Mets Morning News: Pinch hit home run caps off crazy day for Mets

Meet the Mets

It took eleven shutout innings from Jacob deGrom and the bullpen, but the Mets finally broke the deadlock in extra innings with a home run from Kelly Johnson and won last night in Atlanta. Despite not playing their best lately, the Mets are now just two games behind Washington for first in the National League East.

Choose your recap: Amazin’ Avenue short and long, ESPN, MLB.com, New York Post, New York Times, Daily News, NJ.com, Bergen County Record, Newsday, Faith and Fear in Flushing.

Even bigger news came for the Mets off the field. The signing of Jose Reyes has led to plenty of reaction, both positive and negative.

The other transaction may be even more of a surprise, as Michael Conforto got demoted and Brandon Nimmo got called up.

Another lifeless day at the plate for Mets hitters could be getting frustrating for Jacob deGrom.

Saturday night’s game didn’t come without its hiccoughs. Cue Alejando De Aza.

Lenny Dykstra has a lot of things to say.

Around the NL East

After getting roughed up by the Mets Friday night, Aaron Blair is back down with the Braves’ Triple-A team.

The Marlins powered their way past the suddenly-very-beatable Cubs.

Phillies fans got a close look at Mickey Moniak and other prospects about the play ball in the Gulf Coast League.

The Nationals are having a tough time lately, and another scratched start for Stephen Strasburg won’t make things easier.

Around the Majors

It was a celebration in Cincinnati, as Pete Rose was inducted into the Reds Hall of Fame.

Albert Pujols continues to climb up the all-time home run leaderboard. The Angels DH passed Harmon Killebrew into 11th place.

Cardinals fans and Trevor Rosenthal fantasy owners should soon expect a new man to take on the closer role.

Astros star Jose Altuve literally fell short of the cycle.

You’re normally happy when you hit seven home runs in a game, but the Chicago White Sox are definitely not.

Yesterday at Amazin’ Avenue

We wrote up both of Saturday’s big transactions.

Lukas Vlahos told us what we can expect now that Brandon Nimmo is in the big leagues.

Steve Sypa delivered the Daily Prospect Report.

This Date in Mets History

Several past Mets are worthy of remembering for their June 26 feats, but the top honor goes to Rusty Staub. In 1983, he delivered a pinch hit in a game against the Phillies. It was was 8th straight pinch hit, which was good for a share of the all-time record set 25 years earlier.