Meet the Mets
The Mets were blown out by the Nationals in a game that really felt like it might’ve marked the end of the team’s playoff hopes, even though they enter play today a half-game ahead of the Reds for the final Wild Card spot in the National League.
Choose your recap: Amazin’ Avenue, Faith and Fear in Flushing, MLB.com, New York Daily News, New York Post, The Athletic
Jeff McNeil was out of the Mets’ starting lineup yesterday in an effort to get his sore shoulder some rest, though he did make an appearance
later in the game.
Having been designated for assignment by the Mets, Paul Blackburn has signed with the Yankees.
Luisangel Acuña left the Syracuse Mets’ game early last night after a collision.
Joel Sherman and Jon Heyman spoke to Ron Darling about baseball’s pitching problem and the Mets on the latest episode of their podcast.
Anthony DiComo did a Reddit AMA, some of which he summarizes here.
Around the National League East
Spencer Strider, who has really been struggling on the mound lately, will no longer pitch against the Mets this weekend.
The Braves have claimed Cal Quantrill off waivers.
Around Major League Baseball
The Brewers remained red-hot as they beat the Cubs, a victory that could theoretically help the Mets if the Cubs fall a few games down the Wild Card ranks over the final few weeks of the season. Chicago is currently in the first Wild Card spot, 5.5 games ahead of the Mets.
A six-run inning propelled the Padres to a series win, and that win put the Padres 4.5 games ahead of the Mets for the second Wild Card spot.
The Red Sox beat the Yankees to pull within a half-game of the Yankees’ first Wild Card spot. Both teams remain a few games back of the Blue Jays in the division.
Craig Kimbrel has signed with the Astros, and Houston managed to score some runs and get a win over the Orioles to end the day with a two-game lead over the Mariners in the American League West.
The Dodgers scored early and often in a win over the Rockies.
The Twins were blown out by the A’s as their post-fire sale misery continued.
The Cardinals topped the Rays.
In pretty terrible news for fans, MLB and ESPN have agreed to make ESPN the exclusive out-of-market home for baseball fans, while five teams will have their in-market offerings moved to the platform.
Lucas Giolito pitched for the Red Sox on George Costanza bobblehead night, and Giolito’s grandfather Warren Frost was the actor who played Susan’s father on the show.
Royals reliever Lucas Erceg spoke at a prison after having been asked to do so last year.
The Rays are calling up shortstop Carson Williams, one of their top prospects.
Speaking of call-ups, MLB.com took a look at one prospect per organization that could get called up as rosters are set to expand when the calendar hits September.
Blade Tidwell, who was part of the Mets’ return for Tyler Rogers, is dealing with a shoulder issue.
Jayson Stark looks at whether or not expansion could result in the league shortening the regular season.
Young pitchers who have a real shot at making it need to balance the risks of throwing hard with the desire to get noticed by professional organizations.
This Date in Mets History
Carlos Delgado hit his 400th home run on this date in 2006.
