Photo by Ed Delany of Metsmerized

Kodai Senga threw on Monday, a day after being scratched from his scheduled spring training start with right index finger tendinitis.

Senga was seen throwing off flat ground, although it didn’t appear to be a maximum effort.

Senga is confident he’ll be ready for the start of the season and manager Buck Showalter backed his pitcher saying it was a precautionary move not to have the righty pitch on Sunday.

It’s possible the injury is due to the difference in the baseball used in MLB versus Japan’s Nippon Professional Baseball. It has caused issues for other players in the past, general manager Billy Eppler exclaimed.

Kodai Senga does some throwing as he recovers from his finger injury: pic.twitter.com/44CObXo0lc

— SNY (@SNYtv) March 13, 2023

The Mets pitching staff has caught the injury bug recently. Free agent acquisition Jose Quintana was shut down last week with what the Mets said is a “small stress fracture on his fifth rib on his left side.”

An update on Quintana is expected to be provided on Wednesday, said Eppler.

Additionally, Brooks Raley was scratched from Team USA with hamstring tightness. He was taken off the World Baseball Classic roster and replaced by former Met Aaron Loup.

If everything goes to plan, the low-grade hamstring strain will allow Raley to be ready for the start of the season on March 30.

The Mets also lost reliever Bryce Montes De Oca for the foreseeable future. The flamethrower trying to crack a roster spot left Sunday’s game with a forearm injury. He’s scheduled to undergo imaging this week.

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Credit: Dale Zanine-USA TODAY

Thanks to their victory Sunday against the Pittsburgh Pirates, the New York Mets are one win over the Milwaukee Brewers away from clinching a playoff berth. Clinching a playoff spot would see the Mets return to the postseason for the first time in six years (2016). This all made possible thanks to the Mets’ 7-3 victory over Pittsburgh, and the Brewers 12-8 defeat at the hands of the New York Yankees on Sunday.

With the Mets’ magic number now two, and the Brewers coincidentally welcoming New York to Milwaukee for a three-game set beginning Monday night, the Mets can simply clinch a playoff berth via win as soon as tomorrow night (Monday). To put it simply, any win by the Mets over the Brewers during the teams’ three-game series would clinch a Mets’ playoff berth.

The Mets can clinch a playoff spot with a win over the Brewers on Monday (or any win in the series). pic.twitter.com/oysh7oZxWm

— Metsmerized Online (@Metsmerized) September 18, 2022

Game one of the series is slated for Monday night at 7:40 P.M. ET. The game will feature two aces, as the Mets will run out Max Scherzer, in his first start back from injury. Meanwhile, the Brewers turn to their ace, Corbin Burnes (2.97 ERA). If New York does not get it done tomorrow, the Mets will have Carlos Carrasco going in game two and Taijuan Walker in game three. The Brewers have yet to announce a starting pitcher in game two, but will turn to Adrian Houser (4.85 ERA) in the third game of the series.

Worth pointing out, if the Mets were to get swept by Milwaukee, any New York win after the series would knock that magic number of two down by one. Same thing with any Brewers’ loss. That’s why it can be decided as soon as tomorrow.

Of course, the Mets clinching a playoff spot at this point is all but said and done. The bigger attention-grabber is the race for the division, which is far from over. With another victory on Sunday, the Atlanta Braves still only trail the Mets by a single game, with two games less played than New York.

The Mets and Braves will met for a three-game series in Atlanta from September 30 through October 2. Worth noting, if the Mets win at least one of those three games in Atlanta, they would own the tiebreaker for the division over the Braves. That in case those two teams are tied in the standings at season’s end.

Regardless, both the Mets and Mets’ fans should be ecstatic about the possibility of clinching a playoff spot on Monday. Its been six long years where the Mets’ organization has been through so much. When the clinching does happen, which is inevitable, despite it not being for the division, celebration should certainly be in order. After that, the race continues for the division.

The post Mets Can Clinch First Playoff Berth Since 2016 Monday appeared first on Metsmerized Online.

Credit: USA TODAY

Good morning, Mets fans!

The Mets are set to get their ace back this week as Max Scherzer is set make his start on Monday against the Brewers. The Mets starters have pitched well and the re-addition of Scherzer will increase the quality of the Mets rotation heading into the final stretch.

The Mets won their third straight against the Pirates Saturday. They stood pat with the Braves once again, as Atlanta won to keep the Mets’ division lead at one game.

Latest Mets News

According to Tim Healey of Newsday Sports, Tylor Megill returned to Citi Field Saturday night as his rehab assignment came to a close. He wasn’t sure when the Mets are scheduled to activate him, but that it should be within the next couple days.

Tim Healey of Newsday Sports also reported that Starling Marte, who is out with a fractured middle finger, said there is a “good possibility” he might be able to return by the end of the regular season. He attempted hitting a couple days ago and had “pain,” so he stopped.

Prior Saturday night’s game against Pittsburgh, the New York Mets announced the following roster transactions:

• Right-handed pitcher Mychal Givens was placed on the injured list.
• Right-handed pitcher Stephen Nogosek was reinstated from the 15-day injured list.

According to Anthony DiComo of MLB.com, Max Scherzer is lined up to come off of the injured list in time to start on Monday against the Brewers in Milwaukee.

Anthony DiComo of MLB.com also shared images from Saturday when Mets designated hitter Daniel Vogelbach visited the United States Merchant Marine Academy on Long Island to speak with their baseball team.

Latest MLB News

Per Bryan Hoch of MLB.com, Frankie Montas is headed for an MRI.

The Seattle Mariners announced on Saturday that they placed infielder Eugenio Suarez on the 10-day injured list and returned infielder Dylan Moore from his rehab assignment at Triple-A and reinstated him off of the injured list.

The St. Louis Cardinals announced on Saturday that they made the following roster transactions:

• Placed right-handed pitcher Jordan Hicks on the 15-day injured list with right arm fatigue/back spasms retroactive to September 15.
• Activated left-handed pitcher Steven Matz from the 15-day injured list (left knee sprain).

The Chicago White Sox announced on Saturday that placed right-handed pitcher Michael Kopech on the 15-day injured list with right shoulder inflammation and recalled right-handed pitcher Davis Martin Triple-A Charlotte.

Per Chris Cotillo of MassLive.com, multiple Red Sox players and coaches stayed in the clubhouse late Friday night to spend time with Kevin Plawecki who was designated for assignment by the Red Sox on Friday.

According to Mark Bowman of MLB.com, Atlanta Braves infielder Ozzie Albies exited Saturday’s game with an apparent finger or hand injuring while sliding into second base… Bowman later followed up and said Albies fractured his right pinky finger.

Latest on MMO

Sam Klein recapped the Mets’ minor league affiliate games and news from Saturday, September 16, including Ronny Mauricio driving in five runs for Binghamton in their victory Saturday night.

Brian Wright takes a look back at September 16, 1986 when the Mets clinched the NL East division title.

Andrew Steele-Davis recaps Edwin Díaz’s five-out save against the Pirates on Friday night.

Andrew Steele-Davis talks about how the Mets are embracing professionalism on and off the field.

Joe D. talks about the NL East divisional race coming down between the Mets and Braves.

Anthony Caraturo discusses Givens being put on the injured list and the Mets reinstating Nogosek from the injured list.

On This Date in Mets History

1963: The Mets played their last pro baseball game on Manhattan Island with only 1,752 fans in attendance.

Birthdays: Scott Holman (64), Roger Mason (65)

The post Morning Briefing: Scherzer Set To Start Monday Against Brewers appeared first on Metsmerized Online.

Credit: Brad Penner-USA TODAY Sports

Good morning, Mets fans!

Joe Pantorno of amNewYork quotes Buck Showalter on pitcher Max Scherzer saying “So far, so good” and targets a Monday return. Anthony DiComo of MLB.com tweets with Scherzer’s return to the rotation, the team will move pitcher David Peterson to the bullpen. Only throwing 29 pitches on Wednesday night, he will likely be available as a relief option this weekend.

The Mets broke out of their three-game skid in style as they defeated the Pittsburgh Pirates in a rout, 7-1 on Thursday. On the night Major League Baseball celebrated the life of Roberto Clemente, Puerto Rican born native Francisco Lindor played a big part in the win, providing a two-run homer that aided pitcher and Clemente award winner Carlos Carrasco with the win. For more on this win, check out our recap of Thursday night’s game.

The Braves had an off day, so the Mets’ lead in the NL East is back to a full game.

Now onto the morning briefing!

Latest Mets News

Tim Healey of Newsday tweets out a photo of current Mets coach Joey Cora and shortstop Francisco Lindor posing for a photo with former Mets players Carlos Beltran and Carlos Delgado. All players are of Puerto Rican descent and were on hand for the ceremony for Roberto Clemente.

The Mets Single-A affiliate in Port St. Lucie have clinched the Florida State League East Division and will play in the Florida State League Championship Series.

Congrats to the @stluciemets as they head to the Championship Series!

Photos by @ed880 pic.twitter.com/pUwes4LAQl

— Metsmerized Online (@Metsmerized) September 16, 2022

Anthony DiComo of MLB.com notes that Mets hitting coach Eric Chavez will be away from the team for personal reasons. The team hopes he will rejoin the club next week in Milwaukee.

Baseball America reports that the Mets are expected to sign Venezuelan shortstop Christopher Larez for at least a million during the 2023 IFA signing period.

Latest MLB News

Matt Eddy of Baseball America writes about Cubs prospect Pete Crow-Armstrong‘s recovery from his surgery and how his down time led to his breakout 2022 season. Crow-Armstrong was dealt to the Cubs from the New York Mets in exchange for pitcher Trevor Williams and shortstop Javier Baez.

Jayson Stark of The Athletic writes about the differences of infield dirt on every major league diamond and how that will be affected by the new shift rules.

Latest on MMO

Sandy Alderson is stepping down as the Mets’ president.

Make sure to check out our Series Preview as the Mets and Pirates play three more times.

We also talked about Topps’ newest release, 2022 Topps Chrome that comes out today.

On This Date in Mets History

1976: Mets pitcher Jerry Koosman hit the 20-win mark for the first (and only time) as a Met, beating the Cardinals in a 4-1 win.

1996: Mets center fielder Lance Johnson hit his 20th triple of the season off Atlanta Braves pitcher Denny Neagle. Johnson became the first Met to hit 20 triples in a season and the first National League player to do so since Willie Mays in 1957.

Birthdays: Chris Carter (39), Desi Relaford (48), Orel Hershiser (63)

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Photo Credit: Ed Delany, MMO

Monday afternoon in Port St. Lucie brought about another round of cuts, including prized catching prospect Francisco Álvarez. According to Tim Healey, fellow C Nick Meyer, OF Carlos Cortes, RHPs Yennsy Diaz, Jose Rodriguez, Antonio Santos, and LHP Josh Walker were also among the cuts.

Álvarez showed out in camp this March, as MMO’s Michael Mayer wrote. Drawing rave reviews from manager Buck Showalter, amongst others in uniform. The 20-year-old backstop exhibited an explosive bat, highlighted by a mammoth 441-foot bomb in front of another MMO contributor, Alexis Farinacci.

It’s yet to be determined which level the future lineup mainstay will begin in 2022, but his 31 HR and 96 RBI over his first 484 minor league bats are nothing to bat an eye at. Consider that Álvarez played the majority of those ABs at nearly four years younger–a bright future awaits.

Of the others reassigned to minor league camp, Meyer went 1-for-4 with three strikeouts and Cortes 2-for-10. On the pitching side, Walker appeared twice, striking out four over his four innings of work. Rodriguez worked a scoreless inning in his only appearance, while Diaz and Santos did not get the call during this year’s official spring training games.

The post Monday Afternoon Cuts Include Álvarez appeared first on Metsmerized Online.

So what’s cookin’ down south?  Duaner Sanchez made his first throws to live batters today in an intrasquad game.  The Mets vs. the Mets.  He went one innning, giving up 2 hits, no earned runs, 1K, 1 BB, and threw 26 pitches.  The best part is that he threw all of his pitches and rumor has it that his change up was outstanding. 

El Duque may not be ready for the first month of the season.  But even if he isn’t, with all the off days early on, the Mets may choose to go with a four-man rotation to start the season.  Or if they prefer, they can use Pelfrey as the fifth starter until El Duque is ready.

The confidence level of this team is, well, motivating. Everyone knows what they have to do and how to do it.  This team knows that the fans still believe in them, but even still, they know they cannot let us or themselves down again.  We expect nothing less than going all the way.

An SNY poll during Mets Hot Stove Live tonight asked the fans how many games they expect the Mets to win this year.  Fifty-four percent of the viewers said 96+ games.  Forty percent said between 91 and 95 games.  Want my opinion?  Well, I’m gonna give it to you anyway.  If everyone stays healthy and performs at their best abilities, Carlos Beltran (NOT Jimmy Rollins) will be absolutely right with his pick for the team to beat.

The post Monday Mets Minutes appeared first on Metsmerized Online.

As a player, I would be thinking, hey, there were no major moves to change the make-up of this team, which means that we have to do so much more with what we already have. And any changes we did make, involve a lot of “getting to know you,” as in the case with Brian Schneider and the pitching staff. Is it possible that not seeing any major moves could bring down the morale of this team?

There are two things the Mets must do right off the bat (no punt intended) to increase morale. They must have a healthy and successful Spring Training, with no injuries and a winning pre-season record, and they must start the regular season on a positive note, winning Opening Day and at least seven of their first ten games. This will build confidence and character, and reinforce the fundamentals needed to win.

This year, I want to see a tougher Willie Randolph. No more excuses, no more accepting mediocrity. I know it’s not whether you win or lose, it’s how you play the game. But let’s face it – for the Mets and Mets fans alike, it is whether you win or lose. We can accept losing a game, but not a season.

The post Monday Mets Minutes appeared first on Metsmerized Online.

"We are open to finalizing a deal with the Mets," Mongelluzzi said in an e-mail. "The Mets have repeatedly stated that they ‘want the player’ and discussions will continue. However, I don’t believe that the Mets are ready as they are considering all of their options." 

This does not mean that the Mets’ interest in Jorge Posada has softened any. Posada is still the Mets’ number one option at catcher, but they clearly want the Lo Duca camp to know that they are also clearly on the Mets radar.

In the long run, I just can’t envision any scenario where Posada does not re-sign with the Yankees, so I am glad that the Mets are not burning any bridges with Lo Duca.

There are also some rumors that the Mets have expressed an interest in free agent catcher, Yorvit Torrealba, but hopefully the Mets stay clear of him. The 29-year old had a hot post season, but let’s not forget he is a .215 hitter away from Coors Field and that 80% of runners stole on him last season.

The post Mets And Paul Lo Duca To Sit Down And Talk On Monday appeared first on Metsmerized Online.

He is slated to start on Monday unless he feels sluggish tomorrow after todays bullpen session.

Pedro said "If my arm doesn’t fall off, I will pitch on Monday." he also said "I miss my teammates, I can’t stand to be one more day without my team."

He had a very impressive bullpen session that featured an assortment of curve-balls, change-ups, and a fastball that was clocked in the low 90’s on the radar gun.

Wilie Randolph, Rick Peterson and Omar Minaya were all very pleased with the results, and after a short meeting, the decision was made to start Pedro on Monday.

There was one more thing that Pedro said during his interview. He said that if his change-up was as good as it was today, he can get anybody in the game out!

I don’t know about you guys, but this Mets fan is absolutely stoked!!

The post Pedro Martinez Will Start Monday Against The Reds! appeared first on Metsmerized Online.

And, might I add, that yesterday’s sweep was absolutely fantastic and that I loved the back page of Newsday this morning with the title "STRAIGHT A’S." ha ha

As you all know Carlos Delgado didn’t play yesterday, but check this little tidbit out…

Before the game, Delgado went to Willie Randolph and said "it’s was fine if you want to sit me." Apparently Delgado insisted he was OK. Anyhow it gets better…

Remember when Delgado committed an error on Saturday and also dropped a throw from Jose Valentin? Well, yesterday there was a chest protector hanging in Delgado’s locker with his last name and number on it. It also had No. 22 (Valentin’s number) on a bandage in the middle of it. I don’t know if this was a poor attempt at humor, but it sure wreaked of that "Know Your Place Rook" incident last year.

Let’s get one thing straight, I am not a big fan of Guillermo Mota. With that said I must point out that he had his third straight impressive outing on Sunday. It was his his third consecutive hitless performance, walking one and striking out two. And for all you radar gun buffs out there, he hit 94 mph for the second straight appearance.

Finally, why did I have to read a dozen stories from bloggers freaking about Julio Franco not being able to play first base yesterday??

Does anybody really care??

So what, he’s having problems with his right knee. My problem is that he hurt it during the Yankees series and chose not to say anything about it until yesterday.

Those are immediate grounds for releasing him if you ask me.  It will be very sad to see him stay on the team while Carlos Gomez gets sent down to AAA once Chavez or Alou comes back.

What do you think???

The post Know Your Place Rook – Volume Two, And More Monday Morning Rants appeared first on Metsmerized Online.