:format(webp)/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/18186989/177076212.0.jpg)
Meet the Mets
Zack Wheeler threw 6.2 strong innings and Marlon Byrd launched his career best 21st home run as the Mets beat the Braves 5-3. Travis d'Arnaud collected his first big league hit, a double in the 8th inning.
Choose Your Recap: Amazin' Avenue Short, Long, MLB.com, ESPN NY, Daily News, New York Times, Associated Press, Star-Ledger, NY Post, Newsday
Jon Niese heads to the mound this afternoon as the Mets finish up their quick two game set with the Braves. It'll be Alex Wood opposing him.
The Mets got some bad news on the injury front as both Jenrry Mejia and Jeremy Hefner will likely have to have surgery. Mejia should be ready before 2014 spring training begins after having a bone spur removed from his elbow but Hefner is likely to miss all of 2014 if he has Tommy John surgery. Meanwhile, David Wright is itching to get off the DL soon.
With the Mets running a little short on pitchers in the upper minors thanks to injuries and innings limits, the Mets inked Mitch Talbot and Daryl Thompson to minor league contracts.
Dave Schoenfield at ESPN's Sweetspot site writes that the Mets are the team of the future in New York. But could the 2014 Mets be next year's Pirates? This Mets team has some interesting similarities to the 2012 edition of the Pirates.
Speaking of a part of that future, Lynn Worthy has a fantastic piece on Noah Syndergaard, his personality, and his pitching. Also within are the nicknames he has for his gloves: Lion, Heisenberg, Rick Grimes, and Drago. Cool to hear that Noah's adopted Thor as his own nickname.
The Mets got relatively good news on pitching prospect Michael Fulmer, who left his last start with right biceps tendinitis. It's been sort of a lost year for Fulmer but all things considered, this isn't too bad.
Johan Santana intends to play again, although that likely won't be with the Mets.
Yesterday At AA
Chris McShane provides us with another edition of Meter Avenue, featuring the hitters and pitchers.
Aaron Yorke previewed the Mets' series with the Braves.
Chris Meehan writes that the Mets fell to 14th in the Uni-Watch rankings.
Greg Karam has Tuesday's Daily Farm Report.
Around the NL East
The Rockies beat the Phillies 5-3, the Nationals defeated the Cubs 4-2, and the Marlins fell to the Dodgers 6-4.
Roy Halladay struggled in a rehab start in single-A and it sounds like he isn't close to a return to the majors.
Around the Majors
Ryan Dempster was suspended for hitting Alex Rodriguez on Sunday night. Justice, right? But hang on a second – Dempster only got suspended for 5 games, which means with off days, he won't even miss a start. Well, at least he won't get paid. Oh, right – Dempster gets his whole salary outside of a small fine. So, this is pretty much a 5 day vacation for Dempster courtesy of Major League Baseball for throwing at A-Rod four times in an at bat and eventually hitting him without getting ejected. Oh, and Joe Girardi got fined too for some reason. What an absolute joke.
A-Rod's cousin Yuri Sucart has filed an appeal challenging the Biogenesis lawsuit.
Gabe Kapler continues to write some quality pieces, as the former big leaguer wants people to give up the PED guessing game. Just a really nice take on the PED madness and incredibly well written.
Yasiel Puig was fined and benched by Don Mattingly for showing up late to the Dodgers' game at Marlins Park yesterday and then hit a home run on the first pitch of his pinch hitting appearance during the game.
Bye bye, Jeff Francoeur. The Giants designated the outfielder for assignment. Apparently, they weren't in need of his shaving skills.
This has little to do with baseball but former big league pitcher Dirk Hayhurst live-tweeted a hit and run car chase.
If you read an article or find a link that you think would be a great addition to a future edition of Mets Morning News, please forward it to our tips email address tips@grission.com and we'll try to add it in.