current state of the Mets, following their series victory in Kansas City.

John Sheridan continued his “3 Up, 3 Down” series following the Mets’ series victory in Kansas City.

Sheridan also listed and wrote about the weekly top performers in all the Mets minor league affiliates.

This Day in Mets History

1963: Grover Powell threw a complete-game shutout against the Phillies in his first MLB start. It stood as Powell’s only MLB win as his effectiveness took a dive after getting hit by a line drive off the bat of Donn Clendenon in his next appearance against the Pittsburgh Pirates.

1985: Dwight Gooden tossed a complete-game shutout and struck out 16 batters in the Mets’ 3-0 victory over the San Francisco Giants. His performance earned him his 13th consecutive win and helped him pass the 200 strikeout mark for the second season in a row.

Birthdays: Lance Broadway turns 36, Cory Sullivan turns 40 and Cliff Cook turns 83.

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