Mets Morning News: Giant Wild Card game looms, Britton M.I.A. in Baltimore loss

Meet the Mets

Noah Syndergaard will square off with Madison Bumgarner and the Giants Wednesday night, taking part in what promises to be a memorable National League Wild Card game. While the Mets clinched home field advantage, the two teams finished with an identical 87-75 record. First pitch at Citi Field is slated for 8:09 PM ET.

Choose your preview: MLB.com, FOX Sports, Newsday, Wall Street Journal, Big League Stew, NY Times, North Jersey, For The Win, NY Post.

Grant Brisbee of McCovey Chronicles examined the Giants’ success facing Noah Syndergaard. Chris McShane reviewed Madison Bumgarner’s starts against the Mets.

Tim Tebow has been assigned to the Scottsdale Scorpions of the Arizona Fall League.

Anthony Kay, the Mets’ second pick in the 2016 draft, will undergo Tommy John surgery.

The BP Mets staff predicted the team’s 2016 World Series MVP.

Despite a 2-for-13 career line against Madison Bumgarner, James Loney has “a good feeling” about his chances against the four-time All-Star.

T.J. Rivera will commute to the Wild Card game from his parents’ house in the Bronx.

With the Wild Card game one day away, David Wright wasn’t interested in discussing his recovery status.

James Wagner of the NY Times profiled 27-year-old reliever Josh Smoker.

Around Major League Baseball

The Blue Jays and Orioles began the 2016 postseason at the Rogers Centre Tuesday night, going extra-innings in an AL East Wild Card showdown. The Orioles endured a heartbreaking 5-2 loss after Edwin Encarnacion clubbed a walk-off three-run home run. Baltimore manager Buck Showalter has been the subject of scrutiny for failing to use closer Zach Britton in a crucial situation.

Choose your recap: NY Times, USA Today, Chicago Tribune, Camden Chat, Bluebird Banter, Washington Post, Toronto Sun, Baltimore Sun.

The Wild Card match-up took an unfortunate turn in the seventh inning, when a beer can was thrown at Baltimore outfielder Hyun-Soo Kim.

Buck Showalter didn’t have many answers for his bullpen management in the Wild Card loss.

August Fagerstrom of FanGraphs outlined the 2016 National League Gold Gloves, by the numbers.

David Ortiz doesn’t need baseball anymore, writes Rian Watt of VICE Sports.

Ben Lindbergh of The Ringer brought attention to the Dodgers’ struggles against left-handed pitching.

Joe Maddon and the Cubs will “expect a great deal” from Kyle Hendricks this postseason.

The Nationals are confident that Daniel Murphy will overcome injury to play in the NLDS.

The Indians could opt to carry Yan Gomes and two other catchers on their ALDS roster.

Yesterday at Amazin’ Avenue

Mets players shared their thoughts on the upcoming Wild Card game.

Brian Salvatore and Chris McShane hosted Episode 205 of Amazin’ Avenue Audio!

Matthew Callan reflected on the Mets’ 5-0 Wild Card win over the Reds in 1999.

This Date in Mets History

On this date in 1999, Edgardo Alfonzo hit a pair of home runs to give the Mets a Game 1 victory in the NLDS.

Happy birthday to Rey Sanchez, Brent Gaff, and Dennis Bennett!