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Lindor moved on to Phase 2 of All-Star voting as one of the top two finishers among NL shortstops alongside Los Angeles Dodgers superstar Mookie Betts, whom he ultimately bested en route to clinching his spot as a starter. Balloting began on Monday and ran through noon EST today before the results were revealed on ESPN.

Following his rookie season with the Cleveland Guardians in 2015, Lindor earned four-straight All-Star nods from 2016 to 2019. He never started during that stretch, however, and will now have the opportunity to do so at Truist Park on July 15.

Lindor’s exclusion from the All-Star roster since joining the Mets ahead of the 2021 season had stuck out like a sore thumb, particularly after not making it in 2024 despite finishing second in NL MVP voting and recording the sixth-most fWAR (7.8) of any position player in the league.

The 31-year-old has struggled at the plate since breaking his toe on a hit-by-pitch against the Dodgers on June 4, evidenced by a .628 OPS last month, though he is still boasting a .255/.324/.442 slash line with 16 home runs. Furthermore, his 3.0 fWAR coming into the day was tied for the 14th-most among all qualified position players.

The rest of the All-Star rosters will be announced this Sunday on ESPN at 5 p.m.

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10. 1987

Davey Johnson‘s reward for being in the World Series is representing the NL as manager. He had Gary Carter and Darryl Strawberry in his starting lineup and Keith Hernandez off the bench, but it was Sid Fernandez who closed out the extra-inning victory.

Runs were at a premium thanks mainly to the late-afternoon sun at the Oakland Coliseum. The NL finally broke through in the 13th after Tim Raines‘ triple with “El Sid” preserved in the bullpen. Fernandez walked the leadoff batter but found his location from then on.

9. 1969

If the country wasn’t aware of the rapidly improving New York Mets—in second place at 53-39 and five games behind the Chicago Cubs by the time the All-Star Game arrived—it soon would. Three players who contributed to the turnaround were selected for the 40th midsummer classic at Washington D.C.’s RFK Stadium.

Cleon Jones started in left field for his first All-Star appearance and went 2-for-4, Jerry Koosman pitched 1 2/3 scoreless innings, and eventual Cy Young Award winner Tom Seaver was present but was not called on to the mound in what turned out to be a 9-3 NL win.

8. 1964

In its debut season, Shea Stadium had already opened in conjunction with the New York World’s Fair. By July, it had already seen a perfect game (thrown by Philadelphia’s Jim Bunning on June 21), and now it hosted one of the greatest All-Star Games.

Mets fans who had little success to cheer for in the early years latched on to Ron Hunt, a scrappy second baseman elected to start for the National League in his home park. He would go 1-for-3, but more excitement was saved for the finish. Johnny Callison of the Phillies hit a walk-off homer to give the NL a 7-4 win, the last time in the contest’s history to end in such a fashion.

7. 1986

The Mets were the predominant story of ’86, so it was of little surprise that when the All-Star rosters were announced, the Mets had the most participants. At the Astrodome on July 15, the setting for future postseason drama, the Amazin’s had five selectees – Dwight Gooden, Carter, Hernandez, Strawberry, and Fernandez.

The recognition of the Mets’ accomplishments was apparent in the starting lineup. Fans voted in Carter at catcher, Hernandez at first base, and Strawberry in right field. At age 21, Gooden was making his third All-Star appearance in three seasons. He worked a scoreless first and was touched up for two runs in the second. The Hernandez-Carter-Strawberry trio combined to go 1-for-9 with Darryl logging the lone hit against Teddy Higuera in the bottom of the fifth.

6. 1979

The lowly Mets had one participant, but he was very much present even though he didn’t appear until the eighth inning. Nevertheless, Lee Mazzilli‘s cameo at the Kingdome was made worthwhile. Leading off with the NL down 6-5, Mazzilli took a Jim Kern pitch down the left field line that snuck just over the wall. The defensive heroics of MVP Dave Parker kept the score even into the ninth. That’s when the NL, and Mazzilli, took advantage of wild American League pitching.

Joe Morgan drew a one-out walk and moved to second on a balk. Parker was intentionally walked. Ron Cey earned the traditional free pass to load the bases for Maz with two gone. Ron Guidry came in, but his 3-1 pitch drifted outside. Mazzilli had driven in the tying and go-ahead runs. The 7-6 lead was placed into the hands of Bruce Sutter, who closed out the NL’s eighth straight win.

5. 1975

Jon Matlack was often second or third on the hierarchy of Mets pitchers during that era. But not long after Tom Seaver relinquished the lead by giving up a game-tying sixth-inning blast to Carl Yastrzemski, he bailed out this rotation cohort and kept the American League from scoring anymore. Matlack got two strikeouts (mixed in with a caught stealing) in the seventh inning and two more in the eighth.

It was certainly an MVP-caliber performance. Matlack shared the honor on this night at Milwaukee’s County Stadium with Bill Madlock of the Chicago Cubs, who produced the game-winning hit in the top of the eighth and allowed the lefty to get the victory.

4. 2006

Apparently, nobody told him the Home Run Derby was over. David Wright complimented his runner-up finish in the annual long ball contest with a drive off former Met Kenny Rogers, clearing the left-field fence to tie it up at one in the second inning.

Wright was one of six Mets selected to the NL squad in a season when the NL East was already a runaway by the unofficial midway point. Carlos Beltrán doubled in the first inning and later stole third and scored the tie-breaking run. That 2-1 lead held up until Trevor Hoffman let it get away in the ninth inning.

3. 2015
“Hi, I’m Jacob deGrom, and I have the chance with my stuff to just dominate baseball for years to come.”

Never has Joe Buck been so on point with a call. The 27-year-old defending Rookie of the Year wasn’t around long for his All-Star debut. That was of his own doing. DeGrom didn’t just strike out each of the three American League All-Stars he faced in the sixth inning at Cincinnati’s Great American Ballpark. He was nearly immaculate, fanning Stephen Vogt, Jason Kipnis, and finally — OMG! — Jose Iglesias on a mere 10 pitches.

2. 2013

The Mets’ past, present, and future was on display as Citi Field hosted the game for the first time. David Wright was the unofficial ambassador, starting at third base and batting fourth. He caught the ceremonial first pitch from Tom Seaver, who not surprisingly has the most All-Star appearances of any Met.

The actual first pitch also came from a Met. Matt Harvey was the headliner, earning the nod in his first full big-league season. For those in the national audience still unaware of “The Dark Knight,” they got glimpses over 32 pitches. Harvey brushed off early jitters to toss two scoreless innings before the announced crowd of 45,186—the largest in the brief history of Mets’ new stadium. As for Wright, he singled in the seventh, the last of his three at-bats in the game and, as it turned out, his seventh and final All-Star appearance.

1. 1984

For All-Star K’s, no one did it better—in quantity and quality—than Carl Hubbell back in 1934. After Fernando Valenzuela struck out the side in the fourth inning at Candlestick Park, it was time for Dwight Gooden (and history) to make an appearance as one former sensation passed the baton to the current one.

The 19-year-old was the youngest All-Star in history and, in the fifth inning, did what had been doing to hitters thus far in his Rookie of the Year campaign, Gooden overpowered a succession of American League sluggers: Lance Parrish of Detroit, fellow Tiger Chet Lemon, and the Mariners’ Alvin Davis.

Gooden tossed another scoreless frame with future teammate Gary Carter behind the plate.

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Despite a tough day for the offense, Lindor reached base four times, tallying a double, two RBIs, and a walk. He then faced former Yankees closer Aroldis Chapman in the ninth. Chapman came in for the save, walking Francisco Alvarez to start the ninth, and gave up a single to Harrison Bader. He struck out Mark Vientos and Luis Torrens, but Jose Iglesias worked him for eight pitches, drawing a walk to load the bases.

With the Mets down to their last out, Lindor lined a slider to left field, perfectly placing it in front of the left fielder. He saw a 101-mph fastball for a ball and then took a slider for a strike before hitting another slider to left field, driving in the tying and go-ahead runs. Pinch-runner Ben Gamel and Harrison Bader scored, putting the Mets back on top, 3-2.

Francisco Lindor; clutch!

The #Mets retake the lead via a two-out single. Huge at-bat by José Iglesias to work the walk prior.

The Mets continue to own Aroldis Chapman who entered today with a 6.23 career ERA against NYM (highest of any team).pic.twitter.com/9AegD84On2

— Metsmerized Online (@Metsmerized) July 7, 2024

Entering Sunday, Francisco Lindor ranked second in fWAR among National League shortstops. Lindor continues his resurgence over the last two months, hitting .277/.335/.492 with ten homers, 34 RBIs, and 12 stolen bases over his last 58 games.

After a forgetful April, the four-time All-Star has 22 multi-hit games since the beginning of May, which is tied for the fifth most in MLB in that span. Over his last 30 games, he has a slash line of .286/.350/.532 with six home runs and 16 RBIs, along with eight stolen bases in 126 at-bats.

Sunday’s performance perfectly showcased Lindor’s ability to take control of a game, significantly adding to the Mets’ efforts to turn their season around. While there’s a chance he can be considered as an injury replacement for the All-Star game, Lindor currently stands out as one of the top players not named to the roster. In the bigger picture, this situation benefits the Mets, as Lindor is living up to his contract and proving his worth on the field.

The post Francisco Lindor Is Mr. Clutch Despite All-Star Snub appeared first on Metsmerized Online.

Happy Independence Day to the best nation in the world!

On Wednesday, MLB released the starting lineups for the AL and NL as they prepare for the 2024 All-Star Game, which will be held on July 16 at Globe Life Field in Arlington, Texas. While no Mets made the starting lineup, plenty of first time All-Stars got the starting nod and familiar faces continue to cement their Midsummer Classic legacies. Here are the starting lineups for each league:

NL: C: William Contreras, MIL, 1B: Bryce Harper, PHI, 2B: Ketel Marte, ARI, SS: Trea Turner, PHI, 3B: Alec Bohm, PHI, OF: Christian Yelich, MIL OF: Jurickson Profar, SDP OF: Fernando Tatis Jr., SDP, DH: Shohei Ohtani, LAD.

AL: C: Adley Rutschman, BAL, 1B: Vladimir Guerrero Jr., TOR, 2B: José Altuve, HOU, SS: Gunnar Henderson, BAL, 3B: José Ramírez, CLE, OF: Aaron Judge, NYY, OF: Juan Soto, NYY, OF: Steven Kwan, CLE, DH: Yordan Álvarez, HOU.

Along with announcing the starters for the 96th annual All-Star Game, MLB also released the uniforms that will be worn on the field.

Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports

On Wednesday evening, the Mets found themselves on the losing side for the first time in their series against the Nationals this week. After taking two extra-inning games to start the four-game set, the Mets were not able to outscore their bullpen woes, blowing a 5-1 lead and falling by a score of 7-5 to the Nationals. For a full game breakdown, click here.

The Mets will try to leave Washington with a series win as they finish up the series. Jose Quintana (4.57 ERA, 3-5) will face Jake Irvin (3.03 ERA, 6-6) of the Nationals at 11:05 a.m. ET.

Latest Mets News

Kodai Senga looked sharp in his first rehab start for the High-A Brooklyn Cyclones: 2.2 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 6 K, 35 pitches/25 strikes. To learn more about Senga’s first rehab start, click here.

The Mets called up Christian Scott from Triple-A Syracuse and DFA’d RHP Matt Festa prior to Wednesday’s game. Scott started on Wednesday, going 5.2 IP 6 H, 4 ER, 2 BB, and 2 SO while leaving the game with a 5-4 lead.

Veteran outfielder Trayce Thompson was released from his contract with the Triple-A Syracuse Mets, per Mike Mayer of Metsmerized Online.

Latest MLB News

Minnesota Twins slugger Royce Lewis was placed on the 10-day IL with a right adductor strain.

The Milwaukee Brewers acquired starting pitcher Aaron Civale in a trade with the Tampa Bay Rays, sending INF prospect Gregory Barrios to Tampa Bay in return.

Toronto Blue Jays closer Jordan Romano underwent arthroscopic surgery on his right elbow to repair an impingement and will be down from throwing for at least six weeks, per Keegan Matheson of MLB.com. It is still unknown if he will be able to return this season.

The Minnesota Twins called up their top infield prospect, and No. 13 prospect in all of baseball, Brooks Lee, per Declan Goff of SKOR North. Lee started at third base and went 2-for-4 with an RBI in his MLB debut.

Jon Heyman reported on a Bleacher Report livestream that the Seattle Mariners and Los Angeles Dodgers are the “most likely” landing spots for Chicago White Sox star outfielder Luis Robert Jr.

Latest on MMO

Jose Iglesias and the Mets offense have propelled them to key late-inning wins.

Sean Manaea helped lighten the heavily taxed bullpen’s load with his impressive outing on Tuesday.

Kodai Senga shined in his first rehab start.

On This Date in Mets History

2006: The Mets score three runs in the bottom of the 8th to take a 7-6 lead over the Pirates and Billy Wagner locks it down in the 9th, recording his 300th career save. 

1985: In a 19-inning marathon, the Mets outlast the Braves, winning by a score of 16-13 behind a Keith Hernandez cycle.

1972: Tom Seaver comes within two outs of a no-hitter against the Padres, before a base hit by Leron Lee broke up the no-hit bid.

Birthdays: Jared Hughes (39), José Oquendo (61)

The post Morning Briefing: MLB All-Star Game Starters Announced appeared first on Metsmerized Online.

Alonso is the highest-ranked Met at any position. He sits in fourth place among first basemen with 273,369 votes. The top seven first basemen were unchanged since last week, with Bryce Harper and Freddie Freeman leading the way. Harper has more than two million votes, while Freeman has over a million. Narrowly ahead of Alonso is the Braves’ Matt Olson (309,079), despite a moderate .744 OPS from the slugger this season.

Alonso certainly hasn’t had his best campaign either, and it’s an important year for him with free agency looming this offseason. He still owns a solid .793 OPS, but that’s in line to be the lowest mark of his career.

Lindor and Martinez both stayed in seventh place on the shortstop and DH lists, respectively.

Lindor has really come alive lately after a brutal start to the season offensively, hitting .276 with an .875 OPS in the month of June. His 3.0 fWAR ranks seventh among MLB shortstops this season. With 222,414 votes, he trails sixth-place Ha-Seong Kim by only a little more than 1,000. Mookie Betts and Trea Turner lead the way.

Martinez, meanwhile, had a delayed start to his Mets career due to injury. But the veteran DH has settled in nicely and become one of the Mets’ most valuable offensive pieces. In 36 games, he’s hit .290 with an .870 OPS and a 150 wRC+. Martinez is about 30,000 votes behind sixth-place Joc Pederson. At the top, expectedly, is Shohei Ohtani, with Marcell Ozuna in second.

The biggest difference for the Mets in this week’s ballot is that it includes Alvarez, who snuck his way into 10th place among National League catchers. He has 135,063 votes. Alvarez missed nearly two months due to injury, but he’s hitting .361 with a 1.036 OPS in 12 games since his return. In 28 games overall, he owns a 133 wRC+. The biggest detractor on his season is the sample size, with still fewer than 100 plate appearances, but his recent surge has at least gotten him some recognition.

William Contreras and J.T. Realmuto are the top two catchers with the most votes.

Over in the outfield — which lists 20 rather than 10 — Marte slipped from No. 16 to No. 18 since last week. He still sits ahead of Corbin Carroll and Jackson Chourio. He’s had a fine if unspectacular season, with a 116 wRC+ and 0.6 fWAR. His bat has rebounded from last year’s 76 wRC+, but his defense at 35 years old is nowhere near what it used to be.

Bader, who’s much more of a defense-first player, fell out of the top 20 after placing exactly 20th last week. The center fielder has come up with some clutch hits for the Mets, though his OBP is still just .316. His 1.1 fWAR actually ranks fifth on the team, however — behind only Lindor, Brandon Nimmo, Martinez and Alonso.

Speaking of Nimmo, he’s nowhere to be found on this list despite a 131 wRC+ and 2.2 fWAR.

The top six outfielders on the list, in order, are Jurickson Profar, Christian Yelich, Teoscar Hernández, Fernando Tatis Jr., Brandon Marsh and Nick Castellanos.

Phase 1 of voting is set to end this week, with the top two at each position (and top six outfielders) being revealed on Thursday on MLB Network at 6 p.m. ET. Those players will advance to the second phase of voting. The singular player with the most votes in each league will receive an automatic starting spot in the All-Star Game. Phase 2 voting is scheduled to take place from June 30 to July 3.

The way the numbers look, it’ll be pretty much impossible for any Met to advance to Phase 2. However, as always, each MLB team is guaranteed at least one All-Star representative.

The post Francisco Alvarez Enters All-Star Ballot, Harrison Bader Falls Off appeared first on Metsmerized Online.

Gregory Fisher-USA TODAY Sports

No player on the Mets has received more votes for the All-Star Game than Pete Alonso.

Alonso, vying for his first All-Star appearance, has earned 958,777 votes. The second-most among National League first basemen. Only the Cardinals’ Paul Goldschmidt has more with 1,562,027.

MLB released the updated vote totals on Monday.

Here are where the rest of the Mets position players stand.

Catchers
James McCann – 6th – 216,561

Second Basemen
Jeff McNeil – 3rd – 945,335

Third Basemen
Eduardo Escobar – 5th – 373,614

Shortstop
Francisco Lindor – 3rd – 808,729

Designated Hitter
J.D. Davis – 5th – 227,208

Outfield
Starling Marte – 4th – 765,362
Mark Canha – 7th – 526,319
Brandon Nimmo – 10th – 423,751

The player with the most votes per league will automatically win the starting spot at their position. Currently, for the National League, it’s the Dodgers’ Mookie Betts with 2,270,566 votes.

Phase one of voting will conclude on June 30.

For the remaining positions not filled by the top vote-getters, the top two players for each of the infield positions and up to six players for outfield positions will advance to phase two of voting.

Right now that puts Alonso and Marte as the only two Mets advancing to phase two of the voting with Lindor, McNeil, and Canha needing to make up votes.

Lindor is 260,583 votes behind the Braves Dansby Swanson for top-two at shortstop. McNeil is 39,511 votes behind the Braves Ozzie Albies at second base. And Canha is 53,791 votes behind the Braves Adam Duvall in the outfield.

The second phase of All-Star voting starts on July 5 and continues until July 8. High votes in phase two of voting will determine the remainder of the All-Star starters.

Submit your All-Star ballot here.

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