On Wednesday, the Mets announced that lefty reliever Danny Young will be placed on the 15-day IL, retroactive to April 27, with a left elbow strain. Along with that move, righty Chris Devenski was selected from Triple-A Syracuse and the recently signed lefty Brooks Raley was transferred to the 60-day IL. Unfortunately, this does not seem like a short-term stint, as Mets manager Carlos Mendoza told reporters that the southpaw may need Tommy John Surgery.

On the field, the Mets came up short against the Arizona Diamondbacks last night. Despite getting 4 1/3 scoreless innings of relief from Brandon Waddell pitching in the big leagues for the first time since 2021, a ninth-inning rally from the Mets offense came up shy, resulting in a 4-3 loss. Click here for a full-game recap of Wednesday night’s loss at Citi. 

The Amazin’s will look to take the rubber match against Arizona on Thursday as Kodai Senga (1.26 ERA, 3-1) will face Zac Gallen (5.57 ERA, 1-4) at 1:10 PM EST. New York will look to get back in the win column before hitting the road for a 6-game road trip in St. Louis and Arizona.

Latest Mets News

Francisco Lindor stopped by St. John’s University to speak with the school’s baseball and softball teams.

Chris Majkowski was the producer-engineer for his 5,000th consecutive Mets game on radio on Wednesday night. Jay Horwitz went in-depth on the man behind the Mets radio broadcast. 

Latest MLB News

The Cubs called up veteran RHP Chris Flexen from the minors, per Jesse Rogers of ESPN. Flexen had a 1.16 ERA in 5 starts at Triple-A Iowa. 

Bo Bichette intends to join his brother and play for Brazil at the WBC, per Ayako Oikawa of MLB.com. Bo Bichette on the matter, “It means a lot to our whole family. We want to do our best to contribute to the team’s victory and draw some attention to Brazilian baseball.”

A fan fell onto the field from the Clemente Wall bleachers (21 feet in height) in right field during the Pirates game at PNC park last night. The latest update from the Pirates was that Pittsburgh EMS, along with both clubs’ athletic training teams, responded immediately, and he was taken to Allegheny General Hospital.

Mike Trout left Wednesday night’s Angels game with precautionary knee soreness, per Jeff Fletcher of SoCal News Group. Trout is already feeling better and will try to play on Thursday.

Miami Marlins manager Clayton McCullough announced that outfielder Griffin Conine will miss the remainder of the 2025 season after undergoing shoulder surgery on Tuesday. He is expected to be a full-go for 2026 spring training. 

The Seattle Mariners selected the contract of former Mets draft pick OF Rhylan Thomas and will make his MLB debut when he first appears in a game. 

Former Met Jake Diekman signed with the Lincoln Saltdogs of the American Association.

The Miami Marlins released their new City Connect uniforms.

Latest On MMO

Brandon Waddell sparkled in his MLB return. 

Mark Vientos was the subject of MMO’s Weekly Statistical Spotlight.

Mets ninth-inning rally came up short.

On This Date In Mets History

2011: The crowd erupts in “U-S-A” chants during the ninth inning of a Mets-Phillies game after news of Osama Bin Laden’s death breaks.

1987: Tim Tuefel hits a walk-off pinch-hit solo homer to beat the Expos 7-6.

Born On This Date: Marcus Stroman (1991), Manny Acosta (1981), Joe Hietpas (1979), Armando Reynoso (1966), Charlie O’Brien (1960), Ray Searage (1955), Roy Lee Jackson (1954)

The post Morning Briefing: Danny Young Might Need Tommy John Surgery appeared first on Metsmerized Online.

Three-time MVP Mike Trout told reporters Monday that he met with the Angels’ coaches on Sunday and determined that he will play right field moving forward to help preserve his body. Trout played in just 29 games in 2024 before landing on the injured list with a torn meniscus. He then tore the muscle again during a rehab assignment, sidelining him for the rest of the season. Trout remains among the game’s elites when he’s healthy, but 2024 was the fourth straight season Trout has missed significant time due to injury, and he’s played over 100 games just once since 2020.

Kiyoshi Mio-USA TODAY Sports

Latest Mets News

It was revealed Monday that Frankie Montas has a high-grade lat strain and will be shut down for six to eight weeks. Montas will then need to go through a full spring training cycle before returning to a big league mound. The right-hander signed a two-year, $34 million contract with the Mets back in December.

Speaking to the media for the first time since re-signing with the Mets, Pete Alonso said he’s excited to return to New York and hopes to finish what the team started in 2024. Alonso said he appreciated that Steve Cohen was willing to meet with him in person and that his teammates played a role in his decision.

Drew Smith said Monday that he and the Mets came to an understanding around Christmas Eve that he would be re-signing with the team. Smith said pitching in 2025 would be the best-case scenario for him.

Latest MLB News

Giancarlo Stanton said Monday that he is dealing with a “very high” level of pain in both elbows and hasn’t swung a bat in close to a month. Stanton added that he is unsure if he will be ready for Opening Day.

Dominic Smith has reported to Yankees camp and is looking forward to reconnecting with Luis Rojas, Pat Roessler, and Omar Minaya. Smith also said that he is very excited about his swing entering the season.

The A’s have agreed to a three-year extension with manager Mark Kotsay. In 2024, the A’s showed progress by playing .500 ball in the second half of the season, improving by 19 games from 2023.

Rafael Devers told reporters that he doesn’t want to give up playing third base to become a designated hitter. The Red Sox recently signed 2024 Gold Glover Alex Bregman to a three-year contract and have top prospect Kristian Campbell waiting in the wings.

The Guardians have agreed to a one-year contract with left-hander John Means. The deal includes a club option for 2026. Means will spend most of 2025 rehabbing from Tommy John surgery.

The Royals have agreed to a contract extension through 2030 with general manager J.J. Picollo. The contract includes a club option for 2031. Picollo took over the role after Dayton Moore was dismissed in 2022, and since has been responsible for signing Seth Lugo and Michael Wacha, as well as negotiating an extension for Bobby Witt Jr.

The Blue Jays have signed veteran righty Jacob Barnes to a minor-league contract. Barnes appeared in 63 games for the Nationals in 2024, posting a 4.36 ERA with 55 strikeouts against 20 walks in 66 innings.

The Cubs and right-hander Chris Flexen have agreed to a minor-league contract, pending a physical. The 30-year-old spent 2024 with the White Sox, posting a 4.95 ERA with 123 strikeouts over 160 innings.

Latest on MMO

Elliot Teichman previews what to expect from non-roster invite Adbert Alzolay.

Our own Ed Delany was on hand to take some photos at Mets camp on Monday.

On This Date in Mets History

Born on This Date: Bob Miller (1938), Jerry Morales (1949), Jeff McKnight (1963), Kevin Tapani (1964), John Valentin (1967), Shawn Estes (1973).

The post Morning Briefing: Mike Trout Moving to Right Field appeared first on Metsmerized Online.

The New York Mets completed the season sweep of the Subway Series for the first time since 2013 on Wednesday night.

After taking the first two games in Queens in June against their Bronx rivals, the Mets came into Yankee Stadium on Tuesday with all of the odds against them. Despite not getting to New York until 5 a.m., the Mets squeaked out an improbable win behind a huge ninth inning from Jake Diekman on Tuesday night. However, on Wednesday night, the Mets put the final nail in the Yankees’ coffin and left nothing for chance.

With Gerrit Cole on the mound at Yankee Stadium, the Mets’ bats were going to have to come to play in order to complete the season sweep of the Subway Series. But, the Mets hitters were more than up to the task. Tyrone Taylor started the home run party in the third inning with a solo shot, and the barrage carried on from there. Pete Alonso put the Mets ahead with a two-run bomb, Francisco Lindor followed with two long balls of his own, and Mark Vientos put the finishing touch on the Mets’ 12-run night with a solo shot in the eighth. The Mets held the Yankees to just three runs in a 12-3 slaughtering of the Bronx “Bombers.”

The Mets will look to carry their hot bats back over to Queens as they host the Braves in a pivotal four-game set, which will have great implications on the Wild Card picture. Luis Severino (7-3, 3.58 ERA) will battle Chris Sale (13-3, 2.70 ERA) in Game 1 of the series on Thursday night at 7:10 p.m.

Photo by Brad Penner-USA TODAY Sports

Latest Mets News

Mets manager Carlos Mendoza told the media that Christian Scott will not require elbow surgery, per Anthony DiComo of MLB.com. He’s going to go the rest-and-rehab route and will be shut down for the next two weeks. For more information, click here.

José Iglesias jumped on the mic to talk to the ESPN booth about his hit song “OMG” during the Mets’ win against the Yankees on Wednesday night. 

José Iglesias gets on the mic and talks about the story behind his hit song "OMG" 🎙️ pic.twitter.com/Y7LltxqiV5

— ESPN (@espn) July 24, 2024

The Mets signed their picks from the 14th and 16th round on Wednesday. Fourteenth-rounder Tanner Witt signed for $225,000 ($72,500 goes toward the bonus pool) and 16th-rounder Josh Blum signed for $150,000, per Carlos Collazo of Baseball America.

Amazin’s first round pick Carson Benge also signed with the club. Click here for more details on the contract signing. 

Latest MLB News

After leaving just two innings into his first rehab appearance with a sore knee, Mike Trout was not in the Los Angeles Angels Triple-A affiliate Salt Lake Bees lineup on Wednesday night and will be returning to Southern California to be reevaluated. 

The Dodgers signed and activated INF Nick Ahmed, replacing Miguel Rojas who was rettroactively placed on the IL to July 22 with right forearm tightness, per Fabian Ardaya of The Athletic. The Dodgers also activated RHP Tyler Glasnow.

The Milwaukee Brewers placed former MVP OF Christian Yelich on the 10-day IL with low back inflammation. Yelich will see a spine specialist on Thursday to discuss next steps, including the possibility of season-ending back surgery, per Adam McCalvy of MLB.com.

MLB Network announced their direct-to-consumer offer for fans on Wednesday. Fans can purchase MLB Network through a standalone offer of $5.99 per month and through other avenues as well.

Prince Fielder‘s son, Jadyn Fielder, is joining the Brewers organization as an undrafted free agent, per Ken Rosenthal of The Athletic. The 19-year-old plays second and third base.

Chris Sale, who was supposed to start for the Braves on Wednesday night, will now pitch the first game against the Mets on Thursday, per David O’Brien of The Athletic. Charlie Morton, Spencer Schwellenbach and Reynaldo López, in that order, will start rest of the games against the Mets.

Blue Jays outfielder Kevin Kiermaier told Marc Topkin of the Tampa Bay Times, that he will be retiring after the conclusion of the 2024 season. Kiermaier is still playing with the Blue Jays despite the team placing him on waivers and exploring trade options for the 34-year-old Gold Glove center fielder.

MLB will be redirecting money collected from teams that spend over the luxury tax to teams whose TV revenues are hurting, per Evan Drellich of The Athletic. The CBA provision will give teams losing TV money up to $15 million each, with an estimated limit of $75 million in payment league wide. 

Latest on MMO

Mathias Altman-Kurosaki looked into potential Mets trade target A.J. Puk.

Ricky Keeler highlighted Jeff McNeil‘s power surge in the second half.

David Melendi applauded the Mets bullpen brilliance on Tuesday night. 

On This Date in Mets History

2023: The Mets take the second game of a two-game set to split their Subway Series bout with the Yankees. Justin Verlander threw six scoreless innings and Pete Alonso hit two homers in the 9-3 victory.

2015: In his second MLB game, Michael Conforto goes 4-for-4 with a walk, and RBI, and four runs scored in a 15-2 romping of the Dodgers at Citi Field.

2014: Lucas Duda hits a two-run go-ahead home run in the top of the ninth inning off former Mets closer K-Rod, Francisco Rodríguez. Jenry Mejía went on to throw a scoreless bottom of the ninth to lock down the 3-2 win.

1990: Leading 10-3 going into the bottom of the ninth, the Mets give up six runs before John Franco forces a lineout with the tying run on third base to hold on to a 10-9 win.

Birthdays: Guillermo Mota (51), Billy Wagner (53)

The post Morning Briefing: Mets Sweep Subway Series For First Time Since 2013 appeared first on Metsmerized Online.

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 Online.

The Mets are rolling.

With a 9-1 win over the Pittsburgh Pirates, the Mets earned a series sweep over the Buccos and have now won four straight series to get back over .500. Luis Severino had another solid outing and the offense continued swinging their hot bats during their four-game win streak. Click here for a full breakdown of the Mets’ win on Wednesday.

Photo by Brad Penner-USA TODAY Sports

Now, the Mets are heading out west as they have to go on one of those vaunted west coast trips. After their 0-5 start it seemed as though this would be an impossible task, but after winning 10 of their last 13, the Mets will go into California with momentum.

Starting on Friday, New York will go to Dodger Stadium and face reigning MVP Shohei Ohtani and the other prize of this past offseason, Yoshinobu Yamamoto, in a three-game set. After facing the struggling Dodgers, who have lost three of their last four series, they will head up the coast to San Francisco to take on the third-place Giants. 

After bouncing back the past two weeks, even a split of these next six games would leave the Mets in a great spot for their next homestand. What’s your prediction for the Mets’ west coast trip?

Latest Mets News

The early reports on Brett Baty are encouraging and Mets manager Carlos Mendoza believes he will be able to avoid the IL, per Will Sammon of The Athletic. Baty left Tuesday’s game against the Pirates with left hamstring tightness.

The Mets announced that they have claimed Michael Tonkin off of waivers from the Minnesota Twins and have DFA’d Tyler Jay. Click here for more information on the transaction.

Mets RHP prospect Christian Scott joins Baseball America‘s top 100 list. Click here for more information.

Laura Albanese of Newsday dove deeper into Mets fan, “The Rally Pimp,” and how his aura has helped turn the Mets’ season around. 

Michael Clair of MLB.com wrote an article about the possibility of bringing baseball to Wrexham AFC as the Mets and Phillies prepare to face off in London this season.

Jack Fisher, who was the starting pitcher for the Mets for the first game at Shea Stadium, threw out the first pitch at Wednesday’s game, 60 years later. Click here for a flashback to that game 60 years ago.

Latest MLB News

Robert Stephenson will miss the season with an elbow injury, the Angels announced.

Justin Verlander will be coming off the IL and is planning to make his first start of the season for the Houston Astros on Friday against the Washington Nationals, per Brian McTaggart of MLB.com.

Boston Red Sox pitcher Garrett Whitlock was placed on the 15-day IL with a left oblique strain. To fill the spot, they called up LHP Joe Jacques from Triple-A Worcester.

The Colorado Rockies placed former MVP Kris Bryant on the 10-day IL (retroactive to April 14) with a low back strain. They subsequently recalled outfielder Sean Bouchard from Triple-A Albuquerque. 

The San Diego Padres placed their all-star pitcher, Yu Darvish, on the 15-day IL (retroactive to April 15) with neck tightness. They called up RHP Logan Gillaspie from Triple-A El Paso to take his spot.

The Cleveland Guardians sent cash considerations to the San Diego Padres and received RHP Pedro Avila in return. 

The Seattle Mariners reinstated INF/OF Sam Haggerty from the 10-day injured list and optioned him to Triple-A Tacoma.

Mike Trout tells Alden González of ESPN.com, a trade “hasn’t even crossed my mind.” González added that Trout seems hellbent on proving that he’s still elite and can bring the Angels to the playoffs.

Pirates manager Derek Shelton said that catcher Joey Bart was scratched from Wednesday’s lineup as he has not felt well after getting hit in the head with a home run in batting practice, per Noah Hiles of the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette. The incident happened while Bart was catching in the bullpen.

Latest on MMO

Metsmerized is giving away a rally pimp T-shirt on Twitter. The Rally Pimp will also be joining the MMO podcast this week!

Metsmerized Online continues to remember the founder of the website, Joe D., a year later.

Read up on the Mets 9-1 win against the Pirates, claiming their first sweep of the season!

On This Date in Mets History

2014: The Mets trade first baseman and former first-round pick Ike Davis to the Pittsburgh Pirates for pitcher Zach Thornton and a player to be named later (Blake Taylor). Davis hit .241 with 68 home runs during his time in Queens. 

Birthdays: Brady Clark (51), Rico Brogna (54), Doug Flynn (73)

The post Morning Briefing: Mets Have Won 10 of 13 appeared first on Metsmerized Online.

Mike Trout. Mandatory Credit: Kiyoshi Mio-USA TODAY Sports

According to USA Today’s Bob Nightengale, the Los Angeles Angels are open to trading star outfielder Mike Trout if he wants out. Trout does have a full no-trade clause so he would have final say on his fate. Recently, Trout said he wants to have a conversation with the Angels’ front office and management and the franchise’s direction.

It is no secret Trout has been arguably the best player of the last decade-plus. He ranks 52nd all-time in Baseball Reference’s Wins Above Replacement statistic. However, injuries these past fews seasons has limited Trout to from posting a season of more than 500 at-bats since 2019. Regardless, when he has been on the field, the 11-time All Star and three-time MVP is arguably the most valuable player in the game.

The Angels, who have only made the playoffs once since Trout joined the team, are headed toward their ninth-straight season without the postseason. The team took an uber-aggressive approach at the deadline selling off several key pieces of the farm in exchange for several rental players to help make a postseason run.

However, since the deadline, they have fallen flat. On August 1, the Angels were 56-52 three games back from the last Wild Card spot. Since that trade deadline day, the Angels have gone 10-25 now trailing in the Wild Card race by 13.5 games. The team has since put several pieces, including some they acquired at the deadline, on waiver, admitting defeat once again.

To top everything off, the team is likely to lose soon to be two-time MVP Shohei Ohtani to free agency furthering back the trajectory of the franchise. With all this, it is no surprise to see Trout’s future in question with the organization.

All eyes will certainly be on the Vineland, New Jersey native if the above mentioned report turns out to be true and he is indeed on the block come the offseason.

The post Nightengale: Angels “Open” To Trading Mike Trout If He Requests appeared first on Metsmerized Online.

Shohei Ohtani returned to the mound for the first time in two weeks, but it was short-lived as he only recorded four outs prior to being taken out due to arm fatigue. After the second half of a doubleheader against the Reds, in which Shohei DH’d and batted second, Angels GM Perry Minasian told reporters that he had a tear in his UCL. While it is still unknown whether Ohtani will need surgery or not, the Angels did say that he will be not pitch for the rest of the 2023 season. The star two-way player has a history of elbow injuries which includes Tommy John surgery in October of 2018 and his recent problems with arm fatigue. Even though Ohtani is an MVP-caliber player with his bat alone, this will surely hurt him during his impending free agency negotiations.

The Ohtani news seemed bad enough for the Los Angeles Angels, but things only got worse for the club as Rhett Bollinger of MLB reported that Mike Trout is heading back to the IL. The Angels star center fielder was just reinstated from the IL after suffering a hamate fracture in his hand, but Trout’s injury struggles continue as he will miss time again. 

Shohei Ohtani. Jayne Kamin-Oncea-USA TODAY Sports

Wednesday night, the Mets fell to the Atlanta Braves in the rubber match of a three-game set down in Atlanta by a score of 7-0. José Quintana put up the worst outing of his short Mets career as he went 5 1/3 IP while allowing five earned runs, four of those coming in a frustrating sixth inning for the veteran lefty. But, the Braves did not need much with Charlie Morton scorching through the Mets lineup, as the Mets did not get a hit until the fifth inning and failed to scratch across a run. Wednesday night’s matchup was the final of 10 games against Atlanta, with the Mets finishing 3-7 against the Braves on the season.

The Mets have an off day Thursday as they prepare to host the struggling Los Angeles Angels this coming weekend.

Latest Mets News

Pete Alonso was awarded MLB Players Trust Most Valuable Philanthropist for the month of July. Alonso and his wife Haley have many philanthropic ventures off the field, and along with winning the award they will receive a grant to be used towards The Alonso Foundation. Alonso was commended for his wide ranging support, while mainly focusing on first responders, kids, and animal shelters, he also jumps in whenever there are people in need. In a video released by the MLBPA, the Mets slugger said, “I just want to do the best I can to use the platform and have this opportunity and use it for good.”

Per Mike Mayer of Metsmerized Online, the Mets will remember Joan Payson with a tribute video on the outfield scoreboard as part of Women’s Equality Day on Saturday at Citi Field. Along with that, the Mets will also be hosting the Massapequa International 12-and-under softball team. 

Mets prospects Jett Williams and Luisangel Acuña had good nights at the plate as they each got three hits a piece. Williams went 3-for-5 with four RBIS and has raised his OPS to 1.112 in 20 games with High-A Brooklyn. Acuña went 3-for-4 with a walk as he has been on base 14 times in his last six games with Double-A Binghamton. 

Sean Reid-Foley put together a 1-2-3 eighth inning against the Braves Wednesday night as he made his first appearance since undergoing Tommy John surgery in May of 2022. 

Latest MLB News

In an article detailing the White Sox’s decision to fire GM Rick Hahn and VP Kenny Williams, USA Today‘s Bob Nightengale mentioned how Tony La Russa is back in the fold in Chicago. The White Sox former manager, who stepped down in 2022 due to health issues, has been cleared to work again and is back with the club as a consultant as he recently scouted Chicago’s minor league system. 

The Oakland Athletics officially submitted their Las Vegas relocation application to Major League Baseball, and with that their owner John Fisher spoke to the media for the first time since the A’s relocation saga began. In an article with the Las Vegas Review Journal‘s Mick Akers, Fisher touched upon many things, but most importantly noted that he has not considered selling the team throughout the process. The A’s owner also mentioned how the move to Las Vegas will help in the process of fielding a competitive team, hoping for success which parallels to the Las Vegas Golden Knights, which would be winning a championship within six years. 

Latest on MMO

Rivka Boord did a deep dive into Jeff McNeil’s midseason turn around.

Petey Pete looked at how the Mets 2024 Triple-A rotation could be key parts of the big league club’s future.

Chris Bello detailed the reports of the Mets opening up a new pitching lab. 

On This Date in Mets History

2015: David Wright hits a second inning home run against the Philadelphia Phillies in his first at-bat in over four months, returning from a back injury. Wright’s home run was part of a record setting day for the Mets offense as they set a franchise record with eight home runs in a single game. 

2014: Bartolo Colon induces a ground ball from Dodgers’ outfielder Matt Kemp to turn the eleventh triple play in Mets franchise history. Lucas Duda completed the 5-4-3-2 triple play as he threw Yasiel Puig out at the plate as he attempted to score from second on Kemp’s double play. 

Birthdays: Jamie Callahan (29), Bartolome Fortunato (49), Butch Benton (66)

The post Morning Briefing: Ohtani Tears UCL, Trout to the IL appeared first on Metsmerized Online.

Good morning, Mets fans!

According to Paulsen of Sports Media Watch, there was a record audience of nearly five million viewers for the World Baseball Classic final.  The Fox Sports 1 audience outdrew all but one MLB game on the network last year (including postseason). The game referenced was Phillies vs. Padres NLCS game four with an average of 4.88 million viewers. Tuesday’s Japan vs. United States World Baseball Classic championship game averaged 4.48 million viewers on Fox Sports 1 and 4.97 million viewers when including Fox Sports Deportes.

Now, it is time for the morning briefing.

Latest Mets News

Tim Healey of Newsday reports that Carlos Carrasco will not make his scheduled minor league start on Thursday. Buck Showalter said it is because of “elbow maintenance” that he does periodically. Carrasco will skip this outing and pitch five days later (Tuesday, also a minor-league game).

Edwin Diaz tweeted the following message Wednesday morning (translated): “I want to thank God for giving me the opportunity to celebrate another year of life with my loved ones, it’s already 29, we’re going to the third level soon. Regarding my health, I feel super good, positive in rehabilitation so I can return as soon as possible.”

Michael Mayer reports that MLB games on Apple TV will not be free this year. To watch them, you must be a Apple TV+ subscriber. The Mets at Phillies game on June 23rd will be on Apple TV+.

Pete Alonso reflected on his WBC experience via his Instagram by saying, “The WBC was such an incredible experience. It was an honor being able to represent the US with my fellow Mets and also meet and play with some of the best players in the game!!!! Such a wild ride. Until next time WBC.”

Francisco Álvarez was interviewed by SNY Wednesday, saying, “Defensively I felt like I was improving, and I want to continue improving there. My bat wasn’t excelling the way I was expecting it to, but I trust in it. Going down there is going to help me to get the reps that I need.”

Katie Honan of The City NYC reports that a state lawmaker introduced a bill Wednesday that would authorize New York City to build on the parking lot at Citi Field. This would help pave the way for redevelopment plans envisioned by Mets owner Steve Cohen that include a new casino.

Tim Healey of Newsday wrote about Kodai Senga abandoning his signature splitter lately and other Mets news.

Latest MLB News

On ESPN’s “Get Up,” Buster Olney said that Shohei Ohtani‘s future contract could be worth 600 million dollars or more because “there’s nobody else in baseball that can do what he can do […] He’s going to have enormous bidding for the best player in the world.”

Jon Heyman of MLB Network reports that Brewers ace Corbin Burnes has hired BorasCorp to represent him. The former Cy Young winner is a free agent at the end of the season.

Mike Trout wrote his WBC reflections on his Twitter: “It’s hard to sum up into words what these last couple of weeks have meant to me. I had the time of my life representing that USA on my chest! The energy was electric and made the WBC a moment I’ll always cherish. So thank you all so much. It was an honor to be your captain.”

Matt Gelb of The Athletic reports that Ranger Suárez will likely not be ready to begin the season. He still has inflammation in his left arm so the team sent him for an MRI Wednesday. He has no structural damage. He will take a few days to rest it. At this point, it appears Matt Strahm could begin the season as the Phillies’ fifth starter.

Evan Drellich of The Athletic wrote an article covering new MLB rule changes.  The MMO News Desk also has more on this story.

Latest on MMO

Dan Quiñones has a recap of Wednesday’s game.

John Sheridan writes about Francisco Álvarez being optioned to the minors.

Rich Sparago talks about the Texas Rangers potentially leaving Diamond Sports.

On This Date in Mets History

1978: A month after Bud Harrelson told the Mets brass that he felt “unwanted,” general manager Joe McDonald traded him to the Philadelphia Phillies for infielder Fred Andrews and $50,000 cash.

Birthdays: Dellin Betances (35), Mike Remlinger (57)

The post Morning Briefing: World Baseball Classic Draws Record Number of Viewers appeared first on Metsmerized Online.

Mike Trout vs. Shohei Ohtani.

That’s the billing of Tuesday night’s 2023 World Baseball Classic Final. The United States and Japan—two of the best teams throughout the whole tournament—face off for the WBC title.

Japan made the final after winning a thrilling game against Mexico. Down 3-0, new Red Sox outfielder Masataka Yoshida launched a three-run home run to tie the game in the seventh inning. Mexico—off the strength of Randy Arozarena—went up 5-3 by the next frame, and Japan pulled a run closer in the bottom of the eighth. The stage was set for Shohei Ohtani, leading off the bottom of the ninth. He doubled, Yoshida walked, then Munetaka Murakami—one of Japan’s best young hitter—roped a double to left field scoring the tying and winning run.

The United States, on the other hand, had Monday off after besting Cuba 14-2 on Sunday. USA has won five of their six games, and Japan hasn’t lost a game yet. The U.S. could win its second WBC, and Japan is looking to win its third

Yu Darvish will start for Japan, and there’s a chance Ohtani could come in for relief. (CORRECTION: Shota Imananga is starting. Darvish may still pitch.) Ohtani told Ken Rosenthal Monday night he would be “prepared.” Merrill Kelly will start for USA, and the team should have its full relieving corps ready to go after having an off day on Monday.

The game starts at 7 p.m. on Fox Sports 1.

USA Lineup

1. Mookie Betts – RF
2. Mike Trout – CF
3. Paul Goldschmidt – 1B
4. Nolan Arenado – 3B
5. Kyle Schwarber – DH
6. Trea Turner – SS
7. J.T. Realmuto – C
8. Cedric Mullins – LF
9. Tim Anderson – 2B

Japan Lineup

1. Lars Nootbaar – CF
2. Kensuke Kondoh – RF
3. Shohei Ohtani – DH
4. Masataka Yoshida – LF
5. Munetaka Murakami – 3B
6. Kazuma Okamoto – 1B
7. Tetsuo Yamada – 2B
8. Sosuke Genda – SS
9. Yuhei Nakamura – C

The post WBC Game Thread: USA, Japan Face Off in Finals appeared first on Metsmerized Online.

Via MLB/Team USA

We’re getting into crunch time in the World Baseball Classic and we have a mouthwatering game to look forward to on Saturday. Team USA will take on Team Venezuela with a place in the semifinals at stake.

While the WBC has come under fire this week in light of the Edwin Díaz injury news, the tournament has still delivered plenty of thrilling moments and that will only continue the deeper we get in.

Saturday’s marquee showdown will feature some important Mets connections, too. Pete Alonso will be hoping to help Team USA continue their march to hopefully defending their crowd. Meanwhile, Eduardo Escobar will be looking to help Venezuela remain unbeaten and move a step closer to ultimate glory. Escobar hit a home run in Venezuela’s victory over Israel on Wednesday.

Team USA finished second in Pool C (3-1) after losing to Mexico but beating Great Britain, Canada and Columbia. Team Venezuela, on the other hand, went a perfect 4-0 in what was a juggernaut of a Pool D, beating the Dominican Republic, Puerto Rico, Nicaragua and Israel.

Before we look ahead to Saturday’s contest a little more, however, there was some WBC action on Friday as Mexico met Puerto Rico in quarterfinal 4.

Puerto Rico 4-5 Mexico

In what was one of the best and most electrifying games yet of the World Baseball Classic, it was Mexico who came out on top in an absolute thriller.

It was Puerto Rico, though, who came out swinging. Showing no impact in the wake of the devastating injury to Díaz just days before, Javier Báez and Eddie Rosario hit back-to-back home runs in the first inning. However, Mexico got back into the game thanks to Isaac Paredes, who hit an absolute 412 feet moonshot off former Met Marcus Stroman.

.@LuisUrias03 gives Team Mexico the lead in the 7th! #WorldBaseballClassic pic.twitter.com/MCmvjvvewg

— World Baseball Classic (@WBCBaseball) March 18, 2023

Francisco Lindor and the rest of the Puerto Rico lineup was stifled by excellent pitching, while Mexico continued to get clutch hits at the plate. Paredes hit a game-tying, two run single to left field, before Luis Urías followed that up with a go-ahead single to put his country in the driving seat. Randy Arozarena then made a superb leaping catch at the warning track to rob Emmanuel Rivera in the eighth inning.

While Lindor and Puerto Rico will now head home, Mexico will begin preparing to take on a powerhouse Japan team in the semifinals on Monday.

USA vs. Venezuela, 7:00 P.M. EST

This is a matchup between two heavyweights with a lot of talent. Team USA boasts a lot of star power up and down their lineup and they have been powered by Mike Trout. The Angels superstar has been thriving on the big stage, going 3-for-4 and driving in all of Team USA’s runs during their win over Columbia on Wednesday. Trout is slashing .417/588/.833 in his first four WBC games.

Venezuela are unbeaten heading into Saturday’s quarterfinal, and they have been playing really impressive baseball from the very start of the tournament. They too have a lot of talent in their ranks, including veteran catcher Salvador Perez who was named the Pool D MVP after going 5-for-10 at the plate in his first three games. Perez drove in five runs and hit a homer and three doubles while slashing .500/.545/.1.100 during that stretch.

Neither Alonso nor Escobar are in the lineup for their respective countries.

Chicago White Sox righty Lance Lynn will get the start for Team USA, while Texas Rangers lefty Martín Pérez will go for Team Venezuela.

The winner of Saturday’s quarterfinal will go on to meet Cuba in the first semifinal on Sunday night.

Saturday’s quarterfinal between Team USA and Team Venezuela will be broadcast live on FOX.

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