Mets vs. Braves Game 8 Recap

Mets second baseman Robinson Cano (Credits to MetsMerizedOnline.com)

The New York Mets lost to the Atlanta Braves 11-10 tonight in heartbreaking fashion for their third consecutive loss and dropped their record to 3-5 on the season. RHP Rick Porcello ran into trouble again in the bottom of the first inning after getting the first two outs and gave up four consecutive hits to 1B Freedie Frreman, LF Marcell Ozuna, DH Matt Adams and former Met catcher Travis d'Arnaud. Porcello worked out baserunners in the second, third and fourth inning and threw three scoreless innings but ran into trouble again in the bottom of the fifth. He walked SS Dansby Swanson to lead off the inning and then Freeman reached on an error by LF J.D. Davis after he dropped a routine fly ball and was then taken out. His final line was 4.0 innings, 5 hits, 4 runs (3 earned), 3 walks and 5 strikeouts. RHP Paul Sewald came in next and gave up a double to Adams and an RBI single to d'Arnaud but was able to get out of the inning with only one run. LHP Chasen Shrieve followed in the bottom of the sixth and gave up an RBI double to SS Dansby Swanson. Shrieve stayed in for the bottom of the seventh and struck out the side. RHP Dellin Betances came in the bottom of the eighth and gave up a lead-off hit to 2B Adeiny Hecchavaria and then walked CF Ender Inciarte. Betances gave up an RBI single to Swanson and after a double steal he walked Freeman to bring in another run and was then taken out. RHP Seth Lugo came in next but was unable to get out of the inning after he walked LF Marcell Ozuana and then gave up a three-run double to d'Arnaud.

The offense was scoreless against Braves starter LHP Sean Newcomb for the first three innings until the top of the fourth after 1B Pete Alonso walked with one out and then LF J.D. Davis followed with a two-run homer to tie the game. 2B Robinson Cano hit a solo homer in the top of the fifth and then catcher Wilson Ramos followed with a single. Rookie third baseman Andres Giminez then dropped down a beautiful drag bunt down the first base line and used his speed to reach on an infield hit. CF Brandon Nimmo singled to load the bases and 1B Pete Alonso drew a based loaded walk. Two batters later RF Michael Conforto also drew a based loaded walk and then DH Yoenis Cespedes hit a two-run double. Cano followed with an RBI single. SS Amed Rosario led off the top of the sixth with a homer and then Nimmo walked, stole second and advanced to third on a throwing error by d'Arnaud. Davis brought in Nimmo with a RBI single to right field his third of the night.

The Mets next game is tomorrow night at the Braves at 7:10 p.m.

Mets Recall Franklin Kilome

Mets RHP Franklin Kilome (Credits to MetsMerizedOnline.com)

The New York Mets recalled RHP Franklin Kilome and placed catcher Rene Rivera on the injured list with a hyperextended left elbow.  Kilome came up with the Phillies organization and was traded to the Mets in 2018 in the Astrubal Cabrera trade. He made several starts in the minor leagues in 2018 before he was shut down with Tommy John surgery. Kilome missed most of 2018 and all of 2019 but is finally healthy. He features a fastball in the mid 90's and a sharp curveball. Hopefully Kilome can be a young power arm in the bullpen. It is unknown at this point how long Rivera will be out.

Game 8: Mets vs. Braves Starting Lineup and Pitching Match-Up

Mets Starting Lineup
1. Amed Rosario-SS
2. Brandon Nimmo-CF
3. Pete Alonso-1B
4. J.D. Davis-LF
5. Michael Conforto-RF
6. Yoenis Cespedes-DH
7. Robinson Cano-2B
8. Wilson Ramos-C
9. Andres Giminez-3B

The pitching match-up is RHP Rick Porcello (0-1, 27.00 ERA) vs. LHP Sean Newcomb (0-0, 2.70 ERA)

Mets vs. Red Sox Game 7 Recap

Mets closer RHP Edwin Diaz (Credits to MetsMerizedOnline.com)

The New York Mets lost to the Boston Red Sox 4-2 tonight for their second consecutive loss and dropped their record to 3-4. LHP Steven Matz wasn't as sharp as in his previous outing against the Braves and gave up three runs on eight hits with two walks and three strikeouts in 5.1 innings. Matz gave all of his runs to catcher Christian Vasquez who hit two home runs. RHP Drew Smith came in next and was able to get the last two outs to end the top of the sixth and stayed in for the top of the seventh and had a 1-2-3 inning. Smith has looked good this year so far and hasn't allowed any earned runs. RHP Jeruys Familia followed with a 1-2-3 top of the eighth inning and looked as good as he's been in a long time with two strikeouts. Familia has his hard sinker working and kept it down in the zone. RHP Edwin Diaz came on in the top of the ninth inning and struggled once again with his command. He couldn't locate his fastball or slider. He loaded the bases and was taken out after he hit 3B Jose Pereza which brought home a run. RHP Paul Sewald had to come in and was able to escape out of the based loaded jam after he stuck out CF Kevin Pillar and then got DH J.D. Martinez on a fly out to end the inning.

In the bottom of the third inning, the bats woke up after two scoreless innings and catcher Wilson Ramos lead off with a walk and then centerfielder Brandon Nimmo was hit by a pitch. SS Amed Rosario grounded into a fielder's choice, but was able to get on base after 3B Jose Pereza made a throwing error. 1B Pete Alonso walked to load the bases and 3B Jeff McNeil came through with a two-run single. After that the offense went quiet and wasted several scoring opportunities and had their best chance in the bottom of the eighth inning, but rookie 2B Andres Giminez grounded out with two outs. They struggled mightily again with runners in scoring position and went 1-9.

The Mets next game is tomorrow night at the Atlanta Braves at 7:10 p.m.

Game 7: Mets vs. Red Sox Starting Lineup and Pitching Match-Up

Mets Starting Lineup
1. Amed Rosario-SS
2. Pete Alonso-1B
3. Jeff McNeil-3B
4. J.D. Davis-RF
5. Michael Conforto-RF
6. Yoenis Cespedes-DH
7. Brian Dozier-3B
8. Wilson Ramos-C
9. Brandon Nimmo-CF

The pitching match-up is LHP Steven Matz (0-0, 1.50 ERA) vs. LHP Martin Perez (0-1, 7.20 ERA)

Mets Selecr Contract for Brian Dozier

Mets second baseman Brian Dozier (Credits to MetsMerizedOnline.com)

The New York Mets announced today that they have selected the contract of infielder Brian Dozier as placing infielder Eduardo Nunez on the injured list, recalled reliever LHP Daniel Zamora and designated RHP Hunter Strickland for assignment. Nunez was diagnosed with a knee contusion after he stepped awkwardly on first base this season. He was 1-2 in two games with the Mets this year. Dozier was signed to a minor league contract earlier this month after he was released by the San Diego Padres. Dozier hit 20 homers with 20 doubles last year for the Washington Nationals. He had a .900 OPS against left-handed pitching in 2019 and has a .855 OPS against lefties in his career. Strickland signed a minor league deal with the Mets earlier this year and gave up three runs in 2 1/3 innings in three appearances. Zamora is making his return to the team and has a 4.08 ERA in 17 2/3 major league innings

Mets vs. Red Sox Game 6 Recap

Mets RHP Jacob deGrom and catcher Rene Rivera (Credits to NorthJersey.com)

The New York Mets lost to the Boston Red Sox 6-5 tonight and dropped their record to 3-3. RHP Jacob deGrom started out well  topping out at 100 miles per hour and cruised through the first three innings and extended his consecutive innings streak to 31, but ran into some trouble in the top of the fourth innng. deGrom gave up back-to-back doubles to 3B Rafael Devers and 1B Mitch Moreland and also threw two wild pitches in the inning which led to the second run being scored. It was very uncharacteristic for him to do that but it happens to everyone even one of the best pitchers in baseball. He threw two scoreless innings after the top of the fourth and came out after the top of the sixth inning. His final line was 6 innings, 3 hits, 2 runs, 1 walk and 4 strikeouts. RHP Seth Lugo came in next in the top of the seventh and gave up a game-tying homer to catcher Christian Vasquez. LHP Justin Wilson followed in the top of the eighth and had his worst outing of the season. Wilson ran into immediate trouble after he gave up a lead-off single to CF Kevin Pillar and then walked SS Xander Bogaerts and then intentionally walked DH J.D. Martinez to load the bases. He then gave up an  RBI single to Moreland  and a two-run single to Vasquez. Wilson then walked RF Alex Verdugo to load the bases again and was taken out. RHP Dellin Betances had to come on and struck out 2B Jose Perezza to end the inning. RHP Jeurys Familia came on in the top of the ninth and threw a scoreless inning.

The offense got on the board immediately in the bottom of the first inning after they loaded the bases with one due to singles to by 3B Jeff McNeil, 1B Pete Alonso and RF Michael Conforto. LF Dom Smith came up and grounded into a fielder's choice for the first run. In the next few innings they wasted several scoring opportunities which would come back to haunt them later in the game. In the bottom of the fifth inning, CF Brandon Nimmo homered and then McNeil and Alonso singled to load the bases again, but Conforto grounded into a double play to end the inning. In the bottom of the sixth, 2B Robinson Cano singled with two outs and in his first Major League start SS Andres Giminez came through with a RBI triple to drive in Cano. In the bottom of the seventh inning, McNeil was hit by a pitch and Alonso singled and advanced to second and third after Conforto grounded out. but pinch hitter J.D. Davis struck out to end the inning. In the bottom of the eighth inning, DH Yoenis Cespedes homered to lead off the inning and then Cano followed with a single, but Giminez struck out and catcher Wilson Ramos grounded into a double play. In the bottom of the ninth, Nimmo and McNeil walked and Alonso singled to load the bases. Davis hit a bloop single with one out to cut the lead to 6-5, but Cespedes struck out and Cano lined out to end the game.

The Mets next game is tomorrow night at home against the Red Sox at 7:07 p.m.

Jake Marisnick on IL

Mets CF Jake Marisnick  (Credits to MetsMerizedOnline.com)

New York Mets centerfielder Jake Marisnick was placed on injured list today with a left hamstring strain. Marisnick was signed in the offseason as a back-up centerfielder and has gone 1-4 so far this season. Outfielder Ryan Cordell was activated from the team's alternative training facility in Coney Island. Cordell signed a minor league deal with the Mets this offseason and hit .205 for the Chicago White Sox between the 2018 and 2019 seasons. RHP Jordan Humpreys was designated for assignment to make room for Cordell.

Game 6: Mets vs. Red Sox Starting Lineup and Pitching Match-up

Mets Starting Lineup
1. Brandon Nimmo-CF
2. Jeff McNeil-3B
3. Pete Alonso-1B
4. Michael Conforto-RF
5. Dominic Smith-LF
6. Yoenis Cespedes-DH
7. Robinson Cano-2B
8. Andres Giminez-SS
9. Rene Rivera-C

The pitching match-up is RHP Jacob deGrom (0-0, 0.00 ERA) vs. RHP Nathan Evoldi (1-0, 1.50 ERA)

Mets vs. Red Sox Game 5 Recap

Mets LHP David Peterson  (Credits to MetsMerizedOnline.com)

The New York Mets defeated the Boston Red Sox 8-3 tonight for their second consecutive win and improved their record to 3-2 on the season. In the top of the second inning, LF J.D. Davis led off with  a single, DH Yoenis Cespedes followed with a hit by pitch and 2B Robinson Cano drove in Davis with a RBI single. CF Brandon Nimmo then walked to load the bases and SS Amed Rosario came through with a two-run single. 3B Jeff McNeil singled with one out in the fifth and then Davis drove him in with a two-run homer, his first of the season. In the top of the eighth inning, Cano doubled and was then taken out for pinch runner Andres Giminez. Giminez went to second on catcher Wilson Ramos's ground ball which helped break up a double play. Nimmo drove in Giminez with an RBI double and 1B Pete Alonso walked to load the bases. McNeil then came to the plate and broke the game with a bases clearing double to make it a 8-2 game.

LHP David Peterson made his Major League debut and was helped out by his defense in the bottom of the first inning after Davis threw out lead-off hitter 2B Jose Peraza and then struck out star DH J,D. Martinez on a sharp slider  Peterson then retired 3B Rafael Devers to end the inning. He had another scoreless inning in the bottom of the second inning, but ran into trouble in the bottom of the third inning. Peterson gave up a lead-off double to former Met catcher Kevin Plawecki, a walk to LF Andrew Beintendi and a base hit to Peraza which loaded the bases. He was able to refocus and struck out Martinez again on a slider and then got Devers to line out, but a run still scored after Rosario was unable to complete a double play, but no other damage. Peterson had a 1-2-3 bottom of the fourth inning and came into the bottom of the fifth inning at only 52 pitches. He retired CF Jackie Bradley Jr to start the inning, but then gave up an infield hit to Plawecki and walked Benintendi. Peterson was able to escape out of trouble once again after Peraza grounded into a 4-6-3 inning-ending double play. He gave up a one-out double to Devers in the bottom of the sixth and and an RBI single to RF Kevin Pillar and was then taken out. His final line was 5.2 innings, 7 hits, 2 runs, 2 walks and 3 strikeouts. Peterson showed a lot of poise and command for his debut and mixed in his four pitches of a fastball, curveball, change-up and slider well. He was effective with his change-up and curveball against the righty hitters and threw harder with  his fastball than expected at 93-94 mph. It will be fun seeing how he continues to progress. RHP Drew Smith came in next and got the last out of the bottom of the sixth inning. LHP Justin Wilson followed with a scoreless bottom of the seventh inning. RHP Dellin Betances came in next and threw a scoreless bottom of the eighth inning. RHP Hunter Strickland gave up a run in the bottom of the ninth on an RBI ground-out to Bradley Jr, but was able to get the last three outs,

The Mets next game is tomorrow night also against the Red Sox, but this time at home at Citi Field at 7:10 p.m.

Game 5: Mets vs. Red Sox Starting Lineup and Pitching Match-Up

Mets Starting Lineup
1. Amed Rosario-SS
2. Pete Alonso-1B
3. Jeff McNeil-3B
4. J.D. Davis-LF
5. Michael Conforto-RF
6. Yoenis Cespedes-DH
7. Robinson Cano-2B
8. Wilson Ramos-C
9. Brandon Nimmo-CF

The pitching match-up is LHP David Peterson (MLB Debut) vs. LHP Matt Hall (0-0, 0.00 ERA)

Mets vs. Red Sox Game 4 Recap

Mets LF J.D. Davis and RF Michael Conforto (Credits to MetsMerizedOnline.com)

The New York Mets defeated the Boston Red Sox 7-4 tonight in Boston at Fenway Park and improved their record to 2-2 on the season. RF Michael Conforto got the offense on the board with a two-run homer in the top of the second inning. First baseman Pete Alonso came out of his slump with a two-run homer in the top of the third inning. Designated hitter Dom Smith hit a three-run homer in the top of the third inning which helped break the game open.

RHP Michael Wacha made his Met debut and had a solid outing allowing one run on five hits in five innings. He gave up one walk and had four strikeouts. Wacha featured a lively fastball and a sharp change-up against righties, RHP Chasen Shrieve came in next and gave up a run in two innings. RHP Jeurys Familia got the first two outs in the bottom of the eighth inning. RHP Seth Lugo came on to get the last four outs in the bottom of the ninth and picked up his first save of the year.

The Mets next game is tomorrow night at the Red Sox at 7:35 p.m.

Game 4: Mets vs. Red Sox Starting Lineup and Pitching Match-Up

Mets Starting Lineup
1. Amed Rosario-SS
2. Pete Alonso-1B
3. Jeff McNeil-3B
4. J.D. Davis-LF
5. Michael Conforto-RF
6. Wilson Ramos-C
7. Robinson Cano-2B
8. Dominic Smith-1B
9. Brandon Nimmo-CF

The pitching match-up is RHP Michael Wacha (0-0, 0.00 ERA) vs. LHP Josh Osich (0-0, 0.00 ERA)

Mets vs. Braves Game 3 Recap

Mets RHP Rick Porcello (Credits to SNY.TV.com)

The New York Mets lost to the Atlanta Braves 14-1 tonight to lose two out of three games in their first series of the season and dropped their record to 1-2. RHP Rick Porcello made his Met debut and had a rocky first start. Porcello gave up a one-out double to 2B Ozzie Albies in the top of the first inning and then walked 1B Freddie Freeman. He got DH Marcell Ozuna to fly out, but then gave up an RBI single to DH Matt Adams. SS Dansby Swanson followed with an RBI single. Porcello came back with a scoreless top of the second inning, but it all unraveled in the top of the third. 3B Jeff McNeil made an error to allow Albies to reach base to start the third and Porcello walked Freeman. Ozuna followed with a double. He gave up a walk to Adams to load the bases and then Swanson delivered a two-run double which knocked Porcello out of the game.  His final line was 7 runs, (6 earned), 7 hits, 3 walks and one strikeout. RHP Corey Oswalt came in next and walked 3B Austin Riley to load the bases. CF Ender Inciarte broke the game open with a two-run double. Oswalt stayed in for another inning and gave up a two-run homer to Swanson in the top of the fourth. He gave up another run in the top of the fifth on an RBI double by Albies. Oswalt gave up solo homers to Ozuna and Riley in the top of the sixth and was taken out after the inning. RHP Paul Sewald came on next in the top of the seventh and gave up a two-run homer to Albies. Sewald stayed in for the top of the eighth and threw a scoreless inning. RHP Hunter Strickland threw a scoreless top of the ninth inning.

The offense didn't do much tonight once again and had only one run on five hits. In the bottom of the second inning, catcher Tomas Nido singled and advanced to second on a wild pitch. CF Brandon Nimmo drove in the only run of the game on the next pitch with an RBI double.

The Mets next game is tomorrow night in Boston at Fenway Park against the Red Sox at 7:35 p.m.

Game 3: Mets vs. Braves Starting Lineup and Pitching Match-Up

Mets Starting Lineup
1. Amed Rosario-SS
2. Jeff McNeil-3B
3. Pete Alonso-1B
4. Yoenis Cespedes-DH
5. Michael Conforto-RF
6. J.D. Davis-LF
7. Robinson Cano-2B
8. Tomas Nido-C
9. Brandon Nimmo-CF

The pitching match-up is RHP Rick Porcello (2019: 14-12, 5.52 ERA) vs. LHP Sean Newcomb (6-3, 3.16 ERA)

Mets-Braves Game 2 Recap

Mets RHP Edwin Diaz (Credits to MetsMerizedOnline.com)

The New York Mets lost to the Atlanta Braves 5-3 today in 10 innings for their first loss of the season and dropped their record to 1-1. LHP Steven Matz had a strong first outing of the season allowing one run on two hits and one walk with seven strikeouts. Matz featured a sharp change-up and curveball and had increased velocity on his fastball. He looked a lot of more comfortable and relaxed on the mound and can hopefully build off this in his next starts.  RHP Jeurys Familia followed and threw a scoreless top of the seventh inning. RHP Dellin Betances came in next and recorded two outs in the top of the eighth. LHP Justin Wilson had to come in and gave up a single to 1B Matt Adams, but came back to strike out Braves star centerfielder Ronald Acuna Jr. with the bases loaded to end the inning. RHP Edwin Diaz came on in the top of the ninth inning for the save, but his struggles with giving up home runs continued after he gave up a game-tying solo homer to DH Marcell Ozuna with two outs. RHP Hunter Strickland came on in the top of the tenth inning and was the first Met pitcher to experience new extra inning rule with a runner at second base to start the inning. Strickland gave up three runs on a single and two doubles.

The offense didn't do much and had only three runs on nine hits. In the bottom of the fourth, RF Michael Conforto led off with a double and SS Amed Rosario followed with an RBI triple. 3B Jeff McNeil later drove in Rosario with a sacrifice fly. The bats went quiet until the bottom of the tenth after pinch-hitter Dom Smith drove in McNeil with a sacrifice fly.

The Mets next game is tomorrow night against the Braves on Sunday Night Baseball on ESPN at 7:08 P.M.

Game 2: Mets vs. Braves Starting Lineup and Pitching Match-Up

Mets Starting Lineup
1. Jeff McNeil-3B
2. J.D. Davis-LF
3. Pete Alonso-1B
4. Yoenis Cespedes-DH
5. Robinson Cano-2B
6. Wilson Ramos-C
7. Michael Conforto-RF
8. Amed Rosario-SS
9. Brandon Nimmo-CF

The pitching match-up is LHP Steven Matz (2019: 11-10, 4.21 ERA) vs. LHP Max Fried (2019: 17-6, 4.02 ERA)

Mets vs. Braves Game 1 Recap

Mets DH Yoenis Cespedes (Credits to Newsday.com)

The New York Mets defeated the Atlanta Braves 1-0 this afternoon in their first game of the season. at Citi Field in Queens, NY.  RHP Jacob deGrom was electric from the get-go in the top of the first inning throwing 99-100 mph fastballs as well as sliders in the mid 90's. deGrom threw two hitless innings in the top of the first and second innings, but gave up his first hit in the top of the third. He was able to get out of the third unscathed and was able to have a 1-2-3 12 pitch top of the fourth inning. DeGrom had another quick 1-2-3 top of the fifth inning with 10 pitches, but was taken out since he was coming off a back injury. RHP Seth Lugo came in next and picked up where he was last year with a 1-2-3 top of the sixth inning. Lugo ran into trouble in the top of the seventh after LF Marcel Ozuna doubled with one out and then advanced to third base on a wild pitch on the next inning. He was able to get out of the jam after DH Matt Adams grounded out to 3B Jeff McNeil and 3B Austin Riley struck out to end the inning. Lugo picked up the win. LHP Justin Wilson came in next and worked out around a lead-off single by SS Dansby Swanson and retired the next three hitters he faced. RHP Edwin Diaz came on in the top of the ninth inning and worked out around a walk to 1B Freedie Freeman and struck out Ozuna on a fastball and Adams on a nasty slider to end the game.

The offense was held scoreless against Braves starter RHP Mike Soroka for the first six innings, but finally broke through in the bottom of the seventh inning after DH Yoenis Cespedes came through with a solo homer.

The Mets next game is tomorrow afternoon against the Braves at 4:10 p.m.

Game 1: Mets vs. Braves Starting Lineup and Pitching Match-Up

Mets Starting Lineup
1. Brandon Nimmo-CF
2. Jeff McNeil-3B
3. Pete Alonso-1B
4. Michael Conforto-RF
5. Yoenis Cespedes-DH
6. Robinson Cano-2B
7. J.D. Davis-LF
8. Wilson Ramos-C
9. Amed Rosario-SS

The pitching match-up is  RHP Jacob deGrom  (2019: 11-8, 2.43 ERA) vs. RHP Mike Soroka  (2019: 13-4, 2.68 ERA)

Mets Announce 2020 Roster

Mets Infielder Andres Giminez (Credits to MetsMerizedOnline.com)

The New York Mets announced today that they finalized their roster for the 2020 season:

                                                            Pitchers:

                                                           68 -Dellin Betances-RHP
                                                           48- Jacob deGrom-RHP
                                                           39-Edwin Diaz-RHP
                                                           27-Jeurys Familia-RHP
                                                           67- Seth Lugo-RHP
                                                            32-Steven Matz-LHP
                                                             22-Rick Porcello-RHP
                                                             51-Paul Sewald-RHP
                                                             47-Chasen Shreve-LHP
                                                              62-Drew Smith-RHP
                                                              71-Hunter Strickland-RHP
                                                               45-Michael Wacha-RHP
                                                                38-Justin Wilson-LHP


                                                                        Infielders

                                                                       20 -Pete Alonso-1B
                                                                       24-Robinson Cano-2B
                                                                       60-Andres Giminez-2B
                                                                        13-Luis Guillorme-SS
                                                                        6-Jeff McNeil-3B
                                                                        12-Eduardo Nunez-IF
                                                                        1-Amed Rosario-SS


                                                                          Catchers


                                                                         3-Tomas Nido
                                                                         40-Wilson Ramos
                                                                         44-Rene Rivera

                                                               

 

                                     
                                                           

Marcus Stroman Goes on IL with Calf Tear

Mets RHP Marcus Stroman (Credits to MetsMerizedOnline.com)

The New York Mets announced today RHP Marcus Stroman is going on the IL (Injured List) with a muscle tear in his calf. This come off the news RHP Robert Gsellman also went on the IL with triceps tightness in his throwing arm. Now that Stroman is hurt, it hurts the depth of the rotation even more since RHP Noah Syndergarrd is out for the season with Tommy John surgery.  LHP Steven Matz, RHP Rick Porcello and RHP Michael Wacha will all have to play much larger roles than expected. In the meantime, RHP Corey Oswalt, RHP Erasio Ramirez and prospect LHP David Peterson will be considered to replace Stroman's spot in the rotation. RHP Seth Lugo might be considered, but he will most likely remain in the bullpen.  Gsellman will only be expected to miss about a week which will help stabilize the billpen.

Mets Sign Juan Lagares and Brian Dozier to Minor League Deals to increase roster depth

Mets CF Juan Lagares (Credits to MetsMerizedOnline.com)

The New York Mets signed centerfielder Juan Lagares and second baseman Brian Dozier to minor league deals today. They have released Gordan Beckham and Mekly Cabrera as corresponding roster moves. Lagares and Dozier were signed to add roster depth before Opening Day on Friday. They will start the season at the team's alternate training site in Brooklyn as opposed to the Major League roster.

Lagares played for the Mets from 2013-2019 and was known for his defense. He won a Gold Glove in 2014. His offense never matched his defense and he hit only .254 in his Met career.  Lagares could play a role this year since back-up centerfielder Jake Marisnik as a hamstring injury.

Dozier has been in the Major Leagues for eight years playing mostly with the Minnesota Twins and then going to the Los Angeles Dodgers in 2018 and the defending World Series Championship Washington Nationals last year where he hit 20 home runs. He has played second base and shortstop in his career. Dozier also won a Gold Glove in 2017 and was an All-Star in 2015. He was a MVP candidate in the 2015-2017 seasons and finished as high as 11th in 2017. In 2016, he became the first shortstop in American League history with 40 home runs in a season. He was also the 13th second baseball in Major League Baseball history and first in Twins history with 20 home runs and 20 stolen bases in a season.  Dozier will provide speed and power off the bench and insurance depth at a couple of positions. He can help serve as a utility man off the bench with Jed Lowrie's status a question mark. Dozier can help give Jeff McNeil, Robinson Cano and Amed Rosario a much needed rest now and then during the season as it progresses.

Mets Place Jed Lowrie and Walker Lockett on IL

Mets infielder Jed Lowrie (Credits to MetsMerizedOnline.com)

New York Mets infielder Jed Lowrie and RHP Walker Lockett were placed on the Injured List (IL) today. Lowrie was placed on the IL with left knee discomfort. He has been hurt often since he was signed as a free agent in 2019 for two years, twenty million. Lowrie injured his left knee capsule in Spring Training 2019. He then hurt himself again on a minor league rehab stint with a left hamstring strain and kinetic issues with his left side.  He had a right calf strain after that. Lowrie was able to come back in September, but went hitless in seven at-bats.  Lowrie showed up at Spring Training this year in a full leg brace on his left leg, but didn't play in any Spring Training games. He also didn't play in either of the exhibition games against the Yankees.

Lockett was placed on the 10-day IL with lower back discomfort. He struggled last year with a 8.34 ERA  and 1.721 WHIP in nine games. Lockett was expected to be the next man up if any members of the starting rotation got hurt.

Mes Lose to Yankees 6-0 in second spring training game due to lifeless offense

Yankee Stadium (Credits to MetsMerizedOnline.com)

The New York Mets lost to the New York Yankees 6-0 tonight in their second and final spring training game of the season. RHP Corey Oswalt allowed two runs on five hits in three hits in 3 + plus innings. Oswalt gave two walks with three strikeouts with two home runs to RF Aaron Judge in the bottom of the first inning and catcher Gary Sanchez in the bottom of the fourth inning. He showed command of his slider and breaking stuff and kept the hitters off balanced. Oswalt was taken out in the middle of the bottom of the fourth inning for RHP Hunter Strickland. Strickland followed with as scoreless bottom of the fourth inning. RHP Drew Smith came in next and threw a scoreless bottom of the fifth inning. Smith stayed in for the bottom of the sixth and gave up a lead-off homer to 1B Luke Voit.  He later gave up a two-run homer to Judge, his second homer of the night. Smith was then taken out for RHP Chasen Shrive. Shrive gave up a solo homer to RF Giancarlo Stanton.  RHP Seth Lugo followed with a 1--2-3 bottom of the eighth inning.  Lugo came back out in the bottom of the inning with another 1-2-3 inning and two strikeouts but those numbers won't count.

The offense didn't do much all night and had only three hits. They were shut down by Yankees starter LHP Jordan Montgomery and relievers Jonathan Loisaga and Jonathan Holder.

The Mets begin the regular season on Friday, July 24 at 4:10 p.m.  om ESPN against the Atlanta Braves.

Mets vs. Yankees Spring Training Game #2 Starting Lineup and Pitching Match-up

Mets Starting Lineup
1. Jeff McNeil-3B
2. Pete Alonso-1B
3. Robinson Cano-2B
4. Yoenis Cespedes-LF
5. Michael Conforto-RF
6. J.D. Davis-DH
7. Amed Rosario-SS
8. Brandon Nimmo-CF
9. Rene Rivera-C

The pitching match-up is RHP Corey Oswalt vs. LHP Jordan Montgomery

Mets Lose to Yankees 9-3 in first spring training game due to bad infield defense

Mets Starter RHP Rick Porcello (Credits to NorthJersey.com)

The New York Mets lost to the New York Yankees 9-3 tonight at Citi Field in their first of two exhibition games  against the Yankees. RHP Rick Porcello allowed three runs on six hits in five innings. Porcello gave an RBI single to SS Gleyber Torres in the top of the first inning and then had two scoreless innings in the top of the second and third innings. He gave up a two-run homer to RF Clint Frazier in the top of the fourth inning. RHP Jeurys Familia followed and allowed one unearned run in 1.2 innings. Familia didn't allow any hits and had two strikeouts. LHP Justin Wilson had to come in to get the last out in the top of the seventh inning. RHP Dellin Betances came in next and threw a scoreless top of the eighth inning. RHP Edwin Diaz started the top of the ninth inning and retired the first out on a strikeout. LHP Daniel Zamora followed and loaded the bases. Zamora then gave up three consecutive RBI singles. RHP Ryley Gillian had to come in to replace Zamora and gave up a sacrifice fly before finishing the inning.

The offense didn't do much scoring three runs on eight hits. LF J.D. Dacis drove in the first run of the game with an RBI double in the bottom of the fourth inning scoring 2B Robinson Cano. 1B Pete Alonso also hit an RBI single in the bottom of the fifth inning driving in CF Brandon Nimmo. Alonso was the only hitter in the starting lineup with a multi-hit game after he had two hits. 3B Eduardo Nunez drove in SS Amed Rosario in the bottom of the ninth inning with an RBI single after Rosario tripled with two outs.

The Mets return to action tomorrow night for their final spring training against the Yankees at 7:00 p.m this time at Yankee Stadium.

Mets vs. Yankees Spring Training Game Starting Lineup

Mets Starting Lineup
1. Brandon Nimmo-CF
2. Pete Alonso-1B
3. Robinson Cano-2B
4. Yoenis Cespedes-DH
5. Michael Conforto-RF
6. J.D. Davis-LF
7. Amed Rosario-SS
8. Max Moruff-3B
9. Tomas Nido-C

The pitching match-up is RHP Rick Porcello vs. RHP Mike King

Mets 2020 Schedule is Revealed

Today Major League Baseball announced the schedule for the 2020 season. The New York Mets opener is on Friday July 24th at home against the Atlanta Braves at 4:10 p.m. The Mets have a difficult schedule and open up their first five series against the Braves twice, Boston Red Sox twice and the defending World Series champions Washington Nationals.  Due to travel concerns in fear of preventing spread from the CoronaVirus, all teams will be playing a regional schedule this year. As an example, NL East teams will only be playing teams in their own division and the American League East. It will be a challenge facing off against the contenders Braves, Nationals, Phillies and an improved Marlins team in the NL East and playing the Yankees, Red Sox, and Rays in the AL East, but it will make it a fun season for sure.
The Mets complete schedule is as follows:
July 24-26: vs Atlanta Braves ( 3 games)
July 27-28: at Boston Red Sox ( 2 games)
July 29-30 vs. Red Sox ( 2 games)
July 31-August 3 at Braves ( 4 games)
August 4-5: At Nationals ( 2 games)
August 6: Off
August 7-9: At Miami Marlins ( 3 games)
August 10-13: vs. Nationals ( 4 games)
August 14-16: At Philadelphia Phillies ( 3 games)
August 17-20: At Marlins (4 games)
August 21-23: vs. Yankees (3 games)
August 24: Off
August 25-27: vs. Marlins ( 3 games)
August 28-30: At Yankees ( 3 games)
August 31: Off
September 1-2: at Baltimore Orioles (2 games)
September 3: Off
September 4-7: At Phillies ( 4 games)
September 8-9: vs. Orioles (2 games)
September 10: Off
September 11-13: at Toronto Blue Jays ( 3 games)
September 14: Off
September 15-17: At Phillies ( 3 games)
September 18-20: vs. Braves (3 games)
September 21-23: vs. Tampa Bays Rays (3 games)
September 24-27: at Nationals ( 4 games)