Morning Briefing: Mets Have Just Six Runs in Last Three Games

Good morning, Mets fans!

The Mets were s0undly defeated by the Toronto Blue Jays 6-2 on Tuesday. While the Mets struck first with an RBI single from five-hitter Brandon Nimmo, David Peterson was crushed in the third, allowing six to reach base and giving up five runs overall (four earned).

Former Met Chris Bassitt twirled six strong innings, allowing just one run and five hits while striking out eight. The Mets’ bats have remained quiet recently. Over their last three games, New York has scored just six runs, with three of those coming from passed balls by Blue Jays catchers.

Wild Card Update

The Diamondbacks allowed just three hits in a 6-0 defeat of the Rangers. Arizona now sits 2.0 games ahead of the Mets and Braves in the second Wild Card slot.

The Padres won as well, beating the Mariners 7-3. Fernando Tatis Jr. and Manny Machado both homered for San Diego. Thus, the Padres remain a half-game ahead of Arizona, and move to 2.5 games ahead of the Mets and Braves.

The Braves beat the Nationals 12-0, and four of Atlanta’s hitters enjoyed multi-hit nights. A fielding error by third baseman José Tena and catcher’s interference will haunt Nationals starter Mackenzie Gore, as just two of his seven runs given up were earned.

Latest Mets News

The series winner will be determined Wednesday. The Mets will send Sean Manaea (11-5, 3.43 ERA) to the bump, and Toronto hands the ball to Bowden Francis (8-4, 3.72 ERA). Francis has been nearly untouchable since August, with a 1.56 ERA. The game will kick off at 3:07 p.m. ET.

Olympian Eddy Alvarez made his Mets debut Tuesday, going 0-for-2. SNY had just the thing for him while Keith read the defense.

Right-handed pitching prospect Brandon Sproat was placed on the development list, likely meaning he’s done for the season. Overall, he owns a solid 3.31 ERA, a 3.07 SO/W rate, and 10.15 SO/9 in 114 1/3 IP, capping an excellent first season of professional ball. He’s made great strides, soaring from 15th on Mike Mayer’s preseason prospect rankings to first on Mayer’s most recent list.

Mike Puma of the New York Post reported that Paul Blackburn‘s back injury is not showing signs of improvement. As a result, the Mets will likely turn to Tylor Megill, potentially against either Philadelphia or the Nationals. Since Megill’s call-up on August 30, he’s been impressive, with a 2.35 ERA in 15.1 innings pitched.

ESPN has picked up the Mets-Phillies series finale for Sunday Night Baseball, moving the game to 7:00 p.m. ET. As a result, three out of the four games in the Phillies series will not air on SNY, but instead be streamed on Fox, Apple TV, and ESPN.

Latest MLB News

The Rays and Phillies benches were emptied Tuesday after Edwin Uceta hit Nick Castellanos with a 96 mph pitch in the back. Following the confrontation between the two sides, the umpires ejected Uceta. The Phillies would end up beating Tampa Bay 9-4.

Braves starter Reynaldo López left his start after just an inning of work, due to right shoulder tightness. His velocity was a couple of ticks down, but it’s not yet known if the Braves should be worried about their best right-handed starting pitcher.

The Los Angeles Angels placed Anthony Rendon on the 15-day IL for the third time this season due to a left oblique strain. The former All-Star has accumulated just 0.4 WAR in 238 plate appearances this season, continuing his disappointing tenure with the Angels. The Halos also lost their flamethrowing closer Ben Joyce to right shoulder inflammation. The rookie closer has posted a 2.08 ERA over 34 2/3 innings this season, including four saves.

On Tuesday, the Dodgers activated their $325 million man, Yoshinobu Yamamoto, and designated southpaw Nick Ramirez for assignment as the corresponding move. Yamamoto has been stellar this season, posting a 2.92 ERA and 2.69 FIP prior to Tuesday’s game.

Jacob deGrom will return to the major league mound this Friday. Over four rehab starts, deGrom’s been stellar, with an 0.84 ERA in Double and Triple-A. Additionally, against the Mariners this weekend, Texas will pitch Kumar Rocker, deGrom and Max Scherzer, in that order. 

On this Date in Mets History

1966: A 19-year-old Nolan Ryan made his debut, as a relief pitcher. The future Hall of Famer tallied his first strikeout, beginning a legendary career that began in Queens.

1997: John Olerud hit for the cycle against the Montreal Expos, helping the Mets to a 9-5 win at Shea. 

Born On This Date: Frank Francisco (1979), Dave Roberts (1944), Larry Bearnarth (1940).

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