Your Tuesday morning dose of New York Mets and MLB news, notes, and links.
Meet the Mets
On a night when Luis Severino came six out away from baseball immortality, the Mets ended up enduring a gut-wrenching 3-1 loss to the Cubs. Brandon Nimmo led off the game with a home run, but the Mets would not score again and only managed three base hits the rest of the way. For a while, it seemed like it might hold up, as Severino was mowing down the Chicago batters in quick succession. He finally relented in the eighth, serving up a single to Dansby Swanson. The Cubs tied the game when Joey Wendle neglected to go home on a ground ball, opting instead for an unsuccessful double play chance. Edwin Díaz entered in the ninth in a tie game and surrendered a two-run homer to Christopher Morel, which turned out to be the difference. The Mets tried unsuccessfully to rally in the ninth inning.
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The team’s loss put a spotlight on Joey Wendle, who made a critical mental error in the eighth after coming in to replace Mark Vientos.
The Mets wore their City Connects jerseys at Luis Severino’s request. The team is scheduled to don the uniforms on most Saturday games (aside from the Darryl Strawberry retirement ceremony), but will also wear them when the starting pitcher requests them.
Starling Marte will return from the bereavement list tonight.
Kodai Senga threw live batting practice at Citi Field yesterday, representing the first time he’s faced live batters since his injury.
Senga said he felt good after facing live batters.
David Stearns evaluated the team’s talent at this early juncture of the season.
The Stearns-Carlos Mendoza alliance is working, writes David Lennon.
Jon Heyman wondered where the fans are, with the Mets ranking 19th in attendance at this early juncture in the season.
Tim Britton explored whether the club’s bullpen success and provided injury updates on the latest This Week in Mets.
Jett Williams is dealing with right wrist soreness, which does not appear to be serious.
Jonah Tong has been promoted to the Brooklyn Cyclones.
Around the National League East
The latest version of the MLB Power Rankings sees Atlanta retain their top spot.
Despite carrying a no-hitter into the eighth, the Braves were walked off 2-1 last night at the hands of the Mariners.
The Phillies fell 6-5 to the Angels.
The Nationals handled the Marlins 7-2.
Around Major League Baseball
The Rays revealed their City Connect jerseys.
Sarah Langs examined what’s behind Juan Soto’s scintillating start.
Bryce Miller flirted with perfection for a bit in Seattle’s win last night, before Mitch Garver launched a two-run, walk-off shot to topple Atlanta.
The Orioles edged out the Yankees 2-0 in a pitcher’s duel.
The Blue Jays held off the Royals 6-5.
The Twins beat the White Sox 3-2.
The Rays blanked the Brewers 1-0.
The Dodgers doubled up the Diamondbacks 8-4.
The Athletics defeated the Pirates 5-1.
The Padres lost 5-2 to the Reds.
Yesterday at Amazin’ Avenue
Chris McShane previewed the team’s four-game set against Chicago.
Allison McCague brought us the latest position player and pitcher meters.
Episode 271 of From Complex to Queens went live for your listening pleasure.
This Date in Mets History
On this date in 2002, Al Leiter became the first pitcher to defeat all 30 MLB teams when he led the Mets to a 10-1 victory over the Diamondbacks.