Francisco Lindor was scratched from last night’s game against the Braves due to right side soreness. Buck Showalter explained after the game that Lindor felt the soreness during batting practice, and he is set to have medical imaging done today to determine its severity. Lindor remarkably played in every game this year before missing yesterday’s game, a year after he played 161 games and only missed one due to a finger fracture.

Latest Mets News

Denyi Reyes has joined the Mets to start the first game of today’s doubleheader against the Braves, with José Quintana getting the start in the second game.

Mike Puma of the New York Post wrote about how the Mets may consider playing Jeff McNeil at third base next season.

Ken Rosenthal of The Athletic wrote that he believes the Mets will pursue Shohei Ohtani this offseason. He also believes that Japanese superstar pitcher Yoshinobu Yamamoto may be the best fit for the Mets this offseason in terms of free agent starting pitchers.

Latest MLB News

José Bautista is officially retiring from baseball. He will sign a one-day contract with the Toronto Blue Jays and enter the team’s prestigious Level of Excellence.

The Yankees placed starting pitcher Nestor Cortes on the 15-day injured list with a left rotator cuff strain. Cortes had been out since May due to injury before returning to make a start last week.

Short once again on starting pitching, the Yankees recalled both Jhony Brito and Randy Vásquez from Triple-A Scranton/Wilks-Barre.

Former Mets’ minor leaguer Allan Winans has a locker in the Braves’ clubhouse at Citi Field, presumably to start one of the doubleheader games today. Winans was left unprotected by the Mets a couple years ago during the minor-league Rule 5 draft, and he will now get a chance to face them in the big leagues.

Latest on MMO

In the latest Mets Minors Recap, Michael Mayer highlighted Brett Baty‘s home run in his first game back with Triple-A Syracuse.

Chris Bello broke down a potentially game-saving decision by Francisco Álvarez during Wednesday night’s win against the Cubs.

James Villani analyzed the updated MLB Pipeline prospect rankings in which the Mets have five top-100 prospects.

On This Date in Mets History

2000: Benny Agbayani infamously forgot how many outs there were after catching a fly ball, handing it to a young fan thinking the inning was over. A run came in to score due to Agbayani’s blunder before he realized his mistake and snatched the ball away from the fan.

Birthdays: Barry Manuel (58)

The post Morning Briefing: Francisco Lindor to Receive Imaging for Side Soreness appeared first on Metsmerized.

Mets top prospect Kevin Parada is going on the injured list with a right ankle sprain. Parada was injured on Thursday night when going from first to third on a base hit. The 21-year-old catcher who is generally considered the Mets’ no. 1 prospect, has built up to a .797 OPS for High-A Brooklyn after a slow start to the year.

Kevin Parada. Photo by Ed Delany of Metsmerized

Latest Mets News

The Mets defeated the Nationals 5-1 on Friday night for their second win in a row. Max Scherzer struck out seven batters and allowed only one run in seven innings, while Pete Alonso provided all five runs behind two homers. After their win on Friday, the Mets sit at 49-54 on the season.

Scherzer expressed to reporters following Friday night’s game that he was upset with the Mets for trading away David Robertson and that he “needs to have a conversation with Mets brass” about the organization’s vision.

Ben Clemens of FanGraphs detailed why he believes the trade between the Mets and Marlins for Robertson was a win-win for both clubs. In the article, Clemens cited Miami’s need for a closer in 2023, while also stating the Mets got a great return, and that Marco Vargas was tearing up the Florida Complex League.

Mets got SS Marco Vargas & C Ronald Hernández for a rental reliever.

Vargas, 18, is a helium prospect (.899 OPS in FCL) that will be in conversations for top 100 MLB prospect lists this offseason.

Hernández, 19, is switch-hitter w/.916 OPS in FCL.

pic.twitter.com/6QWXNzYmKd

— Mike Mayer (@mikemayer22) July 28, 2023

The Mets announced that Bartolo Colón will officially retire as a Met on September 17. The first 15,000 fans in attendance for the game that day will receive a “Big Sexy” long-sleeve shirt.

Will Sammon of The Athletic wrote about Tommy Pham and his outlook on the possibility of being traded.

The Mets recalled reliever Reed Garrett from Triple-A to take Robertson’s spot on the roster. In 29 1/3 innings across two Triple-A teams this season, Garrett has a 2.45 ERA

The Mets introduced a new mocktail menu with several new options around Citi Field.

Latest MLB News

The Dodgers acquired Lance Lynn and Joe Kelly from the White Sox. Jeff Passan of ESPN reported that the White Sox would be receiving Trayce Thompson and two Double-A pitchers in return.

Passan also reported that the White Sox traded reliever Kendall Graveman to the Astros. In return, Chicago received the Astros’ number five overall prospect, catcher Korey Lee.

The Yankees activated their captain Aaron Judge from the injured list after nearly two months on the shelf. In a corresponding move, they sent Oswald Peraza to Triple-A. The Yankees also reinstated outfielder Willie Calhoun from the 10-day injured list and designated him for assignment.

Miles Mikolas was suspended five games for intentionally throwing at Ian Happ on Thursday night after Happ’s backswing struck Willson Contreras over the head. Mikolas is appealing the suspension. Additionally, Cardinals manager Oli Marmol is receiving a one-game suspension.

Chris Flexen is slated to start for the Rockies today. Flexen had struggled with the Mariners earlier this year after being relegated to the bullpen, then was traded to the Mets and subsequently released.

The Reds announced that they signed manager David Bell to an extension through the 2026 season.

Shohei Ohtani left Friday night’s game against the Blue Jays with the bases loaded and one out in the ninth inning, leading to Michael Stefanic pinch-hitting in his place. Manager Phil Nevin told reporters after the game that Ohtani was dealing with leg cramps, marking the second game in a row that Ohtani left early due to cramping.

Joel Sherman of the New York Post was told by executives that the Mariners may be open to trading closer Paul Sewald, believing they could get a strong return for him.

A defamation suit filed by a fired employee of the Angels for the use of sticky stuff in baseball is set to go to trial next week. The employee, who was fired in 2020, is alleging that he was made a “public scapegoat” after being with the Angels for over four decades.

Latest on MMO

Michael Mayer wrote about the report that the Rangers are likely the frontrunners for Justin Verlander if he gets traded.

Patrick Glynn looked at what might be next for the Mets in the wake of the Robertson made.

John Sheridan outlined Billy Eppler’s thoughts on the prospects the Mets received from the Marlins.

Michael Mayer wrote about the trade interest in Pham and Mark Canha.

Michael Famulari wrote about Kodai Senga and his continued success on the mound.

In the latest Mets Minors Recap, Michael Mayer highlighted Luke Voit and his five-game home run streak in Triple-A.

On the latest MMO Weekly, Michael Mayer and Sal Manzo spoke to the Mets’ 2023 first-round pick Colin Houck.

On This Date in Mets History

2004: Eric Valent became the eighth Met to hit for the cycle, doing so in a 10-1 victory over the Expos.

Birthdays: Félix Mantilla (89)

The post Morning Briefing: Top Prospect Kevin Parada Lands on Injured List appeared first on Metsmerized.

Photo by Ed Delany of Metsmerized

During tonight’s game against the Miami Marlins, Mets outfielder Brandon Nimmo was forced to leave after an awkward slide into second base. The Mets say he left the game with right ankle soreness and will undergo imaging on Saturday.

He was weight-bearing on his leg after jamming it into second base. He was replaced by Tim Locastro.

Brandon Nimmo limps off the field after an awkward slide into second base: pic.twitter.com/2tiyghvC1o

— SNY (@SNYtv) March 17, 2023

Over the winter, Nimmo signed an eight-year, 162 million-dollar contract to keep him in the orange-and-blue. Last year, Nimmo posted a .274/.367/.433 slash-line with 16 home runs and 64 RBIs, which was worth 5.4 fWAR. He started his Grapefruit season last weekend and has hit .143/.400/.429 over seven at-bats.

Nimmo joins the lengthy list of Mets who have been hit by the injury bug this spring. Two days ago, Edwin Diaz suffered a season-ending injury while celebrating Puerto Rico’s win against the WBC. Sam Coonrod, Brooks Raley, Abraham Almonte, and Bryce Montes de Oca,  are among the players that also have been slowed by injuries, so far.

The post Nimmo Left Game With Right Ankle Soreness appeared first on Metsmerized.

Photo by Ed Delany of Metsmerized

The Mets announced on Wednesday afternoon that reliever Sam Coonrod reported discomfort in his right lat following his outing on Tuesday. He underwent imaging that revealed he’s dealing with a high-grade lat strain. The Mets have not given a timetable for his return yet.

Coonrod pitched a scoreless inning on Tuesday that gave him five outings this spring without allowing a run. In those outings, Coonrod gave up two hits and allowed just one walk while striking out seven.

The former Phillies’ reliever looked to have an inside track on one of the Mets last bullpen spots given his performance, the fact that he’s on the 40-man roster, and the stress reaction injury that is shutting down Bryce Montes de Oca for 3-4 weeks.

The post Sam Coonrod Has Right Lat Strain appeared first on Metsmerized.

Ronald Acuña Jr.

One phrase to describe the right fielders in the National League East? Top heavy. Continuing MMO’s series of position rankings in the NL East, here are the rankings of right fielders in the division.

Avisail Garcia. Photo via USA Today.

5. Avisaíl García, MIA

Avisaíl García had a underwhelming 2022 season after signing a four-year, $53-million contract with the Miami Marlins. The 31-year-old outfielder was limited to just 98 games, slashing .224/.226/.317 with eight home runs and 35 RBI in 380 plate appearances. García finished the year with a -1.1 WAR, the lowest total of his career.

The one-time All-Star was down in nearly every offensive category from the year prior. Specifically, his plate discipline took a turn for the worse, with his walk rate going from 7.4% in 2021 to 4.5% in 2022 and his strikeout rate going from 23.5% in 2021 to 28.7% in 2022.

García lands as the fifth-best right fielder in the division following his 2022 season. He could bounce back in the second year of his contract, but the outfielder is now on the other side of 30. The Marlins’ lineup lacks power, something that García has provided in the past (hit 29 home runs in 2021 with the Milwaukee Brewers).

Lane Thomas. Photo via USA Today.

4.  Lane Thomas, WSH

Lane Thomas played a significant role in his first full season in the Washington Nationals’ organization. The former 2014 fifth-round draft pick of the Toronto Blue Jays was acquired by the Nationals at the 2021 trade deadline. He then hit .270 with a .853 OPS in 206 at-bats in the second half of that season.

His overall numbers decreased with more plate appearances in 2022, slashing .241/.301/.404 with a 103 OPS+ in 146 games. Thomas showed off some power as well, hitting 17 home runs and 52 RBI, both of which were career highs. Punch outs became a large part of his game with more playing time, striking out 132 times good for a 24.1% strikeout rate.

Thomas slots in as the fourth-best outfielder in the division because of his age and his ability to play more than one position. The 27-year-old can play all across the outfield, especially on the corners. He also adds the speed element, tallying eight stolen bases in 12 opportunities.

For a Nationals team that is in the midst of a rebuild, Thomas is someone manager Dave Martinez can rely on to play everyday.

Nick Castellanos. Photo via USA Today.

3. Nick Castellanos, PHI

Nick Castellanos signed a five-year, $100-million contract with the Philadelphia Phillies last off-season. Going into the year, the plan for the former Cincinnati Red was to see him get a lot of his playing time as a designated hitter. That all changed as soon as Bryce Harper suffered a small tear to the UCL in his right elbow, meaning that he could only hit when he returned from the injured list later in the season.

Castellanos, who has never been known as a great defender, all of sudden slotted in as the everyday right fielder. The 30-year-old had to think about more than just hitting, which you have wonder if that impacted his numbers at the plate.

The Phillies‘ slugger struggled with the bat, slashing .263/.305/.389 with only 13 home runs and 62 RBI in 136 games. In comparison, Castellanos hit .309/.362/.576 and was an All-Star with the Reds in 2021.

The outfielder had some big moments in the Phillies playoff run, most notably a diving catch in Game 1 of the World Series against the Houston Astros. Castellanos has been a very solid player for a numbers of years, and it would not be surprising if he bounces back in 2023. With that being said, he ends up as the third-best right fielder in the NL East going into the season.

Starling Marte. Vincent Carchietta-USA TODAY Sports

2. Starling Marte, NYM

Starling Marte had an excellent season with the New York Mets in 2022, hitting .292/.347/.468 with 16 home runs and 63 RBI  in 118 games. The outfielder did have two separate injuries over the course of the year, but his impact was evident when he was on the field. Marte was an All-Star and finished 19th in National League MVP voting.

The biggest concern with Marte going into the 2023 season is his health. The 34-year-old underwent core surgery after the Mets were eliminated from the playoffs, somerthing he has still yet to recover fully from. His availability for the Dominican Republic in the World Baseball Classic, which starts in March, is unknown. Marte could miss some time to begin the year, but his return should come at some point in April at the latest.

When Marte is on the field, he is one of the most dynamic outfielders in the game. He was great in his first season with the Mets, now, it is just about continuing that success in 2023. Marte’s all-around game places him at a very comfortable second place.

Ronald Acuña Jr. David Kohl-USA TODAY Sports

1. Ronald Acuña Jr., ATL

Ronald Acuña Jr. began the 2022 season on the injured list after tearing his ACL in July of 2021, missing the Atlanta Braves run to the World Series that year. His recovery continued into the next season, as his 2022 debut did not come until April 28.

Acuña was good throughout the year, but it was clear that he wasn’t quite back to full speed following the significant injury. He still put up some decent numbers, slashing .266/.351/.413 with 15 home runs and 50 RBI in 119 games.

The 25-year-old will be a year-and-a-half removed from the ACL injury when the season begins in late March. Acuña is a top-tier talent in MLB and should be in the running for an MVP in 2023.

Injuries will always be a concern with his aggressive style of play, but that is what makes him so special. He should be regarded as the unquestioned best right fielder in the NL East.

The post 2023 NL East Position Rankings: Right Field Edition appeared first on Metsmerized.

Wendell Cruz-USA TODAY Sports

Starling Marte was selected seventh in MLB Network’s top ten right fielder rankings. The Mets outfielder was only chosen behind Aaron Judge, Mookie Betts, Bryce Harper, Kyle Tucker, Ronald Acuña Jr. and George Springer at the position. The list was capped off with Teoscar Hernández, Fernando Tatís Jr. and Hunter Renfroe. 

The 34-year-old was everything the organization could have asked for in his first season with the ballclub, slashing .292/.347/.468 in 118 games and making his second All-Star team of his career. Marte missed some time in the second half of the season with a partial non-displaced fracture in his right middle finger, but his impact when he was on the field was evident.

Marte slotted in as the sixth-best center fielder prior to the 2022 season on MLB Network’s list, a position that he has played for large portions of his career. With Brandon Nimmo signing a long-term deal with the Mets this offseason, he [Marte] will continue to play in right field for the foreseeable future.

The Mets veteran outfield underwent surgery back in November of 2022 to repair a core muscle. Marte reportedly played through that injury during the second half of the year, but chose to wait till the offseason to get that looked at.

Previously, MLB Network ranked Edwin Diaz as the top reliever in baseball, and on Thursday night at 8 p.m. ET they will release their Top 10 center fielders list.

The post Marte Makes MLB Network’s Top 10 Right Fielders List appeared first on Metsmerized.

Brad Penner-USA TODAY Sports

Coming off one of the best seasons we have seen from a closer in Mets history, it’s no surprise Edwin Díaz was ranked number one on MLB Network’s list of the top relief pitchers in baseball right now.

.@MLBNetwork's Top 10 Right Now rollout starts with relievers.

What does your list look like? pic.twitter.com/dROMxM7xxr

— MLB (@MLB) January 11, 2023

Díaz headed up the list, followed by Emmanuel Clase of the Guardians and Milwaukee’s Devin Williams.

Dominant was an understatement for Díaz in 2022. Racking up an All-Star appearance and finishing 9th in NL Cy Young voting, Díaz’ 100+ mph fastball and devastating slider had batters whiffing all season long.

Díaz posted just a 1.31 ERA in 62 appearances, while recording 32 saves and striking out 118 of the 235 batters he faced. Díaz’ advanced stats were off the charts as well, he posted 17.1 K/9, 0.839 WHIP and just 4.9 H/9.

Beyond the stats and success on the mound, Díaz brought an unparalleled fan experience to Citi Field every time he entered the game. Timmy Trumpet playing his song “Narcos” live at the stadium will be one of the best memories of the 2022 season for fans, but it certainly wasn’t the only memory Díaz made along the way last season.

Díaz also closed out the second no hitter in Mets history against the Phillies on April 29th, finishing off an incredible team effort from Tylor Megill, Drew Smith, Joely Rodriguez and Seth Lugo.

It might seem like a distant memory to many Mets fans, but Díaz wasn’t always the dominant force he is now in New York. In 2019, Díaz’ first season in Queens, he struggled to adjust to playing in New York. With a 5.59 ERA and 15 homers allowed, it looked bleak for the then-25-year-old coming off a dominant season in Seattle. Showing his work ethic and mental toughness, Díaz overcame those initial struggles and now is one of New York’s most beloved athletes.

Looking forward to 2023, the Metswill bring back set-up man Adam Ottavino and also added veteran reliever David Robertson to help set the table for Díaz. Coming off 32 saves in 2021 and 2022, Díaz has shown continual improvement during his time as a Met, and will look to continue his reign as baseball’s best closer.

The post Díaz Named MLB Network’s Top Reliever Right Now appeared first on Metsmerized.

Via: John Flanigan, MMO

While owner Steve Cohen is working with the front office to improve the product on the field this offseason, he’s also busy making significant changes to Citi Field in order to enhance the fan experience in Queens.

Per the New York Post, the Mets are moving in the right field fences as part of a new fan experience feature at Citi Field for the 2023 season and beyond. And, before anyone asks, it doesn’t include Aaron Judge hitting moonshots over the right field fence in a Mets uniform.

Instead, and according to The Post, the fence will be brought in roughly 8 feet, six inches in the space just to the right of the 370-foot sign in right-center. That particular segment is about 50 feet and there is currently ground-level seating in that space in front of the grandstand.

However, Cohen now plans to make full use of the newly-expanded floor space by installing living-room style seating with personal TVs and menu items that draw inspiration from the famous and classic speakeasies littered throughout New York City. As you can see via the Tweet below, the new Speakeasy Club will offer luxury facilities for fans to relax before games and it will provide some of the best seats in the house.

The process of moving in the right field wall at Citi Field to make room for the new Speakeasy Club has officially begun.

First photo via @ATL_Fierce. pic.twitter.com/YGJcnUIYMR

— Metsmerized Online (@Metsmerized) October 30, 2022

While it will be the third set of alterations to the ballpark dimensions since it was opened in 2009, this latest move is yet another example of Cohen’s determination to make Citi Field the ultimate destination for Mets fans. He continues to make small tweaks to Citi Field with the consumer in mind to enhance their experience during Mets games.

The post Report: Mets Moving Right Field Fence in 8 Feet appeared first on Metsmerized.

Oct 20, 2022; Houston, Texas, USA; New York Yankees right fielder Aaron Judge (99) flies out during the eighth inning against the Houston Astros in game two of the ALCS for the 2022 MLB Playoffs at Minute Maid Park. Mandatory Credit: Thomas Shea-USA TODAY Sports

The Mets are “slightly” moving in the right field fence for the 2023 season and beyond, according to the NY Post’s Mike Puma.

Owner Steve Cohen says they plan on adding a speakeasy club in the new space, featuring living-room-style accommodations with personal TVs, a private bar, and an elevated dining experience among other amenities.

But is it purely a fan experience move? Possibly. But likely there’s something going on in the backend the Mets see that they can take advantage of.

Teams adjust their fences to help their teams. The Mets have adjusted the fences multiple times since Citi Field has been opened. Recently, the Orioles made the dramatic choice to move their left field wall back as much as 30 feet and made it 13 feet tall. They turned a home run hotspot into a barren wasteland.

The Mets aren’t making as dramatic a move but it could help them maximize the talents of their own players and attract some players on the market this winter.

The main one is Aaron Judge.

Judge doesn’t really need the fences moved in. The outfielder just broke the record for single-season home runs for an American Leaguer and hits the majority of his homers to left field. But where the Mets are making adjustments can maximize Judge’s opposite field power.

The #Mets are "slightly" moving in the right field wall. Could it be a play to attract Aaron Judge? pic.twitter.com/5VdmWtsu31

— Nate Mendelson (@mendelson_nate_) October 31, 2022

If Judge played every game at Citi Field, he would’ve fallen short of the record and hit 62 home runs. Judge’s home run total each of the last four seasons would have been lower as well. With these new dimensions, it’s likely Judge would have hit the same amount or more.

The Mets haven’t said how much “slightly” is. So it presently makes it impossible to calculate what the home run total would be. We are solely relying on initial imaging and batted ball data. All graphics are 2022 data.

But Judge is just a dream. Focusing on players under contract, Starling Marte is someone who’d benefit from a shorter right field fence.

Another reason, maximize Starling Marte's power and allow him to play shallower. He was worse coming in on balls in right field than he was retreating back. pic.twitter.com/8QuNZA0OCg

— Nate Mendelson (@mendelson_nate_) October 31, 2022

Marte would reach the fence more often, plus he’d be able to play shallower. He was a negative outs above average defender in right field on plays coming in. It’s clear the Mets don’t see him as a center fielder anymore and he’s likely staying in right whether Brandon Nimmo returns or not.

Just for fun let’s look at some free agents and possible DH options for the Mets next season.

Now just a couple FA DH options plus Brandon Nimmo. Didn't realize how much Nimmo hit the RCF gap last season for home runs. Mets need him to come back pic.twitter.com/VyhTzkt1Om

— Nate Mendelson (@mendelson_nate_) October 31, 2022

Trey Mancini and Josh Bell are the primary couple. The Mets had an interest in both of these players at the deadline and they still don’t have a set plan for the designated hitter spot next season. The right-handed Mancini would be able to go opposite field while Bell can continue smashing balls around and out of the field.

The move might even make Joey Gallo useful as a batter.

Brandon Nimmo doesn’t need to change his approach at the plate but with the shift rules adjusting he may need to. He loves to go oppo but his power stroke is to right center. It’s possible Nimmo could unlock another level with a larger focus on driving to his pull side.

One final Met that could use the change is Tomas Nido. Nido, while better than James McCann at the plate, is still nothing special. But when he hits fly balls, he tends to go to right field. Maybe this is a move to turn him into your everyday catcher while Francisco Alvarez waits in the wings.

Nido becomes an all-around catcher? pic.twitter.com/mbKncmPQh3

— Nate Mendelson (@mendelson_nate_) October 31, 2022

The Mets are making the fan experience better for the select few that can afford it but don’t think this isn’t a baseball move. The Mets have expanded their analytics department to one of the largest in baseball. I’m not qualified for that by any means but even I can see how it helps the team in the short term.

The post Could Mets Right Field Adjustment Be a Play for Aaron Judge? appeared first on Metsmerized.

 Brad Penner-USA TODAY Sports

Good morning and happy Halloween, Mets fans!

The Mets began moving the right field fence in at Citi Field. Steve Cohen says they plan on adding a speakeasy club in the new space, which will feature living-room-style space with personal TVs, a private bar, and an elevated dining experience among other amenities.

Latest MLB News

The Royals are hiring Matt Quatraro to be their new manager. Quatraro has served as the Rays’ bench coach for the past four seasons and was Tampa Bay’s third base coach prior to that. He was Cleveland’s assistant hitting coach from 2014-17 and has managed in the South Atlantic League.

In game 2 of the World Series, home-plate umpire Pat Hoberg became the first umpire to have a perfect game in the pitch-tracking era, according to Umpire Scorecards. Hoberg, who is commonly regarded as one the best umpire’s in MLB, called all 129 taken pitches correctly.

The Tigers hired Mark Conner away from the Padres to be the team’s amateur scouting director. Conner spent 13 years in San Diego, serving as the scouting director from 2015-21 and most recently acting as a special assistant to GM AJ Preller.

Latest on MMO

Chris Bello profiles upcoming free agent Dansby Swanson.

James Villani examines whether the Mets should exercise their team option on Carlos Carrasco.

On This Date in Mets History

1973: Tom Seaver wins the National League Cy Young Award for the second time in his career. Seaver went 19-10 with an MLB-leading 2.08 ERA and an NL-best 251 strikeouts in 290 innings. It’s the first time the award has gone to a pitcher with fewer than 20 wins.

Birthdays: Steve Trachsel (52), Tim Byrdak (49)

The post Morning Briefing: Mets Begin Moving in Right Field Fence appeared first on Metsmerized.