Frankie Montas had a rough go of it in his rehab start for the Syracuse Mets on Friday, giving up eight runs in just 1 2/3 innings. He allowed seven hits, one walk, and recorded just one strikeout. Montas has now made a total of four rehab starts, including two with Syracuse. In these four starts, Montas has allowed 12 runs in 12 innings. Looking to work his way to the major league team to make his Mets debut, Montas has yet to have a good outing.

Sam Navarro-Imagn Images

Latest Mets News

The Mets (45-25) lost to the Rays (37-32) on Friday, 7-5. It was a tough one for the Mets who built a 5-1 lead, but they let it slip away when Paul Blackburn and Max Kranick combined to allow six runs in the sixth inning. The loss snaps the Mets’ streak of six consecutive wins.

In a press conference prior to Friday’s game, David Stearns provided an update on the rehabs of Jesse Winker and Jose Siri. According to Stearns, Winker is still “multiple weeks” away from a rehab assignment, while Siri suffered a setback and will be re-imaged in a few weeks.

Anthony DiComo of MLB.com wrote about manager Carlos Mendoza‘s relationship with his sons and how he has drawn inspiration from them.

Latest MLB News

A day after he demanded a trade following his removal from the Brewers’ rotation, Aaron Civale was traded to the White Sox for Andrew Vaughn. Both veterans will hope the change of scenery is beneficial, as Civale had just a 4.91 ERA in five starts while Vaughn was demoted to Triple-A after recording a brutal .532 OPS and -1.3 fWAR earlier this year.

Evan Drelich and Eno Sarris of The Athletic wrote an article about how fly balls are, on average, about four feet shorter in 2025, a change that MLB acknowledges.

Carlos Collazo of Baseball America compiled a list of every prospect attending the 2025 MLB Draft combine.

Latest on MMO

Kai Chang predicts how the Mets’ rotation will do without Kodai Senga, with the ace being placed on the injured list.

On This Date in Mets History

1977: Not much has happened on this date in Mets history, but the Mets did make a transaction on this day 48 years ago. The team signed Jeff Reardon, an undrafted free agent, to a minor league deal. Reardon only played parts of three seasons with the Mets before enjoying a longer career elsewhere, one that saw him briefly hold the all-time MLB saves lead.

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On Saturday, the Mets (16-17) fell to the Rays (16-18) 3-1, putting the Mets below .500 for the first time since April 14 when the team was 7-8. It’s been an up-and-down season for the Mets, who have had a losing streak as long as five and a winning streak as long as six. They are now 4-9 in their last 13 games and will look to avoid a series sweep in Sunday afternoon’s contest.

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Latest Mets News

Despite the loss, Christian Scott was as advertised in his major league debut. He threw for 6 2/3 innings, holding the Rays to just one run. He allowed five hits and a walk and struck out six batters. The 24-year-old figures to be a key fixture in the Mets rotation for the rest of the year and should rack up plenty of wins if he can get more run support.

Latest MLB News

Trea Turner told media members on Saturday that he expects to miss at least six weeks with his hamstring injury. Turner was off to a fantastic start this year, slashing .343/.392/.460/.852 with two home runs and 10 stolen bases in 33 games.

Luis Arráez had a terrific debut for the Padres on Saturday, tallying four hits in six at-bats from the leadoff spot while serving as the designated hitter. He also recorded an RBI and scored two runs in San Diego’s 13-1 win over the Diamondbacks. Arráez raised his batting average on the year from .299 to .315 in the effort.

Meanwhile, Arráez’s former team, the Marlins, were walloped 20-4 by the A’s. The Marlins’ dreadful season continues as they drop to 9-26, while the A’s have been pleasantly surprising and sit at .500 at 17-17.

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Matt Mongin highlights Friday’s minor league games, including David Peterson‘s second rehab start and Brandon Sproat‘s stellar outing.

Alexis Farinacci writes about Brett Baty‘s impressive night at the plate on Friday.

Jack Markowski details why Christian Scott is set up to have big league success.

Nick Rucco continues our list of MMO’s top 30 prospects with Colin Houck at No. 11.

On This Date in Mets History

2004: Mike Piazza broke the record for the most home runs by a catcher in major league history. His 352nd homer as a catcher broke Carlton Fisk‘s long-standing record, and Piazza still stands today as the home run king at his position.

Birthdays: Juan Acevedo (54)

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Late Friday night, the Padres and Marlins completed the first big trade of the year, as Miami sent Luis Arráez to San Diego for reliever Woo-Suk Go and prospects Dillon Head, Jakob Marsee, and Nathan Martorella. Jeff Passan of ESPN was first on the trade, while Ken Rosenthal of The Athletic had the return.

Arráez is a two-time batting champion and two-time All-Star, known for being one of the best pure contact hitters in the game. He’s having a bit of a down start of the season for his standards, but he’s still batting .299 and has a 105 OPS+.

The Marlins are in the midst of a miserable season and there will likely be more trades on the way if things don’t turn around. For now, it’s Arráez who gets dealt to San Diego where he’ll look to help out an underwhelming Padres team.

Rhona Wise-USA TODAY Sports

Latest Mets News

The Mets (16-16) fell to the Rays (15-18) 10-8 Friday night. Jose Quintana could not find his rhythm as he allowed eight runs in 2 2/3 innings. On the bright side, the offense showed signs of life with Brett Baty recording his second and third home runs of the year.

Prior to Friday’s game, manager Carlos Mendoza announced that Adrian Houser will be moving to the bullpen with Christian Scott set to join the major league team. Houser has struggled immensely this season as he currently sits with an 8.16 ERA.

David Peterson made his second rehab start for the St. Lucie Mets on Friday. He pitched 3 1/3 scoreless innings and allowed just one hit while striking out four. He threw 39 total pitches, 23 of which were strikes.

Mets prospect Nick Morabito was named the FSL Player of the Month for the month of April. The 2022 second-round draft pick slashed .397/.518/.529/1.047 over the course of the month in St. Lucie and ended the month with a seven-game hitting streak.

The FCL Mets roster was released on Friday with their season starting Saturday. Jeremy Rodriguez, who was acquired from the Diamondbacks for Tommy Pham in 2023, is the most notable name on the roster.

Latest MLB News

MLB and Nike released a statement on Friday confirming that modifications are coming to the new uniforms by 2025.

The Orioles announced their Hall of Fame Class of 2024 which includes outfielder Nick Markakis, utilityman and hitting coach Terry Crowley, and scout Dick Bowie.

The Pirates activated catcher Yasmani Grandal from the injured list. In a corresponding move, the team sent Henry Davis to Triple-A.

The Twins placed outfielder Byron Buxton on the 10-day injured list with right knee inflammation. In a corresponding move, the Twins recalled Austin Martin from Triple-A. Buxton has recorded a .691 OPS in 92 plate appearances this year.

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Metsmerized is giving away an autographed Christian Scott card to celebrate his major league debut! Click the link here and retweet and follow us on X to enter.

Sean Kenny highlights Thursday’s minor league games, including Jonah Tong‘s impressive High-A debut.

Michael Famulari writes about Francisco Lindor‘s heroics in Thursday’s walk-off victory over the Cubs.

Christian De Block previews the Mets’ series against the Rays, who have been uncharacteristically struggling of late.

On This Date in Mets History

1966: Jack Hamilton, who started just 13 games in 1966 despite 57 appearances, pitched a one-hit shutout. The only hit Hamilton allowed was to Ray Sadecki, the opposing pitcher, who bunted for a single.

Birthdays: Akeem Bostick (29), Robinson Cancel (48), Miguel Cairo (50), Manny Aybar (52)

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Photo by Nathan Ray Seebeck-USA TODAY Sports

Manaea had an impressive final campaign of spring despite the loss. He cruised through the first 4 2/3 innings, but three straight hits, including a two-run double, put a hamper on his outing. Still, he allowed just two earned runs over five innings and struck out seven with no walks. Notably, he held the top of the Yankees lineup, consisting of Gleyber Torres, Juan Soto, Aaron Judge, and Anthony Rizzo, to 1-for-9 with four strikeouts.

While Manaea’s start was fantastic until the final sequence that produced two runs, Schmidt out-pitched him and exited the game after five scoreless innings. Schmidt allowed two walks and a hit (a Harrison Bader single), striking out six against a Mets lineup that likely won’t change much for Opening Day.

Sean Manaea, Wicked Breaking Balls. 🤢 pic.twitter.com/lmaoB7AeQR

— Rob Friedman (@PitchingNinja) March 25, 2024

Both starters exiting after five innings put the bullpens into motion, with the Yankees holding onto a 2-0 lead. Yankees closer Clay Holmes was the first to enter, and he immediately got into more trouble in one inning than Schmidt had faced in five. A Pete Alonso double, Jeff McNeil reaching on an error, and Starling Marte hit by a pitch in the helmet loaded the bases, but DJ Stewart was unable to take advantage and grounded out to end the inning.

Manaea was followed out of the bullpen by a contingent of prominent relievers, with Brooks Raley, Drew Smith and Adam Ottavino, each pitching an inning. Raley allowed a run to score on a fielder’s choice, extending the Yankees’ lead to 3-0. Smith and Ottavino then combined for two scoreless innings. Overall, these relievers had strong springs, albeit in tiny sample sizes. They combined for two earned runs allowed in 14 2/3 innings this spring.

Mets pitchers pitched well in this game, but it didn’t matter. Following Schmidt and Holmes, two more Yankee relievers combined for three scoreless innings to secure a shutout 3-0 victory. The Mets recorded just two hits all game in an inauspicious end to spring training, but the team hopes the offense will pick up on Thursday when it counts.

Player of the Game

Sean Manaea has looked really good this spring, and that continued today, especially against the Yankees’ better hitters. He continues to look like a solid signing for the Mets’ rotation as he ends his spring with a 3.24 ERA, 21 strikeouts, four walks, and no homers allowed in four starts and 16 2/3 innings. His regular season debut for the Mets will be on April 1 in the series opener against the Tigers.

On Deck

That’s it for spring training! Next up for the Mets is Opening Day this Thursday. They take on the Brewers at Citi Field in a matchup between José Quintana (0-0, 0.00 ERA) and Freddy Peralta (0-0, 0.00 ERA). First pitch is at 1:10 p.m. ET, and the game will air on SNY.

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Seth Lugo limited damage by pitching out of tight spots but took the loss against Toronto on Saturday.

It was a tale of two halves for the duration of Seth Lugo’s start on Saturday against the Toronto Blue Jays at Sahlen Field. A crisp, quick start with just 17 pitches used in the first two innings gave way to a scuffle over his last couple of frames.

In total, Lugo did a great job of damage control and pitching out of some tight spots. He went 5.1 innings and allowed three runs (one inherited runner scored in the sixth). He allowed seven hits and one walk on 91 pitches. Lugo also racked up five strikeouts.

After setting a great tone early, Lugo lost command of the strike zone at a critical juncture.

He had three-ball counts against four batters between the fourth and fifth inning. That included falling behind to the first two batters in the fifth (Alejandro Kirk and Joe Panik).

He pitched more off his fastball tonight against Blue Jays hitters (40 four-seamers, 30 two-seamers). But most importantly, he was able to get early contact.

Another note is that Lugo wasn’t missing most of those pitches in the fourth and fifth by a lot. In any event, the Blue Jays were able to take advantage enough to get the runs they needed that ultimately sealed the win.

Lugo is pretty much stretched out at this point and he has to continue to remain in the rotation at least for the rest of this year. He will have two more turns scheduled in the rotation for the 2020 season. He is currently lined up to face Atlanta and Tampa Bay.

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As some of you readers sit and wait through a prolific snowstorm in New England, here are some notable names that were non-tendered as the off-season hot stove heats up.

Following Players Were Non-Tendered, Confirmed By Jeff Passan of ESPN:

• RP Blake Treinen
• 2B Cesar Hernández
• SP Taijuan Walker
• IF Addison Russell
• SP Kevin Gausman
• CF Kevin Pillar
• OF Domingo Santana
• 3B Maikel Franco
• OF Steven Souza Jr.
• DH C.J. Cron
• SP Aaron Sanchez
• IF Jose Peraza
• IF Tim Beckham

Of note on this list, Blake Treinen was one of baseball’s best relievers in 2018, where he made an All-Star appearance and was the closer on a 97-win A’s team. Cesar Hernandez posted a 1.7 fWAR for the Phillies last season as their second baseman, but he was projected a raise to $11.4M, prompting Philly to cut ties.

Addison Russell was once a budding star and a key cog in the future of the Chicago Cubs, but Domestic Violence issues and a subsequent suspension from Major League Baseball lead to his stock flaming out. Almost every player on this list was due for a raise this winter in arbitration.

Other players non-tendered include former Met Kevin Plawecki, infielder Travis Shaw, left-handed pitcher Ryan Buchter, utility man Charlie Culberson, and right-handed pitcher Jimmy Nelson.

Phillies Staying In Touch With Infield Bats

Jon Morosi of MLB Network reports that the Phillies are staying in contact with representatives of third baseman Josh Donaldson and infielder Didi Gregorius. The Phillies cut ties with infielders Maikel Franco and Cesar Hernandez earlier yesterday, putting themselves deeper into the market for infielders.

Donaldson returned to his previous form last season in Atlanta following a few injury riddled seasons to close his tenure in Toronto, which saw him win an MVP award. He hit to the tune of an OPS of .900 with 37 long balls, and finished 11th in MVP voting.

Gregorius, however, only appeared in 82 games, in which he slashed .238/.276/.441 with 16 bombs. Didi was acquired by the Yankees in December of 2014 as the heir to Derek Jeter‘s throne, but it never quite worked out long-term for the Dutch shortstop.

Marlins Acquire Veteran Infielders

Announced by the team, the Marlins acquired veteran infielders Jesus Aguilar and Jonathan Villar in two different moves today. Villar was acquired in a trade with the Orioles for LHP Easton Lucas. Aguilar was claimed off waivers from Tampa Bay.

Villar was an All-Star for the Orioles last season, but an obvious effort to cut payroll, the Orioles made him available for a low price. Aguilar played an important role on the 2018 Brewers that just missed out on the World Series, but after a sluggish start to his 2019 campaign, was shipped off to Tampa Bay where he came off the bench.

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Jake McGee, LHP

Position: Relief Pitcher

Throws/Bats: Left/Left

Born: Aug. 6, 1986 (Age 31)

2017 Stats: 0-2 record, 57.1 IP, 3.61 ERA, 1.099 WHIP, 9.1 K/9, 2.93 FIP, 139 ERA+, 1.4 WAR

The bullpen is one of the key areas that the Mets need to focus on this offseason. With the addition of AJ Ramos and return of Jerry Blevins, the team is looking to revamp their bullpen.

Jake McGee has spent his seven years in the major leagues playing in Tampa Bay and most recently, Colorado. With a career ERA of 3.15, McGee seems to be a reasonable option for the Mets to consider.

His 2017 season went by smoothly and the lefty racked up 58 strikeouts in 51 innings pitched while allowing only four home runs. The long ball seems to plague the Mets bullpen and picking up a pitcher that rarely lets balls leave the park would give a small sense of security. With a 2.68 ERA, McGee was noticeably better against righties. With Blevins as a lefty specialist, the two could create a beautiful platoon.

McGee ranked 14th in the National League for holds last season and could fit right into a middleman position with the Mets. Despite having to pitch at Coors for a living, McGee is coming off one of the better seasons of his career. His 1.4 WAR was his best since 2014 and his third best in eight seasons. His 2017 production has him sitting at a good place in free agency.

The Mets need to bring in a fresh arm to help relieve the pressure of the bullpen, and McGee could very well fill that spot.

Contract:

McGee is coming off of a one-year, $5 million contract. With his age and stats, you can expect him to be receiving offers around that mark, or less, depending on the team that decides to pick him up.

Recommendation:

The Mets have a few different bullpen options, but past seasons have shown that their pitching staff as a whole could use as much help as possible. McGee can be of use in different situations in the bullpen and give more security to a key piece of the equation for a winning team.

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Following a season in which the Mets staff had a collective ERA of 5.01, good for second worst in the league, pitching coach Dan Warthen was relieved of his duties.

Warthen, 64, held the position since 2008, but with a club looking to change its culture, the move seemed imminent. The only coach whose job is safe is third base coach/catching coordinator Glenn Sherlock.

Kevin Long, whose contract expires Oct. 31, will be given permission to speak with the Washington Nationals for their managerial opening after the dismissal of Dusty Baker.

During the press conference introducing new manager Mickey Callaway, neither him nor general manager Sandy Alderson let on who exactly would be considered for the new pitching coach, but they both plan to work together to find one.

Callaway, who was the pitching coach for the Cleveland Indians from 2013-17 will focus on managerial duties and the team as a whole now. However, there are some very appealing names out there, as Mike Puma from the New York Post opines.

The Kansas City Royals recently parted ways with Dave Eiland, who helped capture a World Series ring with the team in 2015.

“I want to continue to be a pitching coach, no doubt about it,” Eiland told the Post’s Joel Sherman earlier this month. “I am far from done. The fire and passion and competitiveness burns as hot and deep as ever. It was just time to move on from Kansas City.

“There was a lot of change coming on the field and in philosophy,” Eiland continued. “My time there was done and that was mutually agreed upon. There were no problems on either side. Nothing lasts forever. It was simply time to move on.”

Eiland and Callaway were teammates during their time as players in Tampa Bay in the late ’90s and early ’00s.

The San Francisco Giants also made a move at pitching coach, with Dave Righetti being removed from his post. In Chicago, Chris Bosio was too let go as well as Nationals pitching coach Mike Maddux.

Righetti, 58, spent the last 18 years as the Giants pitching coach and was just reassigned within the organization after San Francisco too had a rough year like the Mets. He also had a 16-year playing career, mostly with the Giants and New York Yankees.

The 54-year-old Bosio was dismissed following the Cubs defeat at the hand of the Dodgers in the NLCS, while Maddux’s contract with Washington expired. He previously served with the Texas Rangers and was the pitching coach in Milwaukee for six seasons.

Another name Puma mentioned as a possibility is Jim Hickey, who has spent the last 11 seasons with the Rays. However, he may rejoin the Cubs and reunite with Joe Maddon who he worked alongside in Tampa Bay.

Within the organization, two names that could be considered are bullpen coach Ricky Bones and minor league pitching coordinator Ron Romanick.

Bones has spent the last six years with the team as bullpen coach, but is free to speak with other teams as Alderson and Callaway build a staff.

Romanick has spent the last six seasons in his position as well and was previously the pitching coach with the Oakland A’s.

Curt Young is someone Alderson may consider as well. Young pitched for the Athletics when Alderson was GM there. He was let go by the A’s from his pitching coach duties this season.

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Photograph Courtesy NASA/GSFC

According to Kristie Rieken of the Associated Press, the Mets will play the Astros in Tampa Bay at Tropicana Field due to Hurricane Harvey. The three-game set will begin Friday.

Ironically, they will be greeted Friday by Matt Harvey who is returning from the disabled list. He was 4-3 with a 5.25 ERA and 6.17 FIP before he was placed on the disabled list, striking out 54 and walking 35 in 70.1 innings.

Our thoughts here at Metsmerized Online are with the people in and around Houston as they continue to deal with extensive flooding and continued rain.

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Good Morning, Mets fans! Tonight the New York Mets will continue their West Coast trip and head to the state of Washington to take on the Seattle Mariners at 10:10 p.m. Rafael Montero will have the ball for New York and will be opposed by

Last night, the Mets lost 7-5 in Chris Flexen‘s debut. Flexen gave up four runs in three innings. In the loss, Jay Bruce hit his 26th home run as part of four-run seventh.

Latest Mets News

The Mets made a deal last night and it was Lucas Duda who was the first to go. Duda was shipped to Tampa Bay for Drew Smith. Smith was a 2015 third rounder and is a hard throwing reliever.

Neil Walker should re-join the Mets tonight in Seattle.

Mike Puma of the NY Post reports that three teams are still interested in Asdrubal Cabrera.

The Brewers are interested in Curtis Granderson.

Robert Gsellman pitched only 0.2 innings in a rehab appearance for the Binghamton Rumble Ponies. He was taken out because he hit his pitch limit of 26.

Latest NL East News

Byron Kerr of MASN writes about Nats top pitching prospect Erick Fedde.

Mark Bowman of MLB.com answers questions from Braves fans.

Joe Frisaro of MLB.com talks about trades that the Marlins could make.

Todd Zolecki of MLB.com writes about the success of Phillies starter Aaron Nola.

Latest on MMO

David Casillo has the latest Mets closer candidates.

This Day in Mets History

2012: Ike Davis homers three times against the Diamondbacks.

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