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For the first time since 2018, there are no Mets in the Home Run Derby. Pete Alonso declined the invitation, stating that he’s never been able to fully enjoy the All-Star week festivities. He will watch from the sidelines, along with teammates Francisco Lindor, Edwin Díaz, and David Peterson.

This year’s field features major league home run leader Cal Raleigh, who finished the first half with 38 long balls, one shy of Barry Bonds‘ record for the most before the All-Star break. Matt Olson, an Atlanta native, will represent the host Braves after Ronald Acuña Jr. withdrew. Brent Rooker, James Wood, Oneil Cruz, Junior Caminero, Jazz Chisholm Jr., and Byron Buxton round out the field. Here’s the order in which the participants will bat in the first round:

1. James Wood, WAS
2. Brent Rooker, ATH
3. Junior Caminero, TB
4. Oneil Cruz, PIT
5. Byron Buxton, MIN
6. Jazz Chisholm Jr., NYY
7. Cal Raleigh, SEA
8. Matt Olson, ATL

As a refresher, here is the format for the event:

• No knockout stage until the semifinal round
  • The top four batters will advance to the semifinals. The top qualifier will face off against the four seed, while the second and third place batters will face each other.
  • If there is a tie (two players hit the same number of home runs, the tiebreaker will be whichever player hits the furthest home run that round).
• There is a pitch limit.
  • The first two rounds are still three minutes, and the final round is two.
    • For the first two rounds, the round is over when either the three minutes is up, or the batter has seen 40 pitches (whichever comes first)
    • For the final round, the round is over when either two minutes or 27 pitches, whichever comes first, excluding the bonus round.
• Bonus pitches are not on a timer.
  • Instead of getting 30 seconds, each player receives bonus pitches until they record three outs.
    • If a player hits a home run 425 feet+ during the bonus period, the period is extended to four outs.
• Ties in the semifinals and finals are still broken with a swing-off once the knockout stage begins.
• Batters still get a single 45-second timeout in each regulation period.

The post MMO Home Run Derby Chat: 8 PM appeared first on Metsmerized.

In the Home Run Derby, Pete Alonso struggled to find a rhythm and was eliminated in the first round of competition with just 12 home runs, the second-lowest total in the field. After the event, Alonso said he hopes to compete in it again. Alonso is also the Mets’ lone representative in the All-Star Game today, which is scheduled to begin at 8:00 p.m.

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Jon Heyman of the New York Post reported Monday that Noah Syndergaard is planning to revamp and lose some weight before trying to come back to baseball in 2025. Syndergaard split time between the Dodgers and Guardians in 2023, struggling to an ugly 6.50 ERA with just 56 strikeouts in 88 2/3 innings. Once one of the hardest throwers in the sport, Syndergaard’s fastball averaged just 92.3 miles per hour in 2023.

Before the Home Run Derby, Ken Rosenthal said on FOX Sports that he doesn’t expect the Mets to trade Pete Alonso if they remain in playoff contention. Rosenthal suggested that the Mets could look to trade one of their starting pitchers while looking to upgrade their bullpen.

With the 82nd pick in the MLB Draft, the Mets selected right-hander Nate Dohm from Mississippi State. Dohm posted a 1.23 ERA in 29 1/3 innings in 2024.

With the 111th pick in the draft, the Mets took outfielder Eli Serrano from NC State. Serrano posted an .811 OPS with nine homers in 290 plate appearances this season.

In the fifth round, the Mets picked shortstop Trey Snyder from Liberty North High School in Missouri. The Tennessee commit is the team’s first prep pick of the draft.

With the 173rd pick in the draft, the Mets selected first baseman Corey Collins from the University of Georgia. Collins clubbed 20 homers with a 1.346 OPS in 244 plate appearances for the Bulldogs in 2024.

In the seventh round, the Mets drafted righty Will Watson from the University of Southern California. Watson posted a 3.93 ERA in 50 1/3 innings for the Trojans this year.

With the 233rd pick in the draft, the Mets picked Oklahoma righty Ryan Lambert. The fireballer posted a 2.57 ERA in 21 innings for the Sooners in 2024.

In the ninth round, the Mets selected righty Jaxon Jelkin out of the University of Houston. Jelkin posted a 3.41 ERA with 46 strikeouts in 34 1/3 innings in 2024, though his season was cut short by arm fatigue.

With their final pick of day two, the Mets drafted another Oklahoma right-hander, Brendan Girton. A transfer from Texas Tech, Girton posted a 7.32 ERA as a senior, but he racked up 47 strikeouts in 35 2/3 innings.

Joey Lucchesi has cleared waivers and been outrighted to Triple-A Syracuse. He was designated for assignment last Tuesday when the Mets acquired Phil Maton.

Latest MLB News

In the final round of the Home Run Derby, Bobby Witt Jr.‘s final swing just missed tying up the competition, banging off the center field wall, giving Teoscar Hernández the victory, 14-13. Hernández is the first Dodgers player to win the competition.

Nationals closer Kyle Finnegan has been added to the NL’s All-Star Game roster, replacing Ryan Helsley. Finnegan has pitched to a 2.45 ERA with 42 strikeouts and 25 saves in 40 1/3 innings.

Latest on MMO

Dom Barone breaks down the Mets’ selection of Nate Dohm.

Andrew Steele-Davis looks back at the Mets’ final series of the first half in the latest 3 Up, 3 Down.

On This Date in Mets History

2006: Down 5-0 to the Cubs after two innings, the Mets get homers from Chris Woodward and Cliff Floyd before exploding for 11 runs in the top of the sixth inning. Floyd and Carlos Beltrán both hit grand slams in the inning, and David Wright caps the rally with a two-run shot as the Mets stomp on the Cubs, 13-7.

2013: Matt Harvey starts the All-Star Game on the mound at Citi Field, tossing two scoreless innings. David Wright goes 1-for-3 at the plate.

The post Morning Briefing: Alonso Falls Flat in Home Run Derby appeared first on Metsmerized.

After a disappointing exit in the first round of the 2023 Home Run Derby to hometown hero Julio Rodríguez, Mets slugger Pete Alonso is back and ready to reclaim his throne. He looks to join Ken Griffey Jr. as the only two players to win the Derby thrice.

Pete enters the Derby with a record 195 homers hit during the event. To show how dominant Alonso has been here, Vladimir Guerrero Jr., the 2023 winner, has 163 total homers. Albert Pujols, who participated in the event five times during his illustrious career, has 106 Derby homers.

Alonso is currently tied for 14th in homers in baseball with 19. He’ll face off against Gunnar Henderson (28), Bobby Witt Jr. (16), Alec Bohm (11), Marcell Ozuna (26), Teoscar Hernández (19), Adolis García ( 17) and José Ramírez (23).

Former Mets bench coach Dave Jauss will throw to Alonso. Jauss threw to Alonso when he won the 2021 Derby in Cincinnati.

For 2024, MLB has implemented a new format and rules for the Derby. They are as follows:

• No knockout stage until the semifinal round
  • This means that the top four batters will advance to the semifinals.
  • If there is a tie (two players hit the same number of home runs, the tiebreaker will be whichever player hits the furthest home run that round)

• There is a pitch limit!
  • The first two rounds are still three minutes, and the final round is two.
    • For the first two rounds, the round is over when either the three minutes is up, or the batter has seen 40 pitches (whichever comes first)
    • For the final round, the round is over when either two minutes or 27 pitches, whichever comes first, excluding the bonus round.

• Bonus pitches are no longer on a timer.
  • Instead of getting 30 seconds, each player receives bonus pitches until they record three outs.
    • If a player hits a home run 425 feet+ during the bonus period, the period is extended to four outs.

• Ties in the semifinals and finals are still broken with a swing-off once the knockout stage begins.
• Batters still get a single 45-second timeout in each regulation period.

The post MMO Home Run Derby Thread: Alonso Seeks Redemption, 8 PM appeared first on Metsmerized.

Jose Iglesias (a.k.a. Candelita) is set to perform his hit single “OMG” before the Home Run Derby tonight at Globe Life Field in Arlington, TX. This past week, “OMG” ranked No. 1 on Billboard‘s Latin digital song sales chart. Candelita’s “OMG” sign from the Mets’ dugout is also on its way to Arlington.

Wendell Cruz-USA TODAY Sports

Latest Mets News

The Rockies belted six home runs, including three from Michael Toglia and two from Ezequiel Tovar, and the Mets left 12 men on base as they dropped the final of the game first half, 8-5. The Mets also went just 1-for-13 with runners in scoring position.

Pete Alonso will look to join Ken Griffey Jr. as the only three-time Home Run Derby champions this evening. Alonso won his first two derbies in 2019 and 2021 but has bowed out early in his last appearances, falling to Julio Rodríguez both times. The event begins at 8 PM.

With the 19th pick in the 2024 MLB Draft, the Mets selected two-way player Carson Benge out of Oklahoma State University. Benge primarily played right field for the Cowboys, batting .335/.444/.665 with 18 homers, 24 doubles, and 10 steals in 304 plate appearances. On the mound, Benge posted a 3.16 ERA with 44 strikeouts against 11 walks in 37 innings, mostly working out of the bullpen. In his post-pick interview, Benge said he would like to continue being a two-way player professionally. He also is particularly close with Mets prospect Nolan McLean, who he roomed with in college.

McLean joined Benge’s press conference and announced that he will solely focus on pitching going forward. McLean has struggled to .565 OPS with 36 strikeouts in 69 plate appearances since getting called up to Double-A Binghamton. On the mound, he has a 5.35 ERA with 42 strikeouts against 13 walks in 38 2/3 innings.

With the 46th pick in the draft, the Mets selected left-handed pitcher Jonathan Santucci from Duke University. In his junior year for the Blue Devils, Santucci posted a 3.41 ERA with 90 strikeouts across 58 innings. While he issued 36 walks this year, Santucci did a great job keeping the ball in the yard, only allowing four homers.

Kodai Senga made his third rehab start on Sunday, allowing one run on two hits, walking two, and striking out three over 4 2/3 innings for Triple-A Syracuse. Senga threw 66 pitches in the outing. Carlos Mendoza said team officials will discuss whether Senga will need another rehab start before being activated.

Latest MLB News

With the first pick in the 2024 MLB Draft, the Guardians selected Australian second baseman Travis Bazzana from Oregon State University. Bazzana is the first second baseman and first Australian to get drafted with the first overall pick. Bazzana dominated in his junior season for the Beavers, hitting a blistering .407/.568/.911 with 28 homers and 16 steals while drawing 76 walks against 37 strikeouts in 296 plate appearances.

The Brewers have designated former Cy Young award winner Dallas Keuchel for assignment. Keuchel made four starts for Milwaukee, posting a 5.40 ERA and allowing three homers in 16 2/3 innings.

Two-time batting champion Luis Arraez will not be participating in the All-Star Game, he said Sunday. Arraez has been dealing with a jammed left thumb over the past week.

Latest on MMO

Johnluke Chaparro breaks down the Mets’ loss in their series finale against the Rockies.

James Villani recaps Kodai Senga’s most recent rehab start.

Jack Ramsey breaks down the Mets’ selection of Carson Benge.

John Wilson looks at the recent performance of Pete Alonso.

Christian De Block breaks down the continued rise of Dedniel Nuñez.

On This Date in Mets History

1969: Al Weis hits his first homer of the year – a three-run shot off Dick Selma – and Ken Boswell adds a solo shot as the Mets hold off the Cubs in a 5-4 victory at Wrigley Field. The win moves the Mets to within five games of the division lead. Gary Gentry pitches 7 2/3 innings to earn his ninth win of the season.

1975: Jon Matlack strikes out four batters over two scoreless innings in the All-Star Game. Matlack is named co-MVP of the game along with Bill Madlock.

1991: The Mets trade Ron Darling and minor leaguer Mike Thomas to the Expos for former All-Star reliever Tim Burke. Darling has a 3.87 ERA in 17 starts on the season so far. Burke owns a 4.11 ERA in 37 appearances for Montreal.

Birthdays: Don Bosch (82), Wilson Delgado (52), Fernando Nieve (42)

The post Morning Briefing: Jose Iglesias to Perform at Home Run Derby appeared first on Metsmerized.

Through 92 games Alonso has slashed .243/.322/.415/ with an OPS .777. He has smashed 18 home runs, with 49 RBIs, ranking him seventh and 21st in the National League, respectively. Here are some interesting statistics for Alonso’s home runs.

Specifically, 15 out of his 18 home runs have been pulled to left field, depicted by the red dots below. His maximum exit velocity for a home run was 116.3 mph.  His max home run distance was 446 feet.

In case you were wondering, Alonso’s average home run trot around the bases is 22.59 seconds ranking him 41st in the MLB.  

In the Home Run Derby, Alonso will be facing Marcell Ozuna (ATL), Adolis Garcia (TEX), Gunnar Henderson (BAL), Bobby Witt Jr.(KC), Teoscar Hernandez (LAD), Jose Ramirez (CLE), and Alec Bohm (PHI). With two previous derby wins, Pete is the current favorite with a +310 line, according to Bet MGM. Alonso will once again use former bench coach Dave Jauss as his pitcher for the event.  

It would be great to see Alonso take home the Debry title again, making him the second player ever to win three derbies alongside Ken Griffey Jr. Let’s hope Pete can continue to build upon this progress and not let the festivities interfere with his regular season play.

The post Weekly Statistical Spotlight: Pete Alonso appeared first on Metsmerized.

The 2024 MLB Home Run Derby field was officially set Wednesday as the final two spots were filled for the eight-man event. Earlier in the day, MLB announced that Rangers slugger Adolis García would be participating in the derby for the second year in a row. Shortly after, during last night’s Phillies-Dodgers game on ESPN, while mic’d up, Teoscar Hernández told the broadcast booth that he would be the final participant in the Home Run Derby. The two join two-time derby champ and Mets first baseman, Pete Alonso, as well as Gunnar Henderson, Marcell Ozuna, Alec Bohm, Bobby Witt Jr. and Jose Ramírez.

On Wednesday night, the Mets took Game 2 of their six-game homestand in another solid all-around performance, beating the Nationals 6-2. Luis Severino battled through 6 1/3 innings, only allowing 2 ER on 4 H and leaving the game at a 2-1 deficit. However, a four-run sixth inning led by Jose Iglesias put the Mets up 5-2, and it was smooth sailing for the Amazin’s from there on. The Mets are now only 0.5 games back of the Padres for the third Wild Card spot and 1.0 games back of the Cardinals for the second Wild Card spot. Click here for the full game breakdown.

It’s an early start for the Mets on Thursday as they’ll go for a sweep of the Nationals with David Peterson (3-0, 3.58 ERA) going against Mackenzie Gore (6-7, 3.83 ERA) at 1:10 p.m. ET.

Latest Mets News

The Mets placed RHP Reed Garrett on the 15-day IL with right elbow inflammation and activated newly acquired RHP Phil Maton. Along with that, they also optioned RHP Eric Orze to Triple-A Syracuse and called up LHP Danny Young from Syracuse. Click here for more information on the club’s moves.

The Mets are considering having Kodai Senga pitch Sunday at Triple-A Syracuse on standard rest, per Anthony DiComo of MLB.com. The club would rather give Senga five days of rest between starts, but the All-Star break prevents them from doing so now unless his next outing is a sim game.

Infield prospect JT Schwartz was promoted to Triple-A Syracuse after the 24-year-old hit .295/.408/.424 for Double-A Binghamton this season. 

Pitching prospect Jonah Tong continues to deal for High-A Brooklyn: 6 IP, 3 H, 1 ER, 0 BB, 7 K, 80 pitches/53 strikes. His High-A ERA is down to 2.85.

Ryan Clifford had another good night at the plate for Double-A Binghamton, going 3-for-5 with a double, two home runs, and six RBIs. He has a .923 OPS for the Binghamton Rumble Ponies.

Latest MLB News

Max Scherzer told A.J. Pierzynski of Foul Territory TV that he would not be willing to waive his no-trade clause at this year’s trade deadline. Scherzer in response to potentially waiving the no-trade clause, “Yeah, I’m not gonna do that… We’re gonna play better baseball. It’s gonna be a moot point to even talk about… We’re gonna win here.” 

HBO will be releasing a four-part documentary series on Pete Rose which will chronicle the life and career of one of sports’ most polarizing figures. The docuseries will premiere on July 24 on HBO Max.

Tampa Bay Rays shortstop Wander Franco was placed on the restricted list after previously being on administrative leave, per Marc Topkin of the Tampa Bay Times. Franco will not be paid and will not be able to accrue service time.

After being charged with sexual abuse and sexual exploitation against a minor on Tuesday, Franco is now also being accused of human trafficking according to a press release by Dominican authorities, per Juan Arturo of ESPN. If convicted, the crime has penalties up to 20 years in prison. 

Bobby Miller, who was supposed to be one of the top arms in the Los Angeles Dodgers rotation this season, was optioned to Triple-A Oklahoma City. Miller missed two months due to a right shoulder injury and has given up 19 earned runs in 17 1/3 IP since returning, ballooning his ERA to 8.07 on the season. 

The Tampa Bay Rays reportedly offered Aaron Judge a 10-yearm $300 million deal before he returned to the Yankees on a nine-year, $360 million deal in 2022, per Kristie Ackert of the Tampa Bay Times. The Rays, a notoriously frugal franchise, have only doled out two contracts topping $100 million in their history. 

A robot bartender is going to be serving drinks at Globe Life Field during All-Star Week in Texas. 

A robot bartender is going to be serving drinks during All-Star Week in Texas 👀🤖

(via @stensinthecity) pic.twitter.com/IGp4DM6ZAl

— MLB (@MLB) July 10, 2024

The New York Yankees signed left-handed relief pitcher Tim Mayza to a minor league deal, per Katie Woo and Brendan Kuty of The Athletic. Mayza was recently released by the Blue Jays after over six years in Toronto.

Former Mets RHP Matt Festa signed a minor league deal with the Texas Rangers, per Shawn McFarland of Dallas Morning News. The Staten Island native was DFA’d by the Mets on July 3rd after one appearance with the club.

Latest on MMO

Michael Famulari analyzes the Mets new acquisition, Phil Maton.

Mojo Hill details the Mets’ decision to put Reed Garrett on the injured list and the other bullpen moves.

Ricky Keeler highlights how Jose Quintana has hit his stride with Francisco Alvarez behind the dish.

On This Date in Mets History

2021: Francisco Alvarez hits a home run in the Futures Game during All-Star weekend at Coors Field in Colorado.

2018: Brandon Nimmo breaks a scoreless tie against the Phillies in the 11th inning with a three-run walk-off home run. 

2015: Matt Harvey hits his first career home run into the Party City Deck at Citi Field against Patrick Corbin of the Arizona Diamondbacks.

2006: After getting to the finals of the Home Run Derby the night prior, David Wright hits a home run in his first All-Star Game at-bat and joins Lee Mazzilli as the only Mets to ever go yard in the All-Star Game.

Birthdays: Blaine Boyer (43), Mark Little (52), Donne Wall (57), Jack Heidemann (75)

The post Morning Briefing: Home Run Derby Field is Set appeared first on Metsmerized.

Major League Baseball announced Sunday evening that Mets first baseman Pete Alonso will once again participate in the home run derby.

This will be the fifth-straight derby Alonso has participated in. He is looking for his third title. Alonso joins Alec Bohm of the Phillies and Gunnar Henderson of the Orioles among players confirmed for the event.

Alonso ranks 15th in the majors in home runs with 15. He is the Mets lone All-Star representative.

Original Post –

Sunday evening, Major League Baseball announced the reserves and pitchers selected to the All-Star game. In a surprising development, Pete Alonso was named the Mets’ lone representative. This while Brandon Nimmo and Francisco Lindor were snubbed.

Alonso, by his lofty standards has not had his best year. Entering Sunday’s game, he owned an wRC+ and OPS both below his career averages. Additionally, he is only on pace for 33 home runs, a number that would be a career-low, not counting the COVID-shortened season. Regardless, his numbers as a whole are still above league average. This is Alonso’s third-straight All-Star appearance and fourth overall.

Nimmo, along with Lindor, appeared to be the more deserving Mets candidates. Entering Sunday, Nimmo ranked third among all National League outfielders in fWAR. Meanwhile, Lindor ranked second in fWAR among National League shortstops trailing on Elly De La Cruz.

In the National League, Trea Turner got voted in as the starter and De La Cruz as well as CJ Abrams was elected as a reserve over Lindor. Meanwhile, Christian Yelich, Jurickson Profar, and Fernando Tatis Jr. all got voted in to start in the outfield while Jackson Merrill, Heliot Ramos, and Bryan Reynolds were named reserves over Nimmo. Bryce Harper, deservingly voted in as a starter, joins Pete Alonso and reserved-named Freddie Freeman as the National League’s first baseman.

When comparing the three Mets versus each other, Nimmo leads the Mets in fWAR with Lindor closely behind. Meanwhile, Alonso checks in sixth, largely weighed down by his porous defense this season. Both Nimmo and Lindor continue their streak of not being named to an All-Star game as a Met. Lindor made four-straight All-Star appearances with Cleveland from 2016 through 2019.

The All-Star game is slated for Tuesday, July 16 at 8:00 pm ET. The game is being held at Globe Life Field in Arlington, Texas.

The post Pete Alonso Slated To Participate In Fifth-Straight Home Run Derby appeared first on Metsmerized.

Major League Baseball is tweaking the Home Run Derby rules. Eight hitters will start, with four advancing to the second round and ties will be broken by the longest home run. The semifinals will be bracket style with the top finisher of the first round facing the player with the fourth best first round score. The players who finish second and third in Round 1 will also square off for a spot in the finals.

The first two rounds will be 3 minutes or 40 pitches (whichever comes first) and one timeout. Players will then get three “bonus” outs, where they keep swinging until they make three more outs. (All non-home runs are outs.) A 425-foot homer or longer during bonus time will earn a player a fourth bonus out. The finals will use the same rules except they will be two minutes or 27 pitches.

Gunnar Henderson of the Baltimore Orioles was the first to announce that he will be a contestant.

Isaiah J. Downing-USA TODAY Sports

Latest Mets News

The Mets battled back from a 4-0 deficit Sunday to tie the game with the Houston Astros on Brandon Nimmo‘s 100th career home run, but fell 10-5 in 11 innings when newly called up reliever Matt Festa gave up five runs in his Mets debut.

The Mets begin a four-game set with the Washington Nationals today at 6:45 p.m. ET. David Peterson (3-0, 3.67 ERA) faces MacKenzie Gore (6-7, 3.60 ERA).

Danny Torres, who hosts the Talkin21podcast, talked with Jose Iglesias about his Friday night post-game performance. “Oh my God, it’s oh my God,” the infielder told him.

Latest MLB News

Yankees outfielder Juan Soto said he may get an MRI or CT scan on his right hand today, per Bryan Hoch of MLB.com. Soto said he felt pain and weakness while taking batting practice swings on Saturday. He was a late addition to the Yankees lineup on Sunday, then went 1-for-3 with two walks.

The Blue Jays (38-45) could be ready to trade starter Yusei Kikuchi, catcher Danny Jansen, DH Justin Turner and outfielder Kevin Kiermaier, according to a report from Bob Nightengale of USA Today. But Toronto intends to hold on to Vladimir Guerrero Jr. and Bo Bichette until at least the winter.

The Guardians have optioned Triston McKenzie to Triple-A and reinstated Gavin Williams from the injured list, per Mandy Bell of MLB.com.

Latest on MMO

Johnluke Chaparro wrote about the series finale loss to the Houston Astros.

John Wilson took a deep dive into Mark Vientos in the weekly statistical spotlight.

James Villani analyzed the slew of roster moves.

On This Date in Mets History

1993: Dwight Gooden homered off Charlie Hough, but also coughed up five home runs in a 7-5 loss to the Florida Marlins. Bobby Bonilla went 0-for-4 with two strikeouts. Bonilla, 61, will collect $1,193,248.20 today and every July 1 until 2035 when this can hopefully be put behind us.

Birthdays: Michael Wacha (33), Craig Anderson (86)

The post Morning Briefing: New Home Run Derby Format Announced appeared first on Metsmerized.

Daniel Murphy defeated Chase Utley in a virtual home run derby in London on Friday. The derby was a promotional event held in Trafalgar Square before this weekend’s series in London between the Mets and Phillies. Legendary home run derby pitcher and former Mets bench coach Dave Jauss pitched to Murphy.

The London Series gets underway Saturday afternoon at 1:10 p.m. ET. Sean Manaea (3-2, 3.63 ERA) and Ranger Suárez (9-1, 1.70) are the starters in game one of the two-game set.

Latest Mets News

The Mets announced on Friday that Jett Williams underwent right wrist surgery with a recovery time in the 8-10 week range. Williams has only played in 11 games this season and will now miss most of the rest of the season.

MLB.com’s Anthony DiComo reported that Francisco Alvarez‘s return to the big leagues will be slightly delayed, as he had to return to Venezuela for a family matter. Alvarez was expected to join the Mets immediately following their series in London, but the Mets will have to wait at least a few more days.

DiComo also reported that Edwin Díaz, who made a rehab appearance in Brooklyn on Thursday, will pitch again for Brooklyn on Sunday.

Mike Puma of the New York Post reported that Kodai Senga will throw a bullpen session early next week as he continues rehabbing for a return to the major leagues.

Puma also noted that Brett Baty is joining the Mets as the 27th man in London, and Baty is going to begin taking reps at second base as he looks to find a way back onto the major league roster.

David Wright sat down with Michelle Margaux of SNY to talk about his experience in London so far, growing baseball internationally, and what he has seen from the Mets this year.

Latest MLB News

The Tigers announced that they traded infielder Buddy Kennedy to the Phillies in exchange for cash considerations. Kennedy has a .714 OPS in Triple-A and a home run in 13 big league plate appearances this year.

Per Marc Topkin of the Tampa Bay Times, the Rays designated Harold Ramírez for assignment to make room for Taylor Walls. Ramírez was a .300 hitter each of the past two seasons and he was especially productive in 2023 with an .813 OPS. However, he’s only batting .268 this year with a .589 OPS, hindered by only three walks and four extra-base hits in 48 games played.

John Schneider, manager of the Blue Jays, told reporters that starter Alek Manoah will undergo UCL surgery later this month and miss the rest of the season. Manoah was having somewhat of a bounceback campaign this year, as he had a 3.70 ERA in five starts.

Latest on MMO

In the latest Mets Minors Recap, Michael Mayer recaps Thursday’s games including another Ryan Clifford home run in Binghamton.

Andrew Steele-Davis provides some important information on the history of baseball in London and which Mets have played in London before.

On This Date in Mets History

1965: The first ever MLB draft of eligible high school and college draftees was held on this date in 1965. The Mets drafted Les Rohr second overall, and he had a very brief major league career. In the 12th round with the 295th overall pick, however, the Mets drafted Nolan Ryan out of Alvin High School in Alvin, Texas.

Birthdays: R.J. Alvarez (33), Terrance Gore (33), T.J. McFarland (35), Dave Mlicki (56), John Gibbons (62)

The post Morning Briefing: Murphy Defeats Utley in London Home Run Derby appeared first on Metsmerized.

For much of his career, he was the enemy. But he ended with the good guys.

Bobby Abreu never really gave any reason to be hated, other than he wore the uniform of the Philadelphia Phillies for nearly a decade. He also never gave any reason to be considered a superstar or Hall of Famer.

All-Star selections? Two. Silver Sluggers? One. He never finished among the top 10 in MVP Award voting. He led the NL in games played twice, in doubles once (50 in 2002), triples once (11 in 1999), and walks once (124 in 2006), but otherwise never led his league in any major statistical category.

By the time he was picked up by the Mets in 2014, he was well past that prime. Actually, he hadn’t been active since 2012. In 155 plate appearances over 78 games, he homered only once, drove in 14, and slashed .248/.342/.680.

So, while his impact on the Mets was negligible, the case of his entire resume is worth dissecting.

The Case Against

In addition to the paucity of bold type, as mentioned earlier, Abreu’s lack of All-Star nods and Silver Slugger selections over his 18-year career is quite glaring. Sure, it can be a sign of him being overlooked. But a Hall of Fame player should have a few more of both. Seven times Abreu received MVP votes, but never cracked the top 10. Even for WAR, while consistent, he was only in the top ten once (9th in 1999).

Abreu made very little impact in the postseason in the four times he appeared. In 1997 with Houston, 2006 and 2007 with the Yankees, and 2009 with the Angels, he was nothing more than a contributor. There was never a “Bobby Abreu moment” in October. In 20 playoff contests, he batted .284 with a .810 OPS, one homer, and nine RBIs. Those numbers don’t do anything to boost his resume. It’s unfortunate for him that he left the Phillies just before they took supremacy of the NL East.

He did win one Gold Glove but was generally perceived as a below-average outfielder throughout his career, and his defensive runs saved were -62 in total.

Final Thoughts

The beauty, and also deceiving thing, about statistics is that they can be manufactured to enhance or diminish one’s qualifications. That’s how Bobby Abreu can be seen as superior, in some sense, to Vlad Guerrero and Ichiro. Getting to a point where he’s a Hall of Famer in where the well runs dry. In fairness, what he did well did not have the glitter of a home run guy. The methods by which you produce shouldn’t be as significant as how well you produce. Abreu is a better player than many remember. But just not good enough to get to Cooperstown.

The post Hall of Fame Case: Bobby Abreu appeared first on Metsmerized.