Big news from late night/early morning: Jeff Passan of ESPN reported that the San Francisco Giants signed third baseman Matt Chapman to a six-year, $151 million extension. Chapman will be under contract with the Giants through the 2030 season.

Chapman was likely to opt-out of his contract this offseason to become a free agent, but now leaves the expected third basemen market this offseason to Alex Bregman and not much else.

The Mets came into Wednesday night’s matchup looking for a clean three-game sweep of the Boston Red Sox, and they came up big. Jesse Winker started the game with a boom as he hit a first-inning grand slam to put the Mets up 4-0 early. Tylor Megill went four-plus innings while giving up three runs in his start, but the Mets’ bullpen was stupendous, going five innings of shutout ball. The Mets pulled away late as the Red Sox bullpen lost all control, conceding four runs in the eighth inning, ultimately resulting in an 8-3 Mets win. Click here for a full game recap.

The Mets have now won their seventh game in a row, the longest active streak in MLB, and will have Thursday off as they prepare to host the Reds over the weekend. Sean Manaea is slated to open the series on Friday against the 67-73 Cincinnati Reds.

Wild Card Update

The Mets did not gain any ground on the third and final Wild Card spot on Wednesday as the Braves handled business against the Rockies. They remain a half game back.

The Padres and Diamondbacks both won as well. The Mets are 3.5 and 3.0 games behind them, respectively.

Latest Mets News

Kodai Senga, who has been on the IL with a left calf strain, threw 25 pitches off a mound with “noticeably increased intensity,” per Anthony DiComo of MLB.com. DiComo added that Senga mentioned that he was transitioning his focus from leg rehab to getting his arm back in game shape.

Staying on Kodai Senga, Andy Martino of SNY.com reported that the Mets organization is increasingly optimistic that Senga will be able to return as a starting pitcher in 2024.

Mets manager Carlos Mendoza said that the Mets expect to get starting pitcher Paul Blackburn back from the IL during their Blue Jays series early next week.

1969 World Series champion Cleon Jones joined the “Erik Sherman Show” podcast to detail the 1960s Mets’ rise from losers to champions.

Mets outfield prospect Drew Gilbert blasted his sixth home run in his last 13 games for Triple-A Syracuse on Wednesday night.

Mets assistant GM Ian Levin will be leaving the organization at the end of the season after 20 years with the club, per Andy Martino of SNY. 

The Mets continue to honor former chief photographer Marc Levine, who suddenly passed away on July 4. On Wednesday, Jay Horowitz announced that the club dedicated the first base well to Levine.

Noah Syndergaard joined the “Terry Collins Show” podcast to catch up with his old manager and talk about their memorable times in Queens.

Latest MLB News

MLB released the schedule and club assignments for the 2025 Arizona Fall League, by Brendan Samson of MLB.com. Mets prospects will play for the Scottsdale Scorpions, with the season starting on Oct. 7.

The Chicago Cubs placed former All-Star pitcher Justin Steele on the 15-day IL with left elbow tendinitis, retroactive to September 1. The Cubs’ ace southpaw said he vows to return before the end of the season.

The Cubs also placed former Mets RHP Jorge López on the 15-day IL with a right groin strain, retroactive to September 3. 

Japanese star pitcher Yoshinobu Yamamoto will make his return off the IL on Tuesday, according to Dodgers manager Dave Roberts, per Fabian Ardaya of The Athletic. Yamamoto has been on the injured list since June 16 with a right triceps injury.

Cubs pitchers Shōta Imanaga, Nate Pearson, and Porter Hodge combined to throw a no-hitter against the Pittsburgh Pirates on Wednesday night. Imanaga started the game with seven no-hit innings before handing the ball to Pearson and Hodge after throwing 95 pitches.

The Texas Rangers placed star shortstop Corey Seager on the 10-day IL with right hip discomfort.

Elvis Andrus will officialy retire as a Texas Ranger on Friday, per Evan Grant of The Dallas Morning News. Andrus spent 12 of his 15 big league seasons with the Rangers, and will be honored on Friday as he will be throwing out the first pitch as the Angels and Elvis’ first big league manager Ron Washington will return to Texas.

Latest on MMO

Francisco Lindor continues his roaring MVP level pace.

The Mets’ bullpen has been lights out during their winning streak.

A Kodai Senga return continues to look more likely.

On This Date in Mets History

2015: Bartolo Colón makes a jaw-dropping behind-the-back toss to throw out Justin Bour at first base. In this start, the 42-year-old Colón became the oldest Met to pitch a shutout and extended his scoreless inning streak to 25.

1969: Tom Seaver throws a complete game en route to becoming the first Met to win 20 games in a season.

1963: The Mets sign outfielder Ron Swoboda for $35,000. Swoboda would end up being a key piece to the Mets 1969 World Series team; hitting .400 in the World Series while making a miraculous grab in game 4 and driving in the game-winning run in game 5. 

Born on This Date: Pablo Reyes (1993), Chris Young (1983), Matt Watson (1978), Rod Barajas (1975)

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Just one day after debuting his brand new song “OMG,” Jose Iglesias’ — aka “Candelita’s” — new hit was the No. 1 Latin song on iTunes on Saturday.

The Mets’ offense was still partying from Friday night as the bats were alive again on Saturday, but the Mets’ pitching couldn’t get it done as the Mets dropped Game 2 to the Astros 9-6. After the game, starter Tylor Megill was optioned to Triple-A Syracuse, Anthony DiComo of MLB.com reported. The corresponding move is yet to be announced.

Brett Davis-USA TODAY Sports

The Mets and Astros will meet once more on Sunday in the rubber match at Citi Field at 1:40 p.m. ET. It will be Shawn Dubin (1-1, 5.64 ERA) on the mound for the visiting Astros against Luis Severino (5-2, 3.29 ERA) for the Mets.

Latest Mets News

The New York Mets on Saturday announced and debuted the addition of memorial patches honoring the lives of Jerry Grote and Willie Mays to their jerseys.

Latest MLB News

On Saturday, Major League Baseball and the Kansas City Royals inducted Bo Jackson in to the Royals’ Hall Of Fame.

According to Bryan Hoch of MLB.com, the New York Yankees announced that Juan Soto was scratched from the lineup on Saturday with a right hand bruise that was a result of sliding into home plate during the fourth inning of Friday’s game against the Blue Jays. He was scheduled to undergo further testing in Toronto on Saturday.

MLB Communications released a statement on behalf of Commissioner Manfred regarding the passing of Hall of Famer Orlando Cepeda.

Texas Rangers shortstop Corey Seager left Saturday’s game early after being hit in the wrist by a pitch. Per Evan Grant of the Dallas Morning News, X-rays on Seager’s left wrist were negative and he will be reevaluated on Sunday. But early prognosis does not appear to be a fracture.

There was good news regarding Mike Trout‘s injury status as well. Sam Blum of The Athletic reported that he’s “basically pain free” and has a chance to be back some time in July.

Latest on MMO

Matt Mongin recapped the Mets’ minor league affiliate games from Friday, which included home runs from Clifford and Lorusso.

Alexis Farinacci recapped Jeff McNeil’s break-out performance at the plate from Friday night that included a “monumental” home run that helped lead the Mets to victory over the Astros.

Jack Markowski discussed bullpen help remaining the top priority for the Mets leading into the trade deadline.

Evan Mazza recapped the Mets’ 9-6 loss to the Astros.

On This Date in Mets History

1962: Sandy Koufax no-hit the Mets.

Birthdays: Chan Ho Park (51), Tony Fernandez (62), Ron Swoboda (80)

The post Morning Briefing: Mets Option Tylor Megill to Syracuse After Loss appeared first on Metsmerized.

Lindor was extremely deserving. The 30-year-old posted a .254/.336/.470 slash line good for an .806 OPS. He slugged 31 home runs, drove in 98 runs, and stole 31 bases. His 6.0 bWAR ranked tied for 10th in all of baseball, eighth among position players. Lindor was rightfully beat out for first team by Corey Seager. Seager posted a bWAR of 6.9 and an OPS of 1.013 to go along with 33 home runs.

As for Senga, 10 starting pitchers were named across the two teams, he was wrongly not one of them. The 30-year-old’s first year in the major leagues went superbly, as he posted a 12-7 record to go along with 202 strikeouts across 166 1/3 innings. His 4.5 bWAR ranked sixth among major-league starters last season. It was higher than Zac Gallen, Jordan Montgomery, Shohei Ohtani, Kevin Gausman, and Nathan Eovaldi. All of which were selected to an All-MLB team ahead of him. The verb “snubbed” is very applicable in this situation.

As for first baseman, Freddie Freeman was named to the first team and Matt Olson to the second team. Mets’ Alonso was nominated, however, rightfully missed out on the award. Freeman ranked eighth in the major in bWAR and Olson was fifth. Despite the 46 home run season, Alonso’s bWAR checked in tied for 99th in the majors at 3.2. Regardless, all in all it was another very strong season for the Mets’ slugger.

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Rangers duo Corey Seager and Marcus Semien landed second and third, respectively. The World Series MVP Seager received 24 second-place votes and six third-place votes, while Semien received five second-place votes and eight third-place votes. Julio Rodríguez came in fourth with eight third-place votes and the Astros’ Kyle Tucker in fifth with one second-place vote and four third-place votes.

Shohei Ohtani launches his American League-leading 41st home run! pic.twitter.com/anvf2aSymZ

— MLB (@MLB) August 13, 2023

Ohtani, a free agent, had another fantastic season, making his win a shoo-in since June. Although he went down with a season-ending elbow injury in August, followed by surgery, he finished the year leading the AL in home runs (44), on-base percentage (.412), slugging percentage (.654) and OPS (1.066). His final line for the season was .304/.412/.654, and he had a WAR of 10.0. Not to mention, he pitched in 23 contests, going 10-5 with a 3.14 ERA. After unanimously winning the award this year and in 2021, the two-way player is due for an off-season where he will be the main ticket.

Dodgers duo Mookie Betts and Freddie Freeman found themselves in second and third respectively, in the voting process. Betts received all 30 of the second-place votes, while Freeman received 17 third-place votes. Trailing behind them, Matt Olson finished fourth in voting with 13 third-place votes.

Francisco Lindor finished ninth in the voting and Pete Alonso tied for 17th.

𝟒𝟎-𝟕𝟎 𝐒𝐄𝐀𝐒𝐎𝐍 🔥@ronaldacunajr24 did it.

We'll be ceaselessly reciting this moment for the rest of baseball history. pic.twitter.com/qDqpXPHItB

— Bally Sports: Braves (@BravesOnBally) September 28, 2023

Acuña did something this year that no baseball player even thought about doing. He founded the 40-70 club, becoming the first player ever to hit 40-plus home runs and steal 70-plus bases in a season. To top it off, he finished the season hitting .337/.416/.596/1.012 and led the National League in runs (149), hits (217), OBP (.416), and OPS (1.012).

The post Shohei Ohtani, Ronald Acuña Jr. Win MVP Honors appeared first on Metsmerized.

On Wednesday night, the MLB season officially ended as the Texas Rangers defeated the Arizona Diamondbacks in the 2023 World Series, four games to one. Winning Game 5 of the series by a score of 5-0, the 2023 Rangers gave the franchise their first-ever World Series trophy since its inception in 1961.

Game 5 was the definition of a pitcher’s duel, even though each side’s pitcher did it in their own way. Nathan Eovaldi did a masterful job of wiggling in and out of trouble throughout his six innings of work, as the Diamondbacks were getting runners into scoring position consistently. While the D-backs couldn’t cash in on any of their early chances, their ace Zac Gallen did more than keep them in the game as he started his outing with six no-hit innings. However, Mitch Garver helped the Rangers scratch across a run as he was the third of three consecutive hits off of Gallen in the seventh inning. But the final blow came in the ninth inning; Jonah Heim scorched a two-RBI single, which was followed by a Marcus Semien two-run home run, as the Rangers solidified their championship win.

Corey Seager won his second Willie Mays World Series MVP as he tallied three home runs, six RBIs, and hit for a 1.137 OPS during the five-game series. Additionally, three former Mets — Max Scherzer, Travis Jankowski, and Jacob deGrom — became World Series champions, Scherzer winning his second. Rangers GM Chris Young also played for the Mets, and interviewed for their GM opening in 2020. 

Just over a decade after losing back-to-back World Series, even being an out away from accomplishing the feat, Texas overcame all of the odds to win this year’s commissioner’s trophy. They became the third team in MLB history, including the 1969 New York Mets, to win the World Series just two seasons after losing 100 games. 

Latest Mets News

Andy Martino of SNY reported that Mets third base coach Joey Cora has heard from several teams regarding open coaching positions. Cora is not under contract with the Mets any longer, and his future with the team is uncertain as the Mets continue to make changes after the hiring of David Stearns. 

Joel Sherman of the New York Post gave two significant updates to the Mets managerial search on Wednesday, as he reported that the Mets have interviewed Carlos Mendoza and Andy Green for the position. Mendoza, who has been with the Yankees organization for 15 seasons and has spent the past four as their bench coach, is reportedly also in a second-round callback interview with the Mets per Andy Martino of SNY. Green is a former major leaguer, playing four games for the Mets, and has managing experience as he formerly managed the San Diego Padres. 

Latest MLB News

Evan Drellich of The Athletic reported that Major League Baseball will no longer use uniform employee contracts, the agreements with standardized language that MLB long required managers, coaches, trainers, and salaried scouts to agree to across the 30 teams. Clubs are now to draft their own contracts, allowing terms to vary as the MLB makes this move to protect the league office against liability. However, Drellich reports that many are worried that clubs will now attempt to include language that works against employees in new ways. 

MLB’s Arizona Fall League announced the participants for their 2023 Home Run Derby, which will take place on Saturday, November 4. The field has several top prospects: Kevin Alcántara, Kyle Manzardo, Aaron Sabato, Ivan Melendez, Wes Clarke, Damiano Palmegiani, Gabriel Rincones Jr., and Kala’i Rosario.

The San Diego Padres recently took out a $50 million loan to help cover payroll, per a report from Dennis Lin, Evan Drellich, and Ken Rosenthal of The Athletic. Despite being in a bottom-third media market in the league, San Diego had one of the highest payrolls in baseball, as they are obligated to pay hundreds of millions of dollars to Xander Bogaerts, Fernando Tatis Jr., and others. According to the article, the loan was taken out to “address short-term cash flow issues and meet their obligations, including payroll.”

Latest on MMO

Allison Waxman looked back at the infamous Matt Harvey ninth inning in Game 5 of the 2015 World Series and asked the readers, should he have gone back out?

Jett Williams‘ plan to make his major league debut in 2024 was highlighted by Alexis Farinacci. 

Evan Mazza looked into the Mets’ recent interviews for their open manager position. 

On This Date in Mets History

2015: After a historic postseason run in which he led the Mets to an unexpected World Series appearance, Daniel Murphy graces the cover of Sports Illustrated, titled “The Amazin’ Murphy.”

1972: The Mets traded Gary Gentry and Danny Frisella and, in return, acquired Félix Millán and George Stone from the Atlanta Braves. Both players the Mets received played crucial roles in their 1973 pennant-winning season; Millán hit .290 and received MVP votes, while Stone went 12-3 with a 2.80 ERA.

Birthdays: Denyi Reyes (27), Tom Paciorek (77)

The post Morning Briefing: Texas Rangers Win First World Series Championship appeared first on Metsmerized.

The Texas Rangers are racing towards their first World Series title after an 11-7 win over the Arizona Diamondbacks on Tuesday. Texas holds a 3-1 lead with Game 5 being played Wednesday night at 8:03 p.m. on FOX. 

Home runs by Corey Seager and Marcus Semien led the way for a Rangers team who led 10-0 after the third inning, while Andrew Heaney pitched five innings of one-run ball to get the win for Texas. Semien’s three-run homer in the third inning was his second major contribution of the game. In the second, he clubbed a two-run triple. In total, he accrued five RBIs for the game. 

The Diamondbacks scored six runs in the final two frames, but the early inning onslaught from Texas proved to be too much. 

Joe Mantiply, who gave up one run in 1 1/3 inning, was credited with the loss for Arizona.

Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports

Latest Mets News

Craig Counsell, the free agent manager who is among the top candidates for the Mets vacant managerial position, has interest from the Houston Astros, according to Curt Hogg of the Milwaukee-Journal Sentinel. 

The Mets announced they claimed right-handed pitcher Penn Murfee off waivers from the Seattle Mariners. Murfee underwent Tommy John surgery in July, but had a 1.29 ERA in 16 appearances. Learn more about Murfee here.

The Mets released more than 20 minor leaguers on Tuesday, according to Metsmerized’s Mike Mayer. 

Latest MLB News

The Rangers announced former Mets pitcher Max Scherzer and ALCS MVP Adolis García were removed from the team’s World Series roster due to injury. Scherzer was replaced by pitcher Brock Burke and García was substituted for Ezequiel Duran. 

Phil Nevin could interview for the Padres manager position this week, while Benji Gil is in preliminary discussions regarding the role, according to Britt Ghiroli of The Athletic. 

Gerardo Parra will serve as the Washington Nationals first base coach, while Ricky Gutierrez will be the team’s third base coach, according to Andrew Golden of the Washington Post. 

The Braves and former outfielder Jorge Soler are being sued for an incident dating back to Soler’s time with the team. The plaintiff is taking action in relation to facial injuries suffered from a ball the current Miami Marlin threw into the stands. 

Latest on MMO 

Evan Mazza on MLB Network’s Jon Morosi’s report Counsell is evaluating options after his interview with the Mets. 

A Halloween treat? The Metsmerized team reveals the most scared it’s been watching a Mets game. 

Chris Bello breaks down 2023 first round pick Kevin Parada’s struggles in the Arizona Fall League. 

On This Date in Mets History 

1972: The Mets acquired George Stone in a trade from the Atlanta Braves. Stone won 12 games and had an ERA of 2.80 in the Mets pennant-winning 1973 season. 

Birthdays: Eric Hanhold (30)

The post Morning Briefing: Rangers One Win Away From First Title appeared first on Metsmerized.

Dan Hamilton-USA TODAY Sports

The Diamondbacks host the Rangers at Chase Field on Monday for Game 3 of the World Series. It’s the first World Series game hosted at Chase Field since Nov. 4, 2001, where the D-Backs defeated the Yankees in Game 7 to win their first and only World Series.

The D-Backs head home for Game 3 on a positive note. They defeated the Rangers in Game 2 behind a stellar performance from Merrill Kelly and an offensive outburst from the lineup, tying up the series at 1-1.

The Game 2 win was historic for the D-Backs. It was the first World Series road win in the organization’s history, snapping their previous 0-4 record against the Yankees and Rangers.

Now, with the series tied, rookie Brandon Pfaadt will take the mound at home and try to give the D-Backs a lead in the 2023 World Series. Pfaadt has been solid this postseason and has a 2.70 ERA in four postseason starts. He’s only gone past five innings once, which was against the Phillies in a 2-1 win in Game 3 of the National League Championship. Pfaadt will become the 51st rookie to make a World Series start.

Former Met Max Scherzer takes the mound for the Rangers. He’s only made two starts, both in the American League Championship Series, and has struggled. Scherzer allowed five earned runs in four innings in Game 3, where the Rangers lost to the Astros 8-5. He then only lasted 2 2/3 innings in Game 7, allowing two earned runs in the Rangers series-clinching 11-4 Game 7 win.

Evan Carter is batting cleanup for the Rangers in Game 3. It’s the first time Carter has batted cleanup in his career, which includes the minor leagues.

Tommy Pham is batting fifth tonight against the right-handed Scherzer in Game 3. Pham went 4-for-4 in Game 2, and could have become the first player in World Series history to go 5-for-5, but was pinch-hit for Jace Peterson in the ninth. Pham told reporters after the game he asked Bruce Bochy to be pinch-hit for so Peterson could get in the game.

While every game is pivotal in the World Series, Game 3 has historically been significant when the series is tied 1-1. In World Series history, when a team goes ahead 2-1, they win 67.9% of the time. However, this isn’t decisive, as the Phillies took a 2-1 lead in the 2022 World Series last year and lost in six games.

RANGERS LINEUP

2B Marcus Semien
SS Corey Seager
RF Adolis García
LF Evan Carter
DH Mitch Garver
C Jonah Heim
1B Nathaniel Lowe
3B Josh Jung
CF Leody Taveras

D-BACKS LINEUP

RF Corbin Carroll
2B Ketel Marte
C Gabriel Moreno
1B Christian Walker
DH Tommy Pham
LF Lourdes Gurriel Jr.
CF Alek Thomas
3B Evan Longoria
SS Geraldo Perdomo

The post World Series Game 3 Thread: Rangers vs. D-Backs, 8:03 PM appeared first on Metsmerized.

Jordan Montgomery. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement Neitzel-USA TODAY Sports

It’s going to be hard to beat the theatrics from Game 1.

The Diamondbacks enter Globe Life Park for Game 2 of the World Series after blowing their lead in the ninth to the Rangers. Paul Sewald surrendered a two-run home run to Corey Seager in the bottom of the ninth to tie the game at 5-5 and Miguel Castro surrendered the walk-0ff homer to Adolis García to lose Game 1. Sewald hadn’t allowed an earned run this postseason before allowing the homer last night.

With their loss in Game 1 against the Rangers, the Diamondbacks are 0-and-4 all-time on the road in the World Series. Another road loss tonight would send the series back to Arizona with the D-Backs trailing 0-2 in the series.

Kelly gets his chance against the potent Rangers lineup tonight. After one scoreless start in the NLDS, Kelly struggled against the Phillies and allowed five earned runs in 10 2/3 innings.

Meanwhile, Montgomery looks to continue his impressive 2023 postseason. The lefty was stellar against the Astros in the American League Championship Series and recorded a 1.29 ERA in two starts and one relief appearance.

D-BACKS LINEUP

2B Ketel Marte
RF Corbin Carroll
C Gabriel Moreno
1B Christian Walker
DH Tommy Pham
LF Lourdes Gurriel Jr.
CF Alek Thomas 
3B Evan Longoria
SS Geraldo Perdomo

RANGERS LINEUP

2B Marcus Semien
SS Corey Seager
LF Evan Carter
RF Adolis García
DH Mitch Garver
C Jonah Heim
1B Nathaniel Lowe
3B Josh Jung
CF Leody Taveras

The post World Series Game 2 Thread: D-Backs vs Rangers, 8:03 PM appeared first on Metsmerized.

The World Series kicked off on Friday night, and if Game 1 was any indication of what’s to come, we have quite the series in store.

Both teams traded punches early, but the Diamondbacks got the better of Nathan Eovaldi and brought a 5-3 lead into the ninth inning. Corey Seager then provided a massive World Series moment with the Rangers down to their final two outs, launching a two-run moonshot off of Paul Sewald to tie the game. The game subsequently headed to extra innings, played without the ghost runner on second base, and it was Adolis García who ended it with a walk-off opposite field homer in the bottom of the 11th to give the Rangers a 1-0 series lead.

Game 2 of the series will take place Saturday night at 8:03 p.m. ET on FOX. Merrill Kelly (2-1, 2.65 ERA) and Jordan Montgomery (3-0, 2.16 ERA) are the pitchers in what should be another exciting matchup.

Bruce Bochy. David Frerker-USA TODAY Sports

Latest MLB News

A report on Friday suggested that local taxpayers would have to pay an estimated $4 billion to $6 billion for a new Royals stadium, up from original estimate of $1 billion. The Royals released a statement after this, calling the report “erroneous, misleading, and inconsistent.”

Per Paul Hoynes of Cleveland.com, the Guardians received permission from the Brewers to speak to Craig Counsell about their open manager position.

According to Bruce Levine of 670 The Score, the Cubs are expected to be involved in the trade sweepstakes for Juan Soto.

Rob Manfred said that a vote on the Oakland A’s relocation to Las Vegas is expected to take place at November owners meetings.

Former Met Vinny Nittoli agreed to a deal with the Athletics on Friday, with an invite to spring training. Nittoli was recently non-tendered by the Mets after pitching just 3 2/3 innings with the team this season.

Latest on MMO

Brian Wright takes a look back on Game 7 of the 1986 World Series, which the Mets won 37 years ago Friday.

The MMO News Desk recaps comments made by Tommy Pham, including that the Mets are more talented than the National League champion Diamondbacks.

Sean Kenny breaks down all of the former Mets on the teams playing in the World Series.

On This Date in Mets History

1961: Robert Wagner, the mayor of New York City, and National League president Warren Giles joined Mets’ front office members to officially break ground on the site of what would become Shea Stadium in Flushing Meadows Park.

2002: The Mets agreed to a four-year deal with Art Howe to become the team’s new manager. Howe lasted just two years and compiled a 137-186 record.

Birthdays: Josh Thole (37), Braden Looper (39), Tim Bogar (57), Lenny Harris (59), Gary Rajsich (69)

The post Morning Briefing: Rangers Walk Off Diamondbacks In Extras In Game 1 appeared first on Metsmerized.

Well, don’t rejoice too soon, because the Phillies have moved on to the National League Championship Series for the second consecutive year.

Bill Streicher-USA TODAY Sports

The Major League Baseball playoffs are flying by, and for a second straight year, an NL East team has a chance at glory. The Phillies, behind Bryce Harper and strong journalism, handled the Braves easily and knocked them out in four games.

Meanwhile, the Astors, who are immune to failure, handled former friend Carlos Correa and the Twins to advance to their seventh consecutive American League Championship Series.

Standing in the way of the 2022 World Series repeat are the young Diamondbacks and the veteran Rangers. The D’backs moved on to the NLCS after knocking off the NL West Champ Dodgers, relying on their underrated pitching and power from their young position players.

The Rangers powered their way to the ALCS behind five straight wins. They haven’t lost a game in the playoffs. The Rangers first knocked out the Rays, who were stuck in the wild card after winning 99 games, and then swept the AL East Champ Orioles in three games after the O’s won 103 games.

All four teams are impressive. And both series should come down to the wire. Below, I have previewed both the NLCS and ALCS.

Philadelphia Phillies vs. Arizona Diamondbacks

The Phillies and Diamondbacks face off against each other for the first time in playoff history.

Both teams are similar on the mound and throw strong pitchers to defeat their opponents. Former Met Zack Wheeler leads the charge for the Phillies after having another strong season in 2023, finishing with a 3.61 ERA and 212 strikeouts in 192 innings.

Zac Gallen leads the D’Backs rotation and could have finished as the NL Cy Young if he hadn’t faltered in the last month of the season. Still, the right-hander finished with a solid 3.47 ERA and 125 ERA+ in 210 innings in 2023.

Wheeler and Gallen are only the tip of the iceberg for both teams, as Merrill Kelly finished in the top 10 for ERA in the NL and Aaron Nola is an ace when he is on his game. Nola displayed such talent when he struck out nine and allowed two runs in 5 2/3 innings against the Braves in the NLDS.

Both offenses aren’t anything to scoff at as well. The Phillies lineup is potent and powerful, finishing third in the NL in homers (220) and OPS (.765) at season’s end. The D’Backs, meanwhile, relied on the speed of their young outfielders, finishing second in stolen bases (166), eighth in OPS (.730, and seventh in runs scored (746).

Game 1 is slated for 8:07 p.m. on Monday. Gallen takes the ball for the D’Backs, while the Phillies haven’t announced a starter yet. Game 1 will be broadcast on TBS.

Houston Astros vs. Texas Rangers

The Astros and Rangers also haven’t faced each other in the postseason, but for a different reason.

The Astros were originally an NL team and only made the World Series once in 2005, when they lost to the White Sox. Since their move to the AL in 2013, they haven’t run into the Rangers in any round.

Outside of the star-studded lineups of both teams, Mets fans have more reason to watch this series than the NLCS. Max Scherzer is healthy, and the media confirmed the right-hander will pitch against the Astros.

Unfortunately for Mets fans, we won’t see a pitching matchup early between Justin Verlander and Scherzer. Verlander is slated to start Game 1 against Jordan Montgomery and the Rangers and if the series ends early, the two likely won’t match up.

Regardless, the series will still be entertaining. The Rangers lineup is star-studded, featuring Corey Seager, Adolis Garíca, and Marcus Semien, and also features exciting rookies Josh Jung and Evan Carter.

Meanwhile, the Astros lineup is also loaded. Jose Altuve, Kyle Tucker, and Yordan Alvarez power the middle of the order, while former All-Stars José Abreu and Michael Brantley round out the bottom.

The two Texas teams face off in Game 1 on Sunday at 8:15 p.m. Verlander takes the mound for the Astros and Montgomery gets the start for the Rangers. The game will be broadcast on FOX.

The post LCS Preview: Phillies Return, Former Mets Face Off In Texas appeared first on Metsmerized.