Mets Morning News: Mets sign two draft picks, Noah Syndergaard to throw off mound

Meet the Mets

The Mets were off again, as Major League Baseball continued its break for the All-Star Game.

The Mets signed two more of their draft picks, Anthony Kay, their second overall pick, and Cameron Planck, their 11th round pick. Kay was signed to a below-slot deal due to concerns over his elbow, allowing the Mets to spend way over slot on Planck. Read more about Kay and Planck in Steve Sypa’s draft profiles of the two.

Terry Collins did provide some positive information regarding Noah Syndergaard. The right-hander is scheduled to throw off of a mound tomorrow.

No Mets players participated in the All-Star Game despite the fact that Terry Collins managed the National League team. Noah Syndergaard and Yoenis Cespedes both rested due to injury concerns, while Collins declined to use Bartolo Colon and Jeurys Familia.

In the Post, Joel Sherman penned a guide to a playoff push for both New York teams. Regarding the Mets, he anticipates a trade to bolster the pitching staff. The team will reportedly prioritize acquiring relief pitching.

Jacob deGrom landed at number 22 on Dave Cameron’s trade value rankings at Fangraphs. Cameron noted his top of the line performance, but also his injury history as reasons for his ranking.

Around the NL East

The Marlins could look to upgrade their starting rotation at the trade deadline. Jake Odorizzi, Drew Pomeranz, and Sonny Gray are considered options.

Talking Chop previewed the Braves’ trade deadline possibilities. Julio Teheran has been discussed, but will require a large haul to be pried from Atlanta.

The Good Phight took stock of the Phillies’ players before the trade deadline. Players such as Jeremy Hellickson could be shipped out of Philadelphia as the team continues its rebuild.

Around Major League Baseball

Yu Darvish will return from the disabled list on Saturday against the Cubs. He has been out since June with discomfort in his neck and shoulder.

Major League Baseball has given names to the National League and American League batting titles. For the National League, the championship will named in honor of Tony Gwynn, and for the American League, it will be named in honor of Rod Carew.

Anthony Gose was further demoted to Double-A from Triple-A by the Tigers. The reason is reportedly due to an argument he had with his Triple-A manager Lloyd McClendon. The Mets were rumored to be interested in Gose before eventually settling on Noah Syndergaard when they traded R.A. Dickey to the Blue Jays.

Cole Hamels needed eight stitches in his chin after tripping and falling in his hotel.

Ken Davidoff outlined ten storylines to look for in the second half. The list includes the questions of whether the Indians can maintain their pace, and will the Cubs finally break their World Series drought?

Yesterday at AA

Steve Sypa continued his coverage of Mets 2016 draft picks. Read more about second baseman Nick Sergakis who was drafted in the 23rd round, and center fielder Ian Strom who was drafted in the 22nd round.

In an epic FanPost, metsgiants3380 simulated an entire MLB: The Show season in which every team consisted entirely of Bartolo Colon clones.

This Date in Mets History

In 1970, Mets manager Gil Hodges managed the National League team in the All-Star Game. Tom Seaver started, and threw three shutout innings.