On a dreary and drizzly evening in front of a paltry 6,840 at Shea Stadium, Matlack made the seventh start of his second full season. The reigning National League Rookie of the Year would see more than just his career flash before his eyes on May 8. A searing line drive off the bat of Atlanta’s Marty Perez headed back to the mound—resulting in a pitcher’s greatest fear.

With almost no time to react, Matlack did all he could to prevent direct contact. The ball nicked his glove and struck him square on the left side of his forehead. The ricochet actually allowed two Braves runners to score, but that concern was mild compared to the pressing worry about the condition of the 23-year-old pitching star as he writhed on the ground.

Both teams gathered around Matlack before he was placed on a stretcher and hauled away to a local hospital—the final diagnosis: a fractured skull. And in what can only be deemed a baseball miracle, Matlack returned to the same mound 11 days later, wearing a hockey goalie’s headband for protection.

If he appeared timid in the wake of his brush with mortality, it would have been understandable. But Matlack soon shook off any residual fears and regained the form of his rookie year at a very opportune time. On his way to ranking third in the NL in strikeouts with 205, he won six of his final seven regular-season decisions—most coming during a stretch when New York went 24-9 to go from worst to first in the NL East.

Matlack’s hot hand carried over into October, as his smooth delivery and effective mix of pitches held postseason opponents to four runs in 25.2 innings. Game 2 of the NLCS was his finest performance—and one of the best performances in franchise history. It came when the Mets were desperate to regain momentum from the Cincinnati Reds.

New York wasn’t facing a must-win situation by ordinary standards. Still, there was a sense of urgency considering who it was up against—a lineup of Hall of Fame–worthy bats with bold-faced names like Pete Rose, Joe Morgan, Tony Pérez, and Johnny Bench. This was as close as you could get to a 1970s version of “Murderer’s Row.” Limiting its potency was a task not many were able to accomplish. Tom Seaver nearly did it, only to be victimized by solo homers from Rose and Bench in a tough-luck 2–1 defeat in Game 1.

Matlack, though, could deftly negotiate the explosive Reds’ attack and barely permitted them to reach base. Forgoing his usual volume of fastballs, he instead relied on an assortment of breaking pitches to throw Cincinnati’s power bats off-balance. It worked to near perfection. In a 5–0 complete-game victory, the only two hits came from unheralded Andy Kosco. As for the quartet of Rose, Morgan, Pérez, and Bench, they combined to go 0-for-16.

Little changed for the rest of the series. The Reds mustered just six more runs. Game 5’s 7–2 win ended with Matlack in the bullpen—in case Tug McGraw encountered ninth-inning trouble. Rather than an emergency role in the fifth game, he got the coveted starting assignment for the World Series opener in Oakland.

Since this series went seven games, Matlack got three starts—each against the A’s Ken Holtzman. He won just once, but didn’t allow an earned run in two of those outings. Victimized in Game 1 on a grounder under the legs of reliable second baseman Félix Millán, which preceded a 2–1 loss, Matlack came back stronger in Game 4—going eight innings and yielding three hits in a 6–1 New York victory that drew the Mets even.

Matlack was asked to pitch the seventh game on three days’ rest. It was his lone dud of the entire postseason. The costliest missteps came in the third inning. Two-run blasts from Bert Campaneris and eventual series MVP Reggie Jackson knocked out Matlack, and the Mets were staggered to a state from which they wouldn’t recover.

While the Mets never approached the same level of success in the ensuing years, Matlack continued to be a dependable part of the rotation. In fact, 1974 was arguably his best season: a 2.41 ERA, a 149 ERA+, a league-best FIP of 2.42, and seven shutouts.

The Mets didn’t comply. Run support resulted in an undeserved 13-15 record.

Jon Matlack left New York after the 1977 season and, with a career ERA barely over 3.00, remains one of the more underrated Mets ever. Recent induction into the team’s Hall of Fame is evidence of his success.

The post Spirit of ’73: Jon Matlack appeared first on Metsmerized Online.

Good morning, Mets fans!

The Seattle Mariners Friday ended their 21 year postseason drought thanks to a pinch-hit, walk-off home run off the bat of Cal Raleigh. The magical moment clinched the club a spot in the playoffs as a Wild Card team, marking the first time they will be in the Postseason since 2001.

The Mets didn’t have the same magic Friday night, as they fell to the Braves 5-2.  Jacob deGrom surrendered three solo home runs to Austin Riley, Matt Olson, and Dansby Swanson. The Mets made a push in the ninth, as they had the bases loaded with two out. However, after long battle with Kenley Jansen, Tyler Naquin struck out to end the game. Chris Bello wrote a further recap of the loss.

Latest Mets News

Tim Healey of Newsday reported that Francisco Álvarez was on his way to Miami following the minor league season when he received the call that he was being promoted.

Latest MLB News

Matt Monagan of MLB reported that team Pakistan has three pitchers that are 16 years old in the World Baseball Classic.

Justin Toscano of AJC reported that Spencer Strider has not yet begun throwing.

The Braves announced that they signed Charlie Morton to a one-year, $20 million contract for the 2023 season, with a $20 million club option for 2024.

The Rays earned their way back into the playoffs.

Latest on MMO

Michael Mayer wrote on the roster moves made Friday.

Christian De Block wrote a series preview on the Mets series in Atlanta.

John Sheridan wrote that the promotion of Francisco Álvarez means that they have seen enough of Darin Ruf.

Michael Mayer examined how the Mets-Braves series will impact the division race.

On This Date in Mets History

1973: The Mets win the National East Division on the final day of the season.

2016: The Mets clinch the top spot in the National League Wild Card race, slated to take on the Giants in a one-game playoff. It marked back-to-back seasons in the playoffs for the Mets, and the last time they would get there until 2022.

2017: Oh what a difference a year makes, as Terry Collins officially resigned as Mets manager. Over seven seasons as Mets manager, Collins lead the team to a World Series and a Wild Card, and 551-583 record.

The post Morning Briefing: Mariners End Playoff Drought appeared first on Metsmerized Online.

Photo: Corey Sipkin, NY Post

Good morning, Mets fans!

The New York Mets arrive in Atlanta for a pivotal three game weekend series against the rival Braves. Fresh off a walk-off win and a five RBI night, courtesy of Eduardo Escobar, the Mets currently sit one game ahead in the NL East standings and will send Jacob deGrom to toe the slab against Max Fried. For more insight, Michael Mayer goes in-depth on possible scenarios from this series that can impact the NL East division race.

As reported by Joel Sherman of the New York Post, the Mets plan to call up top prospect Francisco Álvarez. Listed as the No. 1 prospect in baseball according to MLB Pipeline, Álvarez will be activated for the upcoming series vs. Atlanta.

Now onto the morning briefing!

Latest Mets News

Mets owner Steve Cohen tweets that he has joined the team for their upcoming weekend series in Atlanta.

I just landed in Atlanta and I’m pumped for the weekend series against the Braves. Baseball doesn’t get any better than this.LGM

— Steven Cohen (@StevenACohen2) September 29, 2022

Jacob Resnick of SNY tweets that the Mets have signed 17-year-old outfielder Randy Guzman as an international free agent. He is the younger brother of MLB veteran Ronald Guzman.

The Athletic MLB staff released an anonymous poll where players voted on World Series winner, Game 7 starter, most intimidating atmosphere and much more. Mets ace Jacob deGrom got 33.9% of the vote to start a game 7, Mets closer Edwin Diaz received 44.5% of the vote as top getter to close out a World Series game 7, and Citi Field received runner up votes in the “most intimidating atmosphere” where it was mentioned that “It’s like playing in a f—- nightclub in there.”

Latest MLB News

The Puerto Rican Baseball Federation announced that Cardinals catcher Yadier Molina will manage Team Puerto Rico for the 2023 World Baseball Classic. Molina will transition into the role of manager as the 2022 season will be his last as an active major league player.

Jordan McPherson of the Miami Herald tweets out a flurry of transactions from the Miami Marlins, as they have activated pitcher Tommy Nance, infielder Joey Wendle and outfielder Avisail Garcia from the injured list. They have also recalled outfielder Jesus Sanchez, optioned Jerar Encarnacion and Luke Williams to Triple-A Jacksonville and have placed outfielder Garrett Cooper on the 10-day IL with a pinky fracture and pitcher Steven Okert on the 15-day IL with left triceps tightness (retroactive to 9/26).

Latest on MMO

Mojo Hill chats with Mets pitcher David Peterson about him being proud to have been an Oregon Duck as well as finding success with the New York Mets.

Steve Sica highlights prospects Francisco Álvarez, Jake Mangum and more on the latest edition of the Mets Minors Recap.

On This Date in Mets History

1962: The Mets finish their inaugural season with 120 losses, a 20th-century record, as the team lost a 5-1 contest to the Cubs at Wrigley Field in Chicago. In his last career at-bat, Mets catcher Joe Pignatano hits into a triple play in the eighth inning with Richie Ashburn and Sammy Drake on base, who are both also playing in their final major league contest.

Birthdays: Yorkis Perez (55), Dave Magadan (60)

The post Morning Briefing: The Francisco Álvarez Era Begins appeared first on Metsmerized Online.

Brad Penner-USA TODAY Sports

Good morning, Mets fans!

Welp, here we are again: Despite their best efforts, the Mets no longer own sole possession of first place. They lost 6-4 to the Marlins on Tuesday, unable to overcome a lackluster Carlos Carrasco start. Meanwhile, the Braves pounced the Nationals 8-2. After all this, New York and Atlanta each own a 97-58 record. With just seven games left in the regular season, it’s a brand new year. The NL East crown will be handed to whichever team performs better in this final week.

The Mets haven’t been playing particular poorly though; they’re still 7-3 in their last 10 and are creeping up on a 100-win season. They’ll play one more game against the Marlins tonight at 7:10 p.m. ET before beginning a three-game set with the Braves starting Friday. With the standings so tight at the top, it’s safe to say that series will carry massive implications.

Despite the loss, Pete Alonso overtook Aaron Judge for the most RBIs in all of baseball with his three-run homer on Tuesday. He leads with the pack with 131. It was also his 40th home run of the season — the second time he’s accomplished that feat in his career.

Latest Mets News

Francisco Lindor shared a fundraiser to help people in Puerto Rico affected by Hurricane Fiona.

Anthony DiComo of MLB wrote about how Hurricane Ian could affect the Mets’ crucial upcoming series against Atlanta.

DiComo also wrote about the meaning of James McCann‘s Roberto Clemente Award nomination.

In a bizarre promotional strategy, the Marlins are calling upon Mets fans to cheer on the Marlins as they take on the Braves.

Latest MLB News

The St. Louis Cardinals clinched the NL Central. They’ll be the NL’s No. 3 seed in the postseason.

Latest on MMO

Patrick Glynn talked about Alonso and Max Scherzer‘s impressive performances in his Players of the Week article.

Nate Mendelson predicted what the Mets’ postseason roster will look like.

Rich Sparago took a look back at Mets broadcaster Bob Murphy.

Glynn previewed the Mets’ series with the Marlins, which began Tuesday with the aforementioned loss.

And for a recap of that loss, check out Matt Lazzaro‘s story.

On This Date in Mets History

Birthdays: Mike DeJean (52), Ronn Reynolds (64)

The post Morning Briefing: Mets Tied For First With Seven Games Left appeared first on Metsmerized Online.

Credit: Brad Penner-USA TODAY Sports

Following an off day, the Mets returned to Citi Field on Tuesday night to begin a short two-game set against the Miami Marlins. With only a one-game lead over the Atlanta Braves in the National League East, each game’s importance is amplified.

Coming off a rough outing in Milwaukee last week, Carlos Carrasco continued to struggle on the mound. After allowing four earned runs in just three innings, the Mets were not able to to regain the lead at any point in the game, falling 6-4 to Miami.

Carrasco could not command the strike zone in the first inning. With one out, he plunked Miguel Rojas with a breaking ball before allowing back-to-back singles to Brian Anderson and Garrett Cooper. Rojas scored on sacrifice fly to center field in the next at bat. A wild pitch allowed Anderson to score with two outs, making it a 2-0 Marlins lead before the Mets offense received a chance at the plate.

Two singles and an error charged to Eduardo Escobar loaded the bases for Miami in the second inning with no outs. Rojas hit a dribbler leading to the uncommon 1-2-3 double play, James McCann made a quick turn-and-throw to first for the second out of the inning. Another ground ball ended the inning with no further damage.

Carrasco managed to get through the third inning after JJ Bleday belted a two-run homer down the right field line. Carrasco was tagged with four earned runs before exiting the game, putting the Mets in a 4-0 hole.

Pete Alonso gave the Mets a lift in the bottom of the fourth inning. He crushed a three-run shot into the left field seats to put the Mets right back into the game. Opposite field singles from Brandon Nimmo and Francisco Lindor set the table for the polar bear blast.

Pete Alonso’s 40th home run of the season could not have come at a bigger time.

He’s the first Met to ever hit 40 in two different seasons. He has 131 RBI on the season.

4-3 Marlins, bottom 4. pic.twitter.com/XkkZObQ4DM

— Metsmerized Online (@Metsmerized) September 28, 2022

Pablo López turned in a quality start for the Marlins. He struck out five Mets hitters over six innings of work, while his three earned runs were all due to Alonso’s big fly. López was the winning pitcher in Tuesday’s game.

In his second inning of work out of the bullpen, Trevor Williams ran into trouble in the fifth inning. Anderson led off with a double to left field, followed by a hit by pitch. Cooper was struck in the hand with a fastball and immediately made his way towards the visitor’s dugout to exit the game. Jacob Stallings ripped a single into center field that plated two more runs for the Marlins. The Marlins offense answered right back.

David Peterson and Tylor Megill both got work out of the Mets bullpen. Two guys who will likely have a spot on the Mets postseason roster in a different role than they’re used to. Peterson tossed two scoreless frames allowing one hit and one walk. Megill completed the eighth inning without allowing a run either.

In an unusual turn of events, Marlins lefty reliever Richard Bleier committed three balks that forced in a run in the eighth inning. Jeff McNeil started the scoring with a two-out base hit. He advanced all three bases on those balks to score the fourth run for New York.

Lindor extended his hit streak to 10 straight games. Mark Canha extended his on-base streak to 20 consecutive games.

Edwin Díaz made an appearance in the top of the ninth inning with the Mets down two runs. With an off day on Monday and Thursday this week, Díaz made quick work of the middle of the Marlins lineup. Despite allowing a two-out double to Bryan De La Cruz, Díaz struck out three allowing no runs.

The Mets’ closer has only allowed one run across six appearances in the month of September. The lone run came on September 1 against the Dodgers.

Credit: Brad Penner-USA TODAY Sports

Player of the Game: Pete Alonso

Alonso drove in all three runs for the Mets with his 40th home run of the season. He gave the team a chance to come back after falling down early. It was Alonso’s lone hit of the night.

Pete Alonso becomes the first Met to hit 40 home runs in a season twice. 🐻‍❄️ #LGM pic.twitter.com/KuLmu6mVN6

— Metsmerized Online (@Metsmerized) September 28, 2022

On Deck

The Mets will finish up the two-game series with Miami on Wednesday. Taijuan Walker (12-5, 3.53 ERA, 114 SO) will make his bid to be the Mets fourth starter in the postseason. Left-hander Jesús Luzardo (3-7, 3.57 ERA, 102 SO) will take the ball for the Marlins. After Tuesday’s results, the Mets and Braves are tied for the division lead.

The post Carlos Carrasco Struggles In 6-4 Loss To Marlins appeared first on Metsmerized Online.

Credit: Benny Sieu-USA TODAY Sports

Good morning, Mets fans!

Thursday was an off day for the Mets, but their division lead expanded and their magic number went down as the Philadelphia Phillies defeated the Atlanta Braves 1-0, putting the Mets ahead by 1.5 games and tuning the magic number to clinch the NL East to 11.

With the Braves loss, the Mets’ magic number to clinch the NL East is 11.

They’re now 1.5 games ahead of second place. pic.twitter.com/rMPKAioyyE

— Metsmerized Online (@Metsmerized) September 23, 2022

Now onto the morning briefing!

Latest Mets News

According to Anthony DiComo of MLB.com, the New York Mets have extended the rehab of pitcher Joey Lucchesi past the 30-day limit. In seven rehab games before the decision, Lucchesi had gone 10 1/3 innings, eleven strikeouts, two walks, and a 1.74 ERA. The Mets hope he can be an outside option to help the Mets rotation towards the end of the season.

Lucchesi allowed one run in 2 1/3 innings for Triple-A Syracuse on Thursday night.

Latest MLB News

Eno Sarris of The Athletic details which players will benefit from MLB’s new rules that will be implemented for next season, most notable, the shift rule, and which players will see an increase in batting average, hits and runs batted in.

Emma Baccellieri of Sports Illustrated highlights the group of minor leaguers who helped spring a union on Major League Baseball.

Major League Baseball released the schedule for the 2023 World Baseball Classic for the games taking place in the United States. First round pool play will take place at Chase Field in Arizona and Marlins Park in Miami, while second round and championship elimination rounds will take place in Miami alone.

Atlanta Braves pitcher Mike Soroka has suffered another setback as he’s placed on the injured list with elbow soreness, as reported by Justin Toscano of the Atlanta Journal-Constitution. This injury is an added blow to another injury that the pitcher has dealt with since the start of 2020, as he’s been sidelined with a recurring Achilles injury. Returning to the mound for Triple-A Gwinnett in August, returns have not been favorable as Soroka has pitched in 21 innings and given up 15 earned runs.

The New York Yankees made a flurry of roster moves yesterday as they activated pitcher Zack Britton from the 60-day injured list while placing reliever Wandy Peralta on the 15-day IL (retroactive to September 19th) with thoracic spine tightness and have designated utility man Miguel Andujar for assignment.

Latest on MMO

On the latest episode of MMO Weekly, Sal and Mike speak to former Met utilityman Ty Kelly on his time with the Mets, the unionization of the minor leagues as well as playing in the Olympics and the World Baseball Classic.

Mathew Brownstein chats with Will Graham, co-creator of the Amazon series “A League of Their Own”, which is a TV adaptation of the 1992 film of the same name. The show, just like the movie, focuses on the All-American Girls Professional Baseball League (AAGPBL) which formed in 1943 and lasted until 1954.

Michael Mayer discusses the strong month of September for Mets reliever Joely Rodriguez.

On This Date in Mets History

1967: Mets rookie Tom Seaver pitched to his 16th and final win for that campaign. Seaver pitched nine innings, tossing up nine strikeouts and keeping the Houston Astros to three hits. The Mets would win the game in the bottom of the ninth on a bases-loaded single by Jerry Buchek. Seaver’s 16 wins would stand as the Mets’ single-season record for wins until rookie Jerry Koosman would win 19 the following season.

Birthdays: Trevor May (32), Gonzalez Germen (34), Pete Harnisch (55)

The post Morning Briefing: Mets’ Magic Number Down To 11 appeared first on Metsmerized Online.

Good morning, Mets fans!

In Wednesday’s 6-0 loss against the Brewers, Taijuan Walker got through the fifth inning with zero earned runs, then ran into trouble in the sixth inning. Willy Adames hit a solo home run to center field and Mike Brosseau hit a pinch-hit grand slam off Drew Smith to lead the Brewers over the Mets. Additionally, the Mets struggled offensively as they were held to only four hits.

Interestingly, the Mets set the record for the most hit batters in a season (106) after Mark Canha was hit with two pitches and Luis Guillorme was also hit by a pitch.

The Braves lost as well, so the Mets’ division lead once again remains at one.

Additionally, Anthony DiComo of MLB.com reports that Brandon Nimmo says he believes he caught his quad injury early enough to avoid major issue. He is hopeful that he won’t need to miss much if any time. Michael Mayer has more on Nimmo’s injury. Jeff McNeil also said he feels physically fine.

Now, it is time for the morning briefing.

Latest Mets News

The Mets showed off Willie Mays‘s jersey number retirement in the Citi Field rafters on Twitter.

First look at No. 24 in the @CitiField rafters. pic.twitter.com/vW0kG5Ss5i

— New York Mets (@Mets) September 21, 2022

Tim Britton of The Athletic took a look inside the SNY truck and detailed his experience of seeing how much effort goes into a single Mets broadcast.

Steve Gelbs of SNY won the sausage race at American Family Field.

The legend continues…@SteveGelbs. #GoSteveGO! pic.twitter.com/plxwpU6DJW

— New York Mets (@Mets) September 21, 2022

Latest MLB News

Ken Rosenthal of The Athletic reported yesterday that the Kansas City Royals fired president of baseball operations Dayton Moore, their longtime top baseball executive and a key person in constructing their 2015 World Series championship roster.

Ryan Divish of The Seattle Times reports that Jarred Kelenic is being recalled from Triple-A Tacoma and he is now in Oakland. Taylor Trammell will be optioned to Tacoma as the corresponding move.

The San Francisco Giants announced that three-time World Series Champion and seven-time All-Star Buster Posey has become a member of the ownership group. This marks the first time that a former player has joined the organization as a principal partner and member of the Board of Directors.

The Philadelphia Phillies announced that yesterday they reinstated RHP Zack Wheeler from the 15-day IL and optioned RHP Sam Coonrod to Lehigh Valley (AAA).

Latest on MMO

Chris Bello writes that Starling Marte could be back for the Braves series.

Michael Mayer notes that Francisco Lindor and Pete Alonso keep driving in plenty of runs.

On This Date in Mets History

1962: 10,000 fans gathered for what was supposed to be the final MLB game at the Polo Grounds. Winter conditions in 1963, however, prevented the team from moving to Queens as originally planned.

Birthdays: Chris Schwinden (36), Jeff Barry (53), Mark Guthrie (57), Vince Coleman (61), Wally Backman (63)

The post Morning Briefing: Mets Set All-Time HBP Record appeared first on Metsmerized Online.

Good morning, Mets fans!

Carlos Beltran returned to Citi Field on Thursday. Following the visit, Francisco Lindor and Edwin Díaz spoke with members of various media outlets and discussed how Beltran should be brought back to the Mets and how they would welcome him back with history aside.

The Mets won their second straight game against the Pirates Friday, righting the ship after suffering a sweep to the Cubs. The Braves got back in the win column as well, so the Mets’ division lead remains at an even 1.0.

Latest Mets News

Baseball America announced their organizational minor league players of the year on Friday. Mets third base prospect Brett Baty was named the 2022 Mets minor league player of the year.

Stephanie Apstein of Sports Illustrated talked with Francisco Lindor about how this year’s Mets organization and team is a different group than 2021. They discussed how the Mets are overcoming decades of dysfunction and how this year’s organization is more professional than last year’s.

Carlos Beltran returned to Citi Field for the first time on Thursday since being let go by the Mets’. In the wake of the visit, Andy Martino of SNY spoke with Francisco Lindor and Edwin Diaz and they both expressed wanting Beltran back with the Mets’ organization.

In the wake of the announcement of the passing of John Stearns, Mike Piazza tweeted out a statement expressing his condolences, stating: “Deeply saddened by the passing of John Stearns. His soul and family are in my prayers. Nothing but amazing memories of the fun we had. No one had more love for the game and the Mets, thrilled he experienced the field one last time this past August. #Mets.”

According to Michael Mayer of Metsmerized, the following Mets prospects were selected to play in the 2022 Arizona Fall League this year:

• Right-handed pitcher Grant Hartwig
• Right-handed pitcher Franklin Sanchez
• Right-handed pitcher Christian Scott
• Right-handed pitcher Troy Miller (taxi squad)
• Right-handed pitcher Mike Vasil
• Utility player Kevin Kendall
• Infielder Luke Ritter
• Outfielder Stanley Consuegra (taxi squad)
• Outfielder Brandon McIlwain

Per Anthony DiComo of MLB.com, Mets rookies Bretty Baty and Mark Vientos were out Friday putting in extra defensive fielding work pregame at third base. Baty is recovering from thumb surgery and has been able to return to most normal activity other than gripping a bat.

The following Mets made rehab appearances in Triple-A Syracuse on Friday:

• Joey Lucchesi: 2.2 IP, 0 R, 2 K
• Tylor Megill: 1 IP, 1 ER, 1 K
• Drew Smith: 1 IP, 0 R, 1 K

Latest MLB News

According to Jeff Schultz of The Athletic, the Atlanta Braves recalled Ozzie Albies from his rehab assignment on Friday. They also designated pitcher Jay Jackson for assignment and put Ehire Adrianza on the 10-day injured list with a strained left quadricep.

Per Chris Cotillo of MassLive.com, Jeurys Familia cleared waivers and was outrighted to Triple-A. He elected to become a free agent.

Matt Monagan of MLB.com talks about tart cherry juice, the anti-inflammatory, sleep-aiding drink that’s taking over baseball.

Latest on MMO

Michael Mayer and the MMO Weekly Podcast staff had Maggie Wiggin join the show this week for Episode 18 to talk about an important fundraiser for the National Domestic Violence Hotline. They also had Johnluke Chaparro talk about Roberto Clemente as well.

Nick Rucco recaps the Mets’ minor league affiliate games from Thursday, September 15 that included St. Lucie winning their way to the Florida State League finals.

Joe D discusses the unfortunate passing of former Mets catcher John Stearns at the age of 71.

Michael Mayer recaps Carlos Carrasco’s big outing in the Mets win on Thursday.

Chris Bello talks about Francisco Lindor setting the Mets’ single-season home run record by a shortstop.

Christian De Block discusses the Mets’ slim lead over the Braves in an NL East Roundup.

Michael Mayer breaks down the nine Mets prospects that were selected to participate in the 2022 Arizona Fall League, including right-handed pitcher Mike Vasil.

On This Date in Mets History

1986:  The Mets clinched the NL East division title after defeating the Chicago Cubs.

Birthdays: John Franco (62)

The post Morning Briefing: Lindor, Díaz Want Beltran Back with Mets appeared first on Metsmerized Online.

Wendell Cruz-USA TODAY Sports

Good morning, Mets fans!

It was a tough Friday evening for the fans of the orange and blue, as the Mets fell to second place in the National League East by a half-game. It marks the first time the Mets weren’t in first since April, and they did so after losing to the Marlins 6-3.

Chris Bello wrote a further recap of the game.

In other news, MLB announced rule changes that will take effect in the 2023 season. These changes include banning the shift, a pitch clock, limiting pick-offs, and making larger bases.

The player representatives all unanimously voted against all changes except for the larger bases, but were still out-voted 7-4.

Bob Nightengale of USA Today reported that the 10th inning runner was not discussed during this vote.

Latest Mets News

Buck Showalter announced that he expects Trevor May and Luis Guillorme to both join the team during the next homestand.

Tim Healey of Newsday wrote that Tylor Megill will make a multi-inning appearance Tuesday, and then will possibly return to the Mets. Megill has seen 12 batters in his rehab assignment, has retired all 12, and struck out eight.

Latest MLB News

Ken Rosenthal of The Athletic wrote on how MLB’s $50M pre-arbitration bonus pool will be distributed.

The Reds activated Matt Reynolds from the 10-day injured list and designated Albert Almora Jr. for assignment.

Edwin Jackson announced his retirement from baseball.

C.J. Cron hit a home run 504 feet, the second-longest in major league history.

Latest on MMO

Christian De Block wrote a series preview of the Mets series in Miami.

Nick Rucco wrote the daily Mets Minors Recap, highlighted by Jose Butto‘s impressive outing.

John Sheridan wrote on Rob Manfred’s announcement that MLB will voluntarily recognize the minor league players union.

On This Date in Mets History

On September 10, the 1969 Mets moved into first place for the first time during the season. The season was magical, as it concluded with the team’s first ever World Series championship.

Birthdays: Neil Walker (37)

The post Morning Briefing: Mets Fall to Second Place In NL East appeared first on Metsmerized Online.

Mandatory Credit: Gregory Fisher-USA TODAY Sports

Good morning, Mets fans!

After a day off that followed a big series win in Pittsburgh, the Mets travel to Miami to take on the Marlins. After one day tied for first with Atlanta, the Mets regained first place on Thursday and look to keep that lead going into the weekend. The absence of Max Scherzer means players like David Peterson, Carlos Carrasco and Taijuan Walker will have to hold the fort and step up for the team in order to keep momentum going!

The Mets currently lead the Braves by 0.5 games in the NL East standings.

Now onto the morning briefing.

Latest Mets News

Major League Baseball announced its candidates for the 2022 Roberto Clemente Award. This season, Mets catcher James McCann was announced as a nominee yesterday afternoon. The Roberto Clemente Award is given annually to the player who best represents the game of Baseball through extraordinary character, involvement in the community along with positive contributions, both on and off the field. The winner will be selected during this year’s World Series. Here’s a full list of all 30 nominees.

Latest MLB News

Jeff Passan of ESPN reports that two teenagers from Dominican Republic are suing the Los Angeles Angels accusing the team of walking back on offers given to them in a previous season. Due to Dominican law, the teenagers can possibly win and could change the way those types of deals are constructed. One of the players suing is Mets prospect Willy Fañas.

One of the players suing is Mets prospect Willy Fañas.

Fañas verbally agreed to sign with the Angels after Billy Eppler & Eric Chavez watched him play when he was 14.

Angels reneged on this commitment after Eppler was fired. The Mets ended up signing Fañas earlier this year. https://t.co/Ezv80VGPdC

— Mike Mayer (@mikemayer22) September 8, 2022

Mark Zuckerman of MASN reports that Washington Nationals catcher Keibert Ruiz was sent to the hospital with swollen testicles after being hit with a foul ball.

Major League Baseball is set to vote on rule changes for the 2023 season, which include pitch clocks, larger bases and shift restrictions. Andrew Steele-Davis has more on this story.

Latest on MMO

Bryan Cameron discusses the perfect timing of Jacob deGrom‘s dominance on the mound this season.

On This Date in Mets History

1969: The Mets clinched a winning record for the first time in franchise history as Tom Seaver pitched a gem against the Chicago Cubs, allowing just five hits in a complete game 7-1 victory

Birthdays: Mike Hampton (50), Todd Zeile (57), Billy Hamilton (32), Kazuhisa Ishii (49)

Let’s go Mets!

The post Morning Briefing: Mets Face Fish With Half-Game Division Lead appeared first on Metsmerized Online.