Gary A. Vasquez-USA TODAY Sports

Good morning, Mets fans!

The Mets released outfielder Khalil Lee, bringing an end to his three-year tenure with the organization. Lee drew headlines this spring when an arrest warrant was issued for him for allegedly assaulting his ex-girlfriend. Lee also missed his scheduled court appearance shortly thereafter. In addition to his issues off the field, Lee was hitting just .189/.299/.322 in Triple-A Syracuse this season and is just 2-for-20 in his big league career.

Latest Mets News

The Mets begin a three-game series with the Reds at Great American Ballpark tonight. Max Scherzer (2-2, 5.56 ERA) will look to get back on track against Luke Weaver (0-2, 7.88 ERA). Last season, the Mets took five of the six meetings with Cincinnati, including the last four games.

Scherzer told the New York Post that he’s been dealing with discomfort near his right scapula, and he’s doing everything he can to avoid a trip to the injured list. The 38-year-old acknowledges that the injury could get worse, but insists that he’s progressing well in his recovery.

Carlos Carrasco is set to make a rehab start with Double-A Binghamton today. Carrasco has been out for the last three weeks with elbow inflammation, and he had his rehab process stall due to a virus.

Baseball America released their updated Top 100 Prospects list, with seven Mets prospects named. Francisco Álvarez led the charge at the number eight spot, and Brett Baty followed at number 15. Kodai Senga followed at 21, Kevin Parada checked in at 46, Alex Ramírez was ranked at 80, and Jett Williams and Ronny Mauricio rounded out the group at 91 and 99 respectively.

Edwin Dïaz posted a video on his Instagram of him riding a stationary bike, signaling another step forward in his rehab process. The quickest recovery time reported for Díaz was six months.

Latest MLB News

The Cubs have promoted Christopher Morel from Triple-A Iowa. Morel was off to a scorching-hot start, sporting a 1.156 OPS on the year.

Noah Syndergaard told Jack Harris of the LA Times that he believes his struggles in April were mental. Syndergaard has been working with the Dodgers’ mental skills coach to help him return to form.

Latest on MMO

Jack Markowski writes about MMO Players of the Week Daniel Vogelbach and Drew Smith.

Rivka Boord looks at who’s hot and who’s not in the latest edition of 3 Up, 3 Down.

Johnluke Chaparro breaks down Starling Marte‘s recent struggles.

On This Date in Mets History

1962: The Mets acquire first baseman Marv Thornberry from the Orioles for catcher Hobie Landrith.

2009: Carlos Beltrán hits his sixth homer of the year, and José Reyes collects three hits and three RBIs as the Mets rout the Pirates, 10-1 for their sixth straight win. John Maine pitches six innings of one-run ball to earn the win.

2016: Curtis Granderson hits a lead-off homer against Scott Kazmir to set the tone for a 4-2 victory over the Dodgers. Kevin Plawecki adds in a homer of his own, and Steven Matz pitches six innings of two-run ball to earn his fifth win of the season.

Birthdays: Aaron Harang (45)

The post Morning Briefing: Mets Release Khalil Lee appeared first on Metsmerized.

Good morning, Mets fans!

Levi Weaver of The Athletic reports that Jacob deGrom has felt some tightness in his left side recently. Given the cold weather and how early it is in camp, the training staff is holding him back a day or two. It’s a tough start to camp for the Rangers’ new ace, whose career has been slowed by injuries as of late.

Latest Mets News

Latest MLB News

Chris Cotillo of Mass Live reports that Trevor Story says the best case scenario is a second half return. The worst case is he doesn’t play this season. But he’s feeling good and expects to be back in 2023. Story underwent right elbow surgery in January after having his 2022 season cut short due to injuries (94 games).

Latest on MMO

On This Date in Mets History

The post Morning Briefing: Jacob DeGrom Dealing With Tightness In Left Side appeared first on Metsmerized.

Jason Getz-USA TODAY Sports

Updated Post – Feb. 15, 8:37

Mets outfielder Khalil Lee has cleared waivers after being recently designated for assignment. He was sent outright to Triple-A Syracuse. The DFA came shortly after the Mets found out Major League Baseball was investigating Lee for the alleged assault of his former girlfriend.

Tim Healey of Newsday reports that Lee is still in the Mets organization and will receive an invitation to major league spring training camp.

Original Post – Feb. 6, 19:14

The New York Mets have designated outfielder Khalil Lee for assignment. Lee is under an active MLB investigation due to a lawsuit accusing him of assault last year.

In a corresponding move, the Mets have claimed right-handed pitcher Sam Coonrod off of waivers from Philadelphia. Coonrod was designated for assignment by the Phillies last week to make room for infielder Josh Harrison.

Coonrod, 30, missed most of last season with a shoulder strain. In his 12 appearances, he had a 7.82 ERA. Prior to that, Coonrod had a 4.04 ERA in 42 1/3 innings for the Phillies in 2021.

Coonrod is a player the Mets are certainly taking on as a bounceback candidate. His FIP and SIERA had Coonrod’s ERA as much lower last season and there is optimism his velocity can get back to the 98 and 99 miles per hour level now that he’s further removed from injury.

Coonrod has an option on his contract and will not need to be guaranteed an active roster spot, allowing the Mets to keep him in the minor leagues until possibly needed.

The Mets acquired Lee in 2021 from the Kansas City Royals. Lee appeared in 13 major league games over the last two seasons. He spent most of the year at Triple-A Syracuse where he slashed .211/.326/.366 in 100 games. He’s under investigation by Major League Baseball under the league’s domestic violence, sexual assault and child abuse policy. His ex-girlfriend filed a federal lawsuit that alleges Lee assaulted her physically and verbally in May of last year.

The post Khalil Lee Clears Waivers, Coming to Big League Camp appeared first on Metsmerized.

Brad Penner-USA TODAY Sports

Good morning, Mets fans!

Anthony DiComo of MLB.com reported that Brandon Nimmo won’t be playing for Team Italy in the World Baseball Classic next month. Nimmo played for Team Italy back in 2017, but he suffered a hamstring strain during the tournament that forced him to miss the beginning of the season. Francisco Lindor, Edwin Díaz, Jeff McNeil, Pete Alonso, Adam Ottavino, and Mark Vientos are among the Mets that are still planning to participate in the event.

Latest Mets News

The Mets designated Khalil Lee for assignment and claimed right-hander Sam Coonrod off waivers from the Phillies. Lee is under an active investigation by MLB after an arrest warrant was issued alleging he assaulted his ex-girlfriend last year. Coonrod made 12 appearances for the Phillies in 2022, getting charged with 11 earned runs in 12 2/3 innings.

Keith Raad and Pat McCarthy were officially announced as new members of the Mets’ radio team on 880 WCBS FM. Raad has been serving as the voice of Wagner College’s football and women’s basketball teams. McCarthy previously was the voice of the Lehigh Valley Iron Pigs and is the son of former Mets radio announcer and current Phillies TV play-by-play announcer Tom McCarthy. Wayne Randazzo tweeted out his congratulatory messages for both new members of the crew.

Congratulations to both. Love seeing the Mets reach into the minor leagues to find their next voices. Keith will do a great job next to @HowieRose. @MetsBooth, make sure to change the bingo card to reflect Keith having never heard of whichever old person Howie is referencing. https://t.co/rBQLrzjJRP

— Wayne Randazzo (@WayneRandazzo) February 6, 2023

Alex Cohen was named a 2023 Power Player in Corporate Social Responsibility by PoliticsNY and amNewYork. She is the president of the Amazin’ Mets Foundation and the Steve and Alexandra Cohen Foundation.

Mets director of major league operations Elizabeth Benn was named one of the top 110 most influential Canadians in baseball in 2022 by Bob Elliott of the Canadian Baseball Network. Benn became the highest-ranking woman to serve in the franchise’s baseball ops department in 2022 and she also pitches for the Yonkers Railsplitters of the NYC Metro Baseball League.

Latest MLB News

Carlos Correa has withdrawn from the World Baseball Classic in a joint decision with the Twins, Dan Hayes of The Athletic reports. Correa’s wife is pregnant with their second child, which is due the same week that Puerto Rico is scheduled to begin play.

The Rangers have hired four-time All-Star and Rangers Hall of Famer Ian Kinsler as a special assistant to general manager Chris Young. Kinsler previously worked in the Padres’ front office during the 2020 season and will be managing Team Israel in the World Baseball Classic.

The Giants have released their list of 37 non-roster invitees for spring training, Maria Guardado of MLB.com reports. Among the NRIs are outfielder Stephen Piscotty, southpaw Sean Newcomb, and Ronald Guzmán, who is trying to be a two-way player. Guzmán has never pitched professionally, but he reportedly hit 96 miles per hour on his fastball according to the Instagram account Dominican Baseball Solutions. A first baseman by trade, Guzmán was a top-100 prospect for the Rangers in 2018 and hit .255/.344/.478 with 16 homers in 373 plate appearances in Triple-A for the Yankees in 2022.

Jason Heyward recently opened his baseball academy in the North Austin neighborhood of Chicago. the 10-acre campus also features Chicago’s largest indoor soccer field.

Latest on MMO

Nate Mendelson ranks the aces of every pitching staff in the NL East.

On This Date in Mets History

1979: The Mets get the final piece of their return for Jerry Koosman from the Twins, acquiring southpaw Jesse Orosco as the player to be named later. Orosco was a second-round pick by Minnesota out of Santa Barbara Community College in 1978, and he only allowed five earned runs in 40 innings in Rookie Ball after getting drafted.

2018: The Mets sign two-time All-Star third baseman Todd Frazier to a two-year contract worth $16 million. Frazier split 2017 between the White Sox and Yankees and is coming off an uneven year in which he hit a career-low .213 but walked in a career-high 14.4% of his plate appearances.

Birthdays: Benny Ayala (72), Charlie Puleo (68), Endy Chávez (45)

The post Morning Briefing: Brandon Nimmo Won’t Play in World Baseball Classic appeared first on Metsmerized.

Jason Getz-USA TODAY Sports

Mets outfielder Khalil Lee has been named in a warrant by Syracuse police for “criminal obstruction of breath,” a charge often associated with domestic incidents. Lee has also been named in a lawsuit by his former partner, who accuses him of physical and verbal abuse.

In the lawsuit, the alleged victim states that Lee assaulted her by kicking her, pulling her hair, and choking her during an argument last May when Lee was playing for the Syracuse Mets. An arrest warrant for Lee was signed on August 10, 2022, and the lawsuit alleges that Major League Baseball was notified of the charge. Lee continued to appear for the Syracuse Mets throughout the end of their season on September 28.

According to SNY’s Andy Martino, MLB has an open investigation into the allegations.

Major League Baseball has an open investigation into the allegations of assault against Khalil Lee, who is on the Mets' 40-man roster, I am told.

— Andy Martino (@martinonyc) February 1, 2023

The Mets released the following statement about the allegations against Lee:

“The Mets immediately notified MLB upon becoming aware of the allegations. We will fully comply with MLB’s policy and cannot comment until the completion of the league’s investigative process.”

Lee has appeared in 13 games over two seasons with the Mets, including two games last June. He is currently on the Mets 40-man roster. The Mets acquired Lee from the Royals in a three-team trade in February of 2021.

The post MLB Investigating Assault Allegations Against Khalil Lee appeared first on Metsmerized.

Omar De Los Santos, Photo by Ed Delany of MMO

Tylor Megill has been on the shelf since mid-June with a strained right shoulder, but he looked no worse for wear, striking out the side in his rehab appearance for Binghamton. Megill’s return to the big-league club will be in the bullpen as opposed to the starting lineup where he started the season, but outings like this one prove how big of an asset he could be for a Mets team that has struggled at times to bridge the gap between the starting rotation and their top relievers.

Down in Low-A, Omar De Los Santos crushed a walk-off homer for St. Lucie.

AAA Game 1: Syracuse Mets (53-72) 4, Scranton/Wilkes-Barre RailRiders (65-59) 1 F/7 Box Score

• 3B Mark Vientos: 1-for-4, SO, .282/.360/.528
• 1B Dominic Smith: 2-for-4, RBI, R, SO, .285/.380/.431
• 2B Gosuke Katoh: 2-for-3, RBI, 2 R, .229/.300/.405

The Mets came out on top in the first game of Thursday’s doubleheader, scoring four unanswered runs in the later innings to claim victory. Only two of the team’s 10 hits went for extra bases, but seven of the nine batters in the starting lineup recorded at least one hit. Dominic Smith and Gosuke Katoh each had two hits and drove in a run. Mark Vientos had a single in four at-bats.

• RHP Harol González: 4.1 IP, 3 H, ER, 2 BB, 4 K, 13.03 ERA
• LHP Sam Clay: (W, 3-2), 1.2 IP, H, 0 ER, 3 K, 3.31 ERA
• RHP Bryce Montes de Oca: (S, 8), IP, 0 H, 0 ER, BB, K, 3.90 ERA

Harol González made his longest start of the season as he continues to work his way back from Tommy John surgery, striking out four and allowing just one run across 4 1/3 innings. Sam Clay earned the win in relief, getting through 1 2/3 innings unscathed. Bryce Montes de Oca picked up his eighth save at the Triple-A level without much trouble.

AAA Game 2: Syracuse Mets (53-73) 2, Scranton/Wilkes-Barre RailRiders (66-59) 3 F/10 Box Score

• LF Khalil Lee: 2-for-3, 2B, SB, RBI, BB, .214/.333/.384
• DH Dominic Smith: 1-for-5, RBI, R, SO, .282/.374/.423
• 2B Gosuke Katoh: 1-for-1, 3 BB, .232/.311/.408

The Mets fell short of sweeping the doubleheader, losing in the third inning of extras on a walk-off sacrifice fly. Khalil Lee doubled home a run and stole a base, while Dominic Smith picked up an RBI and scored a run. Gosuke Katoh had a great day at the plate in both games of the doubleheader, reaching base in all four of his plate appearances in this one.

• RHP Jordan Yamamoto: 4.0 IP, 3 H, ER, 3 K, 9.58 ERA
• LHP Nate Fisher: 3.0 IP, H, 0 ER, 2 K, 3.10 ERA
• RHP Trey Cobb: (L, 6-3), 0.2 IP, 0 H, 1 R (0 ER), 4.34 ERA

Jordan Yamamoto made his second start of the season for Syracuse and fared much better than his first start, firing off four strong innings of one-run ball. Nate Fisher was excellent in relief, pitching three scoreless innings to send the game to extras. Trey Cobb ended up with a tough-luck loss, retiring both batters he faced but allowing the automatic runner to score on a walk-off sacrifice fly.

AA: Somerset Patriots (74-47) 4, Binghamton Rumble Ponies (49-72) 3 Box Score

• SS Ronny Mauricio: 0-for-4, R, BB, 2 SO, .258/.294/.477
• 2B Wyatt Young: 2-for-3, 3B, R, SB, 2 BB, SO, .258/.353/.377
• 3B Luke Ritter: 2-for-4, R, SO, .229/.336/.420

The Rumble Ponies saw their five-game winning streak come to an end, falling just short of mounting a ninth-inning comeback. Wyatt Young had a big day at the plate, reaching base four times including a triple, stealing a base, and scoring a run. Ronny Mauricio went hitless in four at-bats, but he did draw a walk and score a run.

• RHP David Griffin: (L, 1-6), 5.0 IP, 10 H, 4 ER, 4 K, 5.57 ERA
• RHP Tylor Megill: IP, 0 H, 0 ER, 3 K
• RHP Joe Zanghi: IP, H, 0 ER, 2.74 ERA

David Griffin struggled throughout his five innings of work, allowing four runs on 10 hits and earning a loss for his troubles. Tylor Megill made his first rehab appearance since landing on the injured list on June 17 with a strained right shoulder, striking out the side in his one inning of work. His fastball was up to 97 mph, and he completely overmatched his Double-A competition.

A+: Wilmington Blue Rocks (61-61) 1, Brooklyn Cyclones (64-59) 9 Box Score

• DH José Mena: 4-for-4, 2 2B, 2 R, .251/.284/.380
• 1B JT Schwartz: 3-for-5, 2B, 2 RBI, .276/.358/.404
• C Matt O’Neill: 2-for-3, 3 RBI, 3 R, BB, .177/.331/.276

The Cyclones were victorious by a wide margin, and they have scored at least seven runs in six of their last seven games (6-1 record in that span). There were big performances throughout the lineup, including a four-hit game from José Mena and a three-hit game from JT Schwartz. Matt O’Neill filled up the stat sheet from the nine spot in the batting order, reaching base three times, driving in three runs, and scoring three more.

• RHP Luis Moreno: (W, 3-7), 7.0 IP, 3 H, 0 ER, 6 K, 2.96 ERA
• RHP Daison Acosta: IP, 0 H, 0 ER, K, 5.13 ERA
• LHP Daniel Juarez: IP, H, 1 R (0 ER), BB, K, 0.00 ERA

Luis Moreno was sensational across seven shutout innings, allowing just three hits and striking out six. He has been a revelation this season, pitching to the tune of a 2.85 ERA across 24 appearances (16 starts) with St. Lucie and Brooklyn. Daniel Juarez gave up an unearned run, but he has yet to allow an earned run in any of his first three appearances for Brooklyn.

A: Jupiter Hammerheads (58-62) 5, St. Lucie Mets (69-52) 7 Box Score

• CF Omar De Los Santos: 1-for-4, HR (15), 2 RBI, BB, .270/.338/.453
• 1B Vincent Perozo: 2-for-4, HR (1), 2 RBI, SO, .107/.161/.286
• C Kevin Parada: 0-for-2, 2 BB, R, SO, .091/.353/.091
• 2B D’Andre Smith: 0-for-3, RBI, SO, .269/.310/.538

The Mets won in dramatic fashion, with Omar De Los Santos hitting a walk-off two-run homer to seal the victory. Vincent Perozo also homered, his first time going yard for St. Lucie. 2022 first-round pick Kevin Parada went hitless and has just one hit in 11 at-bats to start his professional career, but he has drawn five walks and scored two runs.

Mets outfield prospect Omar De Los Santos hit a walk-off homer for the St. Lucie Mets last night.

He’s now one of three minor leaguers this season with at least 40 steals (70) and 15 home runs (15).

pic.twitter.com/QejJOopfY9

— Mike Mayer (@mikemayer22) September 2, 2022

• LHP Javier Atencio: 4.0 IP, 3 H, 0 ER, 3 K, 1.91 ERA
• RHP Kolby Kubichek: 3.0 IP, 4 H, 2 ER, 2 BB, 3 K, 3.09 ERA
• RHP Joshua Cornielly: (W, 4-3), IP, 0 H, 0 ER, BB, K, 4.95 ERA

It was a solid outing for Javier Atencio, who pitched four scoreless innings while striking out three batters. The bullpen stumbled in the middle innings, giving up four runs in the sixth inning, but held it together at the tail end of the game. Joshua Cornielly pitched a scoreless ninth inning and earned the win after the walk-off homer from De Los Santos.

Right-hander Douglas Orellana gave up two runs in his inning of work but the stuff was good with a fastball up to 97 mph and a curve up to 3100 rpms.

The post Mets Minors Recap: De Los Santos Hits Walk-Off Homer appeared first on Metsmerized.

Photo by Rick Nelson

Omar De Los Santos continues to set the base paths ablaze in Florida with two more stolen bases to give him 62 on the season in a St Lucie 4-3 loss. The Brooklyn Cyclones used big games from Jose Peroza and William Lugo to get back to the .500 mark and Dominic Smith and Khalil Lee would hit long home runs for Syracuse.

Syracuse Mets (49-64) 7 vs. Charlotte Knights (44-69) 8   BOX SCORE

• C Francisco Álvarez: 1-for-4, BB, .247/.356/.500
• 1B Dominic Smith: 2-for-5, HR (3), RBI, .256/.343/.411
• 3B Mark Vientos: 1-for-5, R, .275/.355/.521

The Syracuse offense seemed to be stuck on snooze mode through most of this game as the Mets managed to score only a couple of runs and came into the eighth inning trailing 7-2. The Mets would then mount a rally as their bats came alive in a big way as they put up a five-run inning and pulled even with Charlotte. The rally would ultimately fall short as the Knights would sneak by with an 8-7 victory. The Syracuse offense, despite missing Brett Baty is rolling in Charlotte, scoring a combined 15 runs in two games so far in the series.

Veteran outfielder Travis Jankowski made his return to the Mets organization, though he went 0-for-5 with three strikeouts.

Outfield prospect Khalil Lee had two hits in the game including this massive home run:

Fun with numbers ⬇️

Estimated exit velocity: 113 MPH

Estimated Distance: 453 Feet

The state that this ball landed in: ??? https://t.co/SEx2xHMAT5

— Syracuse Mets (@SyracuseMets) August 18, 2022

• RHP Connor Grey: 2.2 IP, 5 H, 3 R, 3 ER, BB, 2 SO, 5.52 ERA
• RHP Jordan Yamamoto: 2.2 IP, 7 H, 4 R, 4 ER, 0 BB, SO, 13.50 ERA
• LHP Rob Zastryzny: 1.2 IP, H, 0 R, 0 ER, BB, 4 SO, 3.61 ERA
• LHP Josh Walker: 1 IP, 2 H, R, ER, 0 BB, 2 SO, 9.00 ERA

With the sudden plague of injuries to Met starters, pitchers on the Syracuse Mets might be auditioning for a spot start with the big club in the coming days. It wouldn’t be a memorable start for Connor Grey, who would struggle through 2 2/3 innings of work, allowing five hits and three earned runs. Next up was Jordan Yamamoto, who has major league experience as a starter but wouldn’t fare much better in this one as in his 2 2/3 innings, he would allow Charlotte to scatter seven hits and four runs. After the Syracuse offense rallied back to tie the game, Josh Walker would give up the deciding home run to Mark Payton that sunk Syracuse, 8-7.

Binghamton Rumble Ponies (41-68) 0 vs. Richmond Flying Squirrels (53-56) 8   BOX SCORE

• RF Rowdey Jordan: 1-for-4, .256/.356/.381
• CF Brandon McIlwain: 1-for-2, 2 BB, .268/.354/.421
• LF Carlos Cortes: 1-for-2, 3B, .215/.290/.337

It’s been a rough season for Binghamton and tonight was no different for the Rumble Ponies as they were shutout in an 8-0 loss to Richmond. The Ponies were held to just three hits and the only extra-base hit went to Carlos Cortes, his first triple of the season.

Ronny Mauricio, the last of the top Met prospects still in Double-A went 0-for-4 with two strikeouts.

• RHP Tony Dibrell: (L,1-1) 3 IP, 3 H, 4 R, 4 ER, 2 BB, 5 SO, 7.00 ERA
• LHP Cam Opp: 2.2 IP, 6 H, 5 R, 4 ER, 3 BB, 0 SO, 13.50 ERA
• RHP Joe Zanghi: 1 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 0 ER, 0 BB, SO, 1.53 ERA

Tony Dibrell made his second Double-A start in this one and had a similar outing as his first. Dibrell would again last three innings and gave up four runs this time as he suffered his first Double-A loss. Despite laboring through 60 pitches, Dibrell did punch out five batters, a new single-game season high for him. Cam Opp, making his Double-A debut, came into the game in relief. Opp wouldn’t make a good first impression as he was tagged for six hits on four earned runs and walked three batters in just 2 2/3 innings of work in a messy 8-0 loss.

Hudson Valley Renegades (58-51) 5 vs. Brooklyn Cyclones (55-55) 7   BOX SCORE

• 2B Jose Peroza: 3-for-4, 2 R, 2B, RBI, .242/.331/.369
• 3B William Lugo: 3-for-4, R, HR (2), 2 RBI, .259/.345/.432
• SS Shervyen Newton: 0-for-2, 2 RBI, BB, .216/.308/.361

The Brooklyn offense was firing on all cylinders in this one as the Cyclones used ten hits to score seven runs in a 7-5 win over Hudson Valley. The Cyclones scored early, with a three-run second inning, and often as they scored a run in four out of the remaining six innings. Jose Peroza and William Lugo would put up big games at the plate, each tallying a three-hit game and Lugo launching his second High-A home run. On the base paths, Matt Rudick and Jaylen Palmer would each have a stolen base.

Lu-go Boy!    William Lugo with a solo shot – his second since joining the Cyclones – to extend Brooklyn’s lead to 6-1 after 7.#AmazinStartsHere #MiLB pic.twitter.com/9tOKU1ZzKQ

— Brooklyn Cyclones (@BKCyclones) August 18, 2022

• RHP Jeffrey Colon: 2.2 IP, 5 H, R, ER, 2 BB, 2 SO, 1.59 ERA
• RHP Nolan Clenney: (W,3-4) 2.1 IP, H, 0 R, 0 ER, BB, 2 SO, 5.88 ERA
• LHP Keyshawn Askew: 3.2 IP, 2 H, 4 R, 4 ER, 2 BB, 8 SO, 5.54 ERA

In his first start in High-A, Jeffrey Colon turned in a serviceable effort for Brooklyn. Through 2 2/3 innings, Colon would allow only one run, despite having a lot of traffic on the base paths as he allowed five hits and two walks. Nolan Clenney would earn the win with 2 1/3 innings of scoreless relief with a couple of strikeouts. Things would get dicey for the Cyclones in the ninth as Askew who had been cruising, suddenly began to stumble and allowed Hudson Valley to score four runs to cut the Brooklyn lead to two. Daison Acosta would come in and put out the fire as he got a big strikeout to strand the tying run on base and give the Cyclones a 7-5 victory.

St Lucie Mets (65-44) 3 vs. Lakeland Flying Tigers (52-56) 4   BOX SCORE

• LF Blaine McIntosh: 2-for-3, RBI, 2 BB, .254/.401/.393
• CF Omar De Los Santos: 1-for-5, 2 SB, .269/.334/.455
• 3B Chase Estep: 1-for-5, 2B, .346/.469/.538

Despite outhitting Lakeland, the Mets wouldn’t be able to outscore the Flying Tigers in a tight 4-3 loss. The loss didn’t stop the 2019 13th-round draft selection, Blaine McIntosh, from continuing his hot hitting in Single-A since his call-up from the FCL. In just five games, McIntosh already has seven hits, three RBIs, and is batting .389. Omar De Los Santos added two more stolen bases to his total, which has now reached 62 and he is just two away from Carlos Gomez‘s total of 64 back in 2005. Also worth noting, Long Island native Brad Malm would notch his first professional RBI in this game. The Mets signed the SUNY Albany product in late July to a minor league contract.

• RHP Franklin Sanchez: 2.2 IP, 3 H, 3 R, 3 ER, 2 BB, 3 SO, 3.90 ERA
• RHP Jace Beck: 1 IP, 0 H, 1 R, 1 ER, 3 BB, 0 SO, 1.76 ERA
• RHP Kolby Kubichek: 3.1 IP, H, 0 R, 0 ER, BB, 5 SO, 2.84 ERA

A three-run Lakeland third inning would doom Franklin Sanchez and the Mets to an eventual 4-3 loss. Sanchez had a smooth first two innings retiring six of his first seven batters, but things would unravel in the third inning, which was capped off by a Manuel Sequera game-tying home run. Jace Beck would come in in relief, but an unusual loss of control for Beck would hand him the loss despite not allowing a hit, as three walks and a run-scoring wild pitch would give Beck his first loss of the season.

Dominican Summer League: DSL Rockies (33-23) 5 vs DSL Mets (27-27) 1   BOX SCORE

• CF Simon Juan: 0-for-4, .219/.311/.318
• 2B Yonatan Henriquez: 1-for-3, BB, .250/.402/.352

The DSL Mets only managed to score one run in this one off of a Jesus Baez RBI-double as the Mets lost to the Rockies 5-1.

• RHP Wilson Esterlin: (L,5-1) 3.2 IP, 4 H, 3 R, 2 ER, 3 BB, 2 SO, 2.70 ERA
• RHP Ernesto Mercedes: 4.1 IP, 4 H, 2 R, 2 ER, BB, 6 SO, 4.05 ERA
• RHP Andinson Ferrer: 1 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 0 ER, 0 BB, SO, 1.91 ERA

Wilson Esterlin would suffer his first loss of the season, giving up two earned runs in his 3 2/3 innings of work. Ernesto Mercedes would rack up six strikeouts through 4 1/3 innings of relief. 

The post Mets Minors Recap: Smith, Lee Homer for Syracuse appeared first on Metsmerized.

Mandatory Credit: Gary A. Vasquez-USA TODAY Sports

It has been quite the journey over the past few weeks for Khalil Lee. This all culminating in a real moment of affirmation on Saturday night. After being demoted to Single-A, Lee got hot at just the right time after returning to the Triple-A level. As a result, he earned a call-up to the majors following injuries to Pete Alonso and Starling Marte.

If that wasn’t enough, the outfielder capped off a wild sequence of events by blasting his first career major league home run in the Mets’ 11-6 loss to the Angles on Saturday.

Never say die.

Khalil Lee hits his first MLB home run to make it 11-6 in the ninth. The Mets were trailing 11-2 down to their final out. pic.twitter.com/w8rosW2jWv

— Metsmerized Online (@Metsmerized) June 12, 2022

Lee showed tremendous power as he absolutely crushed a four-seam fastball, which travelled 411 feet over the deep left-center field wall. Having experienced all of the ups and downs of a young ballplayer in a short period of time, few can blame Lee for wanting to stay in the moment and take things as they come.

“I’ve been telling everybody, I’m riding the wave,” Lee said. “Every chance I get to go out and play the game, I want to play hard. Every opportunity I have, I don’t take it lightly.”

Given the crushing lows Lee has experienced this year, that isn’t a bad mentality to have. After a rough month in Triple-A with Syracuse, the 23-year-old was demoted to High-A St. Lucie. Rather than admit defeat, he instead worked on his swing and other mechanics.

It paid off.

Upon returning to Syracuse, Lee proceeded to rake at the plate and he had a slash line of .381/.480/.857. He totaled six doubles, four home runs, and three stolen bases in 12 games. That’s how you make a comeback.

Lee did have 17 strikeouts to just five walks in 56 plate appearances but there were obvious improvements in his approach at the plate. Timing is key in sports and Lee’s resurgence coincided with both Alonso and Marte going down hurt for the Mets. This ultimately led to a major league call-up for the lefty.

Mandatory Credit: Jason Getz-USA TODAY Sports

And, after going 1-for-18 (.056) with 13 strikeouts in 11 games with the Mets last year, Lee made a better impression by blasting a three-run homer in the top of the ninth inning. It didn’t matter in the overall context of the game, but it was a special moment for a player who has had to really work for his chance.

With Marte expected back in the lineup on Sunday, Lee’s stay in the majors may be a short one. Which is why he’s determined to make the most of every opportunity that comes his way.

“I go out there and play hard,” Lee said. “That’s what I’ve been doing. Everywhere the team sends me I’ll go and play hard and try and play my game.”

Take note, aspiring ball players. Refusing to quit, working on your craft and staying in the moment can carry you a long way. Just ask Lee after the last few weeks.

The post Khalil Lee Pelts First Career Home Run appeared first on Metsmerized.

Credit: Gary A. Vasquez-USA TODAY Sports

The New York Mets (39-21) faced off against the Los Angeles Angels (28-32) in Anaheim Saturday night. After taking game one of the three game set on Friday, Carlos Carrasco and the Mets looked to secure at least a .500 west coast trip. The Angels offense and starting pitcher Michael Lorenzen shined to beat the Mets by the score of 11-6.

Carrasco entered the night with hopes to build off of very good starts in his last two outings against the Padres and Nationals, where he combined for 12 innings, 15 strikeouts and only two earned runs. He began his night by walking Brandon Marsh in the bottom of the first. After striking out Mike Trout, the 2021 American League MVP Shohei Ohtani ripped a RBI double into the right-center field gap, plating Marsh and advancing to third after the relay throw to home was too tough to handle. Anthony Rendon followed that up with a RBI double of his own, allowing Ohtani to score, bringing the Angels’ lead to 2-0 after one.

The Angels’ offense had their foot on the pedal from start to finish. Their star power led the way, with Trout, Ohtani and Rendon each collecting at least one extra-base hit. Trout led off inning number three with a solo shot to left field. In the sixth inning, Trout hit a two-run moon shot to dead center field, pinballing off the rocks to improve the Angels lead to eight runs. Ohtani secured his second extra base with a home run off of Carrasco in the fifth inning, effectively ending Carrasco’s night.

The Mets were a part of the second cycle during their road trip, this time being on the receiving end of it. Angels first baseman Jared Walsh completed for the cycle after his ninth inning hit got past the diving glove of Khalil Lee. It was the first time an Angels player had earned this feat since June 13, 2019 by Ohtani.

Carrasco struggled with the power bats of the Angels offense. He allowed seven extra base hits, including two home runs, four doubles and a triple. His final line was 4 2/3 innings pitched, five earned runs, one walk and seven strikeouts. He picked up his second loss of the season. Entering the day, he was tied with six other pitchers for the league lead in wins, with seven.

The Mets’ offense was stagnant most of the night. Picking up hits here and there, they couldn’t seem to get the runs needed to cross the plate.

J.D. Davis and Luis Guillorme each picked up a pair of hits. Davis scored the first run on a single by Mark Canha. Pete Alonso crushed a hanging breaking ball in the eighth inning down the left field line, bringing the Mets’ deficit to 9-2.

The offense came alive late into the night by scoring four runs in the top of the ninth. Tomás Nido scored on an error by Walsh to get the runs started. Lee then stepped up to the plate and crushed a fastball into the night, a three-run homer, which was his first of his career, to cut the lead to 11-6. The damage stopped there and Patrick Mazeika struck out to end the game.

The Angels hit a total of five home runs, while collecting thirteen hits. They were 4-for-10 with runners in scoring position.

The Mets’ bullpen didn’t have a great night either. Jake Reed allowed three earned runs in less than a full inning of work, his first appearance since being recalled to the big leagues. Chasen Shreve allowed a solo home run to Walsh in the seventh inning. Shreve finished his day pitching two innings, allowing three hits and three earned runs, with three strikeouts.

Player of the Game: Khalil Lee

Lee was one of the very few bright spots for the Mets in this game. He didn’t check into the game until the eighth inning when the game was already out of hand. Coming in as a defensive replacement, he made his impact with a three-run shot to center field in the ninth inning. It was his first career home run, and his first hit for the Mets this season. After going 1-for-18 in 2021 in the big leagues, he is already off to a much better start to his 2022 campaign, no matter how long his time with the Mets may last.

The Mets will close out their west coast trip on Sunday Night Baseball on ESPN at 7:08 P.M. Taijuan Walker will face off against Patrick Sandoval. The Mets will need to win the game in order to finish the long trip with a .500 record.

The post Angels’ Might Too Strong For Mets In 11-6 Loss appeared first on Metsmerized.

Mandatory Credit: Jason Getz-USA TODAY Sports

Khalil Lee is back in the big leagues.

Earlier today it was reported that Lee is en route to San Diego to join the Mets from Syracuse. Now he is activated for Wednesday’s game, with relief pitcher Adonis Medina sent down in a corresponding move.

It is unknown how long Lee will remain in the bigs with Starling Marte stating he feels like he could avoid a stint on the injured list after he departed Tuesday’s game with a left quadriceps injury.

The Mets outfield now consists of Lee, Brandon Nimmo, Mark Canha, and Nick Plummer, with Travis Jankowski already on the injured list.

Lee played in 11 games for the Mets last season. Going 1-for-18 at the plate but did make a handful of fielding highlights.

This season he’s split time between Triple-A Syracuse and Low-A St. Lucie where he was demoted to in order to snap out of a slump.

In 42 games in the minors, Lee is hitting .225 with four home runs and 17 runs batted in. But over his last 11 games in Syracuse, Lee is hitting .364/.462/.773 with six doubles and four home runs.

The post Khalil Lee Activated, Adonis Media Sent Down appeared first on Metsmerized.