According to Robert Murray on Twitter, the Padres are acquiring right-handed starter Mike Clevinger from the Indians.

Ken Rosenthal of The Athletic reports the full deal as follows:

RHP Mike Clevinger, OF Greg Allen, and PTBNL to the Padres for OF Josh Naylor, C Austin Hedges, SS Gabriel Arias, LHP Joey Cantillo, and SS Owen Miller.

Clevinger, 29, has a 3.18 ERA through four starts this season. He’s coming off a 2019 season in which he had a 2.71 ERA, 169 strikeouts, and 4.1 WAR in 21 starts for the Indians.

The former fourth round pick is under team control through the 2022 season.

Padres have now acquired catchers Jason Castro and Austin Nola, reliever Trevor Rosenthal, and first baseman Mitch Moreland as they look to make a serious run in 2020.

The post MLB News: Padres Acquiring Mike Clevinger appeared first on Metsmerized Online.

Good Morning, Mets fans! As you probably know by now, two Mets (a position player and a staff member) tested positive for COVID-19, so there is no Mets baseball for at least a few more days.

The Mets series opener against the Yankees slated for tonight has been postponed. The status for the games on Saturday and Sunday are unknown at this point.

Latest Mets News

The Mets have two positive COVID-19 tests within their traveling party.

Latest MLB News

Cal Ripken Jr. announced that he is cancer free for the first time since February.

Front Office Sports is reporting that the MLB is attracting a younger audience this year than before.

Pirates President Travis Williams announced that he has tested positive for COVID-19.

The Indians are promoting top prospect Triston McKenzie.

The Giants announced the promotion of Joey Bart from their alternate site.

The Astros placed Alex Bregman on the injured list.

The Yankees placed reliever Zack Britton on the injured list.

Fox has pulled Thom Brennaman from their NFL scheduling.

Latest NL East News

Per Jon Heyman of MLB Network, the Phillies are promoting top prospect Sixto Sanchez from their alternate site.

Latest On MMO

Pat Ragazzo interviewed reliever Brad Brach.

Michael Mayer examined the Mets’ bullpen without Seth Lugo.

Matt Musico looked into the recent success of Dominic Smith.

On This Day In Mets History

Birthdays: Bruce Berenyi (66), John Stearns (69), Felix Millan (77)

Let’s go Mets!

The post Morning Briefing: Mets Season Suddenly On Pause appeared first on Metsmerized Online.

Brad Penner/USA Today

Good Morning, Mets fans!

Steven Matz (0-2, 5.65 ERA) will toe the rubber against Patrick Corbin (1-0, 3.00 ERA) in a three-game set against the Nationals. Really hoping the Nationals’ offense this series works about as well as their tarp.

Latest Mets News

Andres Gimenez, welcome to New York!

The 21-year-old shone during Sunday’s contest, recording his first career three-hit game. The 21-year-old was one of the couple reasons the Mets stole the rubber game from the first-place Marlins.

Jacob deGrom didn’t have his best stuff and was beset by a blister on his middle finger, but was still effective through five frames.

Johnathan Villar didn’t have his best series, going 1-for-14 with nine strikeouts.

Baseball Prospectus released their DRA- metric for the 2020 season last night. Every Met starter besides deGrom has a DRA- above five. “Come and get us”

Latest Mets News 

The Mets placed Michael Wacha on the 10-day IL with right shoulder inflammation. Ali Sanchez was recalled to take his spot on the 28-man roster. Wednesday’s starter is still up in the air.

Latest MLB News

The Cardinals’ latest COVID-19 spells trouble for MLB. Several St.Louis employees, including players, have already been sent to the hospital. No word on when they’ll play next.

The Cubs-Cardinals series scheduled for this week was canceled.

Ramon Laureano and Astros hitting coach Alex Cintron got into a bases-clearing brawl, all of which did not follow the social distancing protocols.

Indians’ pitcher Zach Plesac was sent home by the team after he broke social distancing protocols by going out Saturday night.

MLB insider Robert Murray tweeted out that RHP Henderson Alvarez has signed with the Pirates.

The Yankees placed OF Giancarlo Stanton on the 10-day IL with a left hamstring strain.

Former Met legend Phillip Evans was placed on the 45-day IL with a broken jaw and a concussion.

The Rays activated OF Manuel Margot from the IL and DFA’d former Met Sean Gilmartin.

The Astros acquired LHP Brooks Raley from the Reds.

The White Sox sent OF Luis Basabe to the Giants. San Francisco placed former Met Jordan Humphreys on the restricted list.

Latest NL East News

Phillies’ top prospect Spencer Howard made his major-league debut yesterday.

Latest on MMO

Rich Spargo recapped Michael Conforto‘s walk-off double against the Nationals last year.

On This Day in Mets History

Birthdays: Gerald Williams (55), Chuck Carr (54)

Stay safe, Mets fans!

The post Morning Briefing: Mets Begin Important Series Vs Nationals appeared first on Metsmerized Online.

The Cleveland Indians are one of Major League Baseball’s oldest franchises, with a history that dates back to the 1800s. They took on the name Indians in 1915, marking the sixth name-change the team underwent since their inception as the Grand Rapids Rustlers in 1894.

Now it appears there will be a seventh name-change, as Cleveland announced on Friday night in the following statement.

pic.twitter.com/NUM5GYvlwe

— Cleveland Guardians (@CleGuardians) July 4, 2020

At a time in which our country is trying to make a change towards social equality, it has become counterculture to continue to glorify Native Americans.

The team originally came up with the name after it was a nickname for the Cleveland Spiders baseball team in the late 1890s when Louis Sockalexis played on the team. Sockalexis was a Native American from the Penobscot tribe. Now Cleveland will search for a new name that can be more widely celebrated.

Another team that is in the midst of a potential name change is the Washington Redskins in the NFL. Team owner Daniel Snyder has been very opposed to making the change in the past, but some corporate sponsor are making that stance very difficult to maintain.

FedEx, who has naming rights to their stadium, Pepsi and Nike have all made the request for the team to change their name. Also Nike has even pulled all team merchandise from their store. Because of all of this a shift now appears imminent.

It seems like both of these franchises are taking a step in the right direction. It will be interesting to see what new names they land on and how long it will take for them to implement them.

The post MLB News: Cleveland Indians Discussing Name Change appeared first on Metsmerized Online.

Sox Interested In Castellanos

According to Jon Morosi of MLB Network, the White Sox are interested in former Cub and Tiger, Nicholas Castellanos. Jon Heyman of MLB Network also notes the Sox are in serious pursuit of designated hitter Edwin Encarnacion.

Castellanos, 27, originally came up with the Tigers as a third baseman, but turned out to be one of the worst defensive third basemen of all-time, and made the switch to the outfield. In just over 4,400 innings at third base for his career, he posted a -64 DRS. He wasn’t much better in the outfield, posting a -36 DRS in over 2,600 innings.

Morosi also reported that the White Sox owe roughly $100 million in payroll already in 2020 and have room to add on more. They’ve already locked up Jose Abreu, signed Yasmani Grandal, Gio Gonzalez, and Dallas Keuchel, and reportedly made large offers to multiple starting pitchers. The North Siders are showing their willingness to spend big.

Tribe Brings in Hernandez 

According to Jeff Passan of ESPN, the Indians and Cesar Hernandez have agreed to a one-year deal worth $6.25 million. Hernandez spent the earlier part of his career in Philadelphia as their starting second baseman. Hernandez was non-tendered earlier in the offseason after he was expected to see a significant pay raise in arbitration.

Hernandez joins an infield with Francisco Lindor, Carlos Santana, and Jose Rameriz. The Indians projected starting infield is currently all switch-hitters, which would be the first of its’ kind in Major League history.

Jeter Reels In Old Friend

According to Jesse Sanchez of MLB Network, The Marlins have signed former Yankee and Pirate catcher Francisco Cervelli. The veteran posted a 0.1 fWAR last season in limited time due to injury, but has posted as strong of a season as a 5.9 fWAR in 2015.

Cervelli has a long-standing history with concussions, which has put his time as a catcher in jeopardy. His connections to Derek Jeter run deep, considering Cervelli came up as a Yankee while Jeter was still the Captain.

Padres Add Pitching Depth 

The Padres have signed right-handed pitcher Pierce Johnson to a two-year, $5 million deal according to Jeff Passan of ESPN. The former Cubs top prospect returns stateside after posting a 1.38 ERA and striking out 91 batters in 58 2/3 innings over the past season in Japan.

The 28-year-old has a career 5.44 big league ERA in 44 2/3 innings.

The post MLB Rumor Roundup: White Sox Keep Pedal To The Metal appeared first on Metsmerized Online.

Bidding at Four Years For Donaldson

Ken Rosenthal of The Athletic reports that the Twins and Nationals likely have four-year offers on the table for free agent third baseman Josh Donaldson. Rosenthal notes that $100 million guaranteed remains a possibly for the veteran.

Donaldson, just turned 34, had a monster season in 2019 when he hit .259/.379/.521 with 33 doubles, 37 home runs, and posted a 6.1 WAR in 155 games for the Braves.

Dodgers and Braves remain in the mix per Rosenthal as well.

Lindor Sweepstakes Could End Soon

In the same report, Rosenthal says that Indians are telling interested teams in trading for star shortstop Francisco Lindor, that they want each team’s final offer so they can assess over the weekend.

According to my sources the Mets had serious discussion with the Indians about Lindor, though they balked at the asking price given him having only two years of control.

Rosenthal sees the Reds, Dodgers, and Padres as the most interested teams. The switch-hitter is only 26 years old and has averaged 5.7 WAR per season.

White Sox Bring Back Gio

Left-handed pitcher Gio Gonzalez was drafted in the first round by the White Sox back in 2004. They would trade him a year later as part of a deal that netted Chicago Hall of Famer Jim Thome. Less than a year after that trade, Gonzalez was traded back to the White Sox by the Phillies for Freddy Garcia. He stayed with the Chicago – never pitching in the big leagues – for two years before being shipped to Oakland for Nick Swisher.

Gio is back to where it all started for him according to Jon Heyman of MLB Network. The 34-year-old had a 3.50 ERA, 1.29 WHIP, and 1.7 WAR in 87 1/3 innings during the 2019 season for the Brewers.

Teheran Headed Out West

Long-time Braves starter Julio Teheran is headed to the Angels on a one-year, $9 million deal according to Jeff Passan of ESPN. He was non-tendered by the Braves last month.

Teheran, 28, had a 3.81 ERA, 1.32 WHIP, and 2.4 WAR for the Braves in 174 2/3 innings this past season. For the seventh straight season, Teheran made at least 30 starts.

Franco Leaving NL East Too

Another career NL East player in Maikel Franco is leaving the division, the third baseman is signing with the Royals per Heyman. The deal is for one year that guarantees Franco $2.9 million and he could earn another $1.05 million from incentives.

Franco, 27, was brutal in Philly last year with a .234/.297/.409 slash line, 80 OPS+, and -0.8 WAR in 123 games. Over the last four seasons, Franco’s WAR is only 0.1 in 560 games. He has -32 defensive runs saved in his career at third base.

Twins Sign Multiple Former Mets

The Twins announced a slew of minor league signings including three former Mets in Jack Reinheimer, Cody Asche, and Wilfredo Tovar. They also signed left-handed pitchers Danny Coulombe and Caleb Thielbar.

Reinheimer was the most recent former Mets player, he went 5-for-30 with nine strikeouts in 2018 after being claimed off waivers.

Rockies Really Trade Arenado?

Rosenthal reports there’s legitimate chance the Rockies trade superstar Nolan Arenado if they can find a match. One team that continues to show interest is the Texas Rangers after they missed out on Anthony Rendon and potentially Donaldson.

Patrick Saunders of the Denver Post reports that while the Rangers are simply doing “due diligence” at this time, their interest in the third baseman is “genuine.”

Yankees Ready to Panik 

Buster Olney of ESPN reports that the Yankees have discussed signing second baseman Joe Panik.

The 29-year-old hit .277/.333/.404 in 39 games for the Mets last year after signing in August. Overall, he hit .244/.315/.336 with 21 doubles and five home runs in 2019 between the Giants and Mets. The last time he posted a positive WAR, was his 1.2 during the 2017 season.

The post MLB Rumor Roundup: Gio to White Sox, Teheran Heads West appeared first on Metsmerized Online.

Another Former Met Lands in Philly 

Jon Heyman of MLB Network reports that the Phillies have signed former Mets infielder T.J. Rivera. It’s been a struggle for the Bronx native ever since having Tommy John surgery in late 2017. The Mets release him in March. He’s a career .304/.335/.445 major league hitter in 526 plate appearances.

The 31-year-old signed with the Long Island Ducks in July and stayed with them for roughly a month before getting minor league deal from the Washington Nationals. He posted just a .608 OPS in 15 Double-A games for Washington.

Rivera started this offseason by playing in the Dominican Winter League and is currently in the Puerto Rican Winter League. He was 10-for-his-last-22 with five RBIs in Puerto Rico heading into Sunday night.

Pitching Market Continues To Move

Following the Diamondbacks’ singing of Madison Bumgarner and the Rangers trading for Corey Kluber, the pitching market took a huge step yesterday. Jon Heyman of MLB Network is reporting that Hyun Jin Ryu and Dallas Keuchel are in “excellent shape” and at least eight teams are in on the starting pitching market.

Ryu was a Cy Young finalist last season, and hit the market following the best season of his career. He has spent his full career in Los Angeles, and the Blue Jays are reported to be heavy players in his market. As for former World Series Champion Dallas Keuchel, he spent last season in Atlanta, and is on the open market for the second straight winter.

Indians Likely To Keep Lindor

Reported by Jon Heyman of MLB Network, the Indians’ chances of trading Francisco Lindor was “likely never great to begin with, may have diminished a bit further after Kluber contract was dealt.”

Lindor has been linked to the Dodgers all winter, but with the recent Kluber trade, he is likely to stay where he is. The Tribe seems to still have the intent of winning in 2020, and just needed to shed a large contract.

Tribe Looking Into Infield Help

Heyman also reported that the Indians are looking into Cesar Hernandez. The Indians seem to have the intent of contending in 2020, and Hernandez is a potential fit into an offense that needs infielders.

Hernandez was non-tendered by the Phillies earlier in the offseason after spending his entire career in Philadelphia. Hernandez was projected to earn over $11 million in arbitration.

The post MLB Rumor Roundup: T.J. Rivera Signs With Phillies appeared first on Metsmerized Online.

Rays Give Zunino Extension 

According to Jon Heyman of MLB Network, Mike Zunino and the Rays have reached an extension that will run through 2020 and have an option for an additional year. The deal is said to be worth $4.5 million for the 2020 season. Zunino, 28, split time with Travis d’Arnaud last season in his first season in the Trop. He hit .165/.232/.312 over the course of 90 games, but remains one of the stronger defenders in baseball behind the dish.

Dick Mountain Gets Bad News

Former Dodgers’ starter Rich Hill underwent an arm procedure this off-season, according to Bill Plunkett of The Orange Country Register. Hill confirmed on Monday that he underwent elbow surgery following the 2019 season. The procedure – known as ‘primary revision’ – addresses re-injury to the ulnar collateral ligament for pitchers who previously underwent the Tommy John ligament-replacement surgery.

Hill previously had Tommy John surgery in 2011.

Hill, 39, has spent the last three-plus seasons at Chavez Ravine pitching to a 3.16 ERA in 361 innings for the Dodgers. Hill’s story of his journey from Indy-League baseball to the Major Leagues is well documented, but a procedure to repair damage to his UCL, considering he has already had Tommy John Surgery, could put his career in serious jeopardy.

Jays Sign Cole

A.J. Cole agreed to sign a minor-league deal with the Blue Jays and received an invite to Major League camp, according to Shi David of Sportsnet. Cole, 27, has posted a career 4.86 ERA over five seasons.

Cole was most recently with the Indians in 2019 where he posted a 3.81 ERA in 25 games as a reliever. He accumulated 30 strikeouts over 26.0 innings and walked only eight.

Short Hops and Quick Hits

The Oakland A’s announced the signing of eight players including right-hander Zach Lee, he spent the entire 2019 season in the Mets farm system. They also re-signed former Mets legend Eric Campbell.

Gold Glover Yolmer Sanchez was designated for assignment by the White Sox. He was due to make around $6 million through arbitration. Other players designated for assignment on Monday include Red Sox LHP Brian Johnson, Reds’ RHP Jimmy Herget, and Reds’ OF Brian O’Grady.

The Marlins officially released lefty Wei-Yin Chen, but will still have to pay him $22 million in 2020.

Tigers acquired RHP Dario Agrazal from the Pirates and the Mariners traded for LHP Nestor Cortes from the Yankees.

The post MLB Rumor Roundup: Rich Hill Has Surgery appeared first on Metsmerized Online.

The Mets are still in the hunt for one of the two National League Wild Card spots. Technically. If the Mets are to actually obtain one of those spots, however, it will take a miracle. So what would need to happen? Let me explain:

The current NL Wild Card standings are as follows:

0.0 Nationals (85-69)
0.0 Brewers (86-70)
—————–
4.0 Cubs (82-74) E# 3
4.5 Mets (81-74) E# 3
6.0 Phillies (79-75) E# 2
6.0 DBacks (80-76) E# 1

The post National League Wild Card Scenarios appeared first on Metsmerized Online.

We hear it all the time. Major League teams spend significant time during Spring Training on the drill with the pitcher covering first base. It is something which is harped on when teams botch it during the regular season, and we see it is something that can have an impact on the outcome of games.

During the series against the Mets and Indians, it might’ve been the difference between the Mets sweeping the series and them potentially losing the series.

On Wednesday night, the Mets were down 3-2 in the 10th inning. There were runners at the corners with one out as Michael Conforto hit a hard ground ball which was nabbed by Carlos Santana. Instead of going home to try to get the fast Amed Rosario, he went for the game ending double play.

The problem with Santana’s decision is with the way Brad Hand falls off the mound towards third and Conforto’s speed, he wasn’t likely going to get there in time. Of course, that is a moot point as Hand didn’t even bother as he though Santana was going to go home with the ball. It should be noted after the game Terry Francona thought that was the right play.

In the end, the Indians inability to properly execute the play led to the Mets tying the score, and eventually, the Mets winning the game on J.D. Davis‘ first career walk-off hit.

The following night Noah Syndergaard looked like he was poised to pitch a perfect game. He had everything working, and the Indians looked completely over-matched. Then with one out in the sixth Tyler Naquin just got his bat on a very good pitch and dropped it just in front of Juan Lagares. As we sometimes see with lost no-hitters/perfect games, things sped up, and the game was suddenly in jeopardy.

After the opposing pitcher Aaron Civale struck out trying to bunt Naquin over, Francisco Lindor singled to put two on. The tying runs were on base, and for a second it seemed like Naquin was going to score when the ball came off of Greg Allen‘s bat.

Instead, Pete Alonso would make a diving stop. That stop alone would save a run from scoring. As impressive as that was, he sprung up quickly, and he would make a perfect throw to Syndergaard who was busting it from the pitcher’s mound to first base. Syndergaard would get the ball and step on the bag JUST ahead of the speedy Allen. The rally was over, and the Mets were then really on their way to completing the sweep.

The juxtaposition of what happened in similar situations showed just how the Mets are doing everything right. It is why they are beating good teams and pulling off dramatic wins. It’s reason to celebrate as Syndergaard and Alonso would do with their chest bump, and that is why it is the Neon Moment of the Week!

* * * * * *

We here at MMO are appreciative Athlete Logos has agreed to participate in this feature. If you like his work as much as we do, we encourage you to visit his website.

The post Neon Moment of the Week: The Chest Bump appeared first on Metsmerized Online.