Mets Morning News: Jacob deGrom dominates, Michael Conforto returns

Meet the Mets

Jacob deGrom put on a performance that the Mets badly needed. He pitched his first career complete game shutout and could’ve had a no-hitter had it not been for a single from opposing pitcher Zach Eflin in the third. Even with that one hit, it was still a dominant performance that got the Mets the series win.

On the offensive side, Juan Lagares had another solid game, and Curtis Granderson and Asdrubal Cabrera both hit home runs.

Choose your recap: Amazin Avenue short and long, Daily News, ESPN, MLB.com, Newsday, NJ.com, Post, Times

Up next for the Mets are the Cubs. Steven Matz will take the hill at Wrigley against Jon Lester to begin the series tonight.

Jacob deGrom had his best start of the year and said his past struggles have helped him with the mental part of the game. Those struggles appear to be in the past as all the numbers in deGrom’s last few starts have been trending in the right direction.

Yoenis Cespedes returned to the lineup and to left field, a position he said he prefers.

However, with the return of Michael Conforto, Cespedes might not get his wish since there is a log jam in the outfield.

Are things starting to come together at the right time for the Mets?

The Mets are reportedly looking for bullpen help and there are ten relievers they could potentially target.

Matt Harvey is gone but not forgotten, and should be ready to go for spring training next year.

Around the NL East

Braves GM John Coppolella answered Braves’ fans questions in an entertaining and informative segment during Saturday’s game. Sunday was also a good day for the Braves when they avoided a sweep at the hands of the Rockies with a walk-off win.

Giancarlo Stanton helped lead the Marlins to a 6-3 win over the Cardinals.

The Good Phight’s recap of the game can be found here.

Ex-Mets were all over the Pirates-Nationals 18-inning affair. Daniel Murphy hit a pinch-hit, game-tying home run, and when the 18th inning ended, Jon Niese was the winning pitcher for the Pirates while Ollie Perez took the loss for the Nationals. The game was just too much for one little Bucs fan.

Around the Majors

Cubs’ starter Jason Hammel’s cure for hand cramps is potato chips.

With the trade deadline fast approaching, there are many storylines to watch in the coming weeks.

One day after making a sacrifice to Jobu, Indians’ catcher Jan Gomes suffered a scary shoulder injury.

Orioles’ prospect Dylan Bundy made his first career start and struggled against the Rays.

Padres’ starter Edwin Jackson also flirted with a no-hitter Sunday as the Padres finished the sweep of the Giants.

Yesterday at AA

Steve Sypa updated all the action in the minors with the Mets Daily Prospect Report.

Jason Mast covered the Michael Conforto call-up.

This Date in Mets History

In 1960, the National League voted to expand the league to ten teams and one of the new teams would play in New York.

46 years later, Carlos Beltran would play for that National League New York team and hit a grand slam, his second in as many days. He would become just the 22nd player in history to hit a grand slam on consecutive days.