Mets Morning News: Mets pull even in Wild Card race, sign Tim Tebow to minor league deal

Meet the Mets

The Mets finished off a three-game sweep of the Reds with a 6-3 win on Wednesday afternoon. Noah Syndergaard did not have his best stuff, walking four and allowing six hits over five innings, but he did keep the Reds off the board. Jose Reyes, Curtis Granderson, and Wilmer Flores all hit home runs, while Yoenis Cespedes contributed an RBI double. The Mets are off today and begin a series at the Atlanta Braves tomorrow.

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The Mets announced that they have signed former NFL quarterback Tim Tebow to a minor league deal. Tebow will begin his attempt at a career in baseball in the Fall Instructional League.

There is no plan for Steven Matz or Jacob deGrom to rejoin the starting rotation at this point in time. Matz threw off of flat ground on Monday, but deGrom has been inactive since his last start.

Noah Syndergaard admitted that the heat and early start time for the game contributed to his struggles yesterday.

Bartolo Colon could be a “no-brainer” to return to the Mets in 2017. Colon was expected to transition to relieving this season, but due to injuries, has remained in the rotation, and performed quite well.

Jose Reyes has played well enough this season to perhaps play the role of insurance for David Wright next year, wrote Ken Davidoff. After yesterday’s leadoff home run, Reyes is hitting .287/.341/.432.

Curtis Granderson has hit plenty of home runs this season, but has not driven in many runs. He is currently on pace to finish with the fewest RBI of anyone with 25 or more home runs in history.

Rafael Montero’s spot in the starting rotation could be in jeopardy next time around. He has walked 10 batters in nine-and-one-third innings.

Around the NL East

The Nationals edged past the Braves in 11 innings by a score of 6-5. Washington activated Stephen Strasburg from the disabled list to start against the Braves, but he exited the game and will now have an MRI on his elbow. Mike Foltynewicz started for Atlanta, striking out eight and allowing one run over six innings. Dansby Swanson hit a home run for the Braves. Wilson Ramos drove in the winning run in the 11th inning. Read recaps at Federal Baseball and Talking Chop.

The Marlins shutout the Phillies 6-0. Andrew Cashner struck out nine over five-and-a-third scoreless innings for Miami, while Jeremy Hellickson allowed four runs, three of which were earned, over his six innings. Martin Prado led the Marlins’ offense with three RBI. Read recaps of the game at Fish Stripes and The Good Phight.

Around MLB

The Rockies beat the Giants 6-5 with a walk-off double by Christhian Adames, while the Cardinals lost to the Pirates 4-3. The Mets are now in a virtual tie with the Cardinals, and half a game behind the Giants in the Wild Card standings.

The Twins are reportedly considering Alex Anthopolous for the position of president of baseball operations. He most recently served as senior vice president of baseball operations and general manager for the Blue Jays.

Twins third baseman Trevor Plouffe has a strained oblique and intercostal. It is doubtful he will return before the end of the season.

Scott Kazmir exited his rehab start after reportedly exacerbating the neck and ribcage injuries that landed him on the disabled list.

At Fangraphs, Eno Sarris discussed right-handed pitchers who are frequently thought of as being left-handed.

Ted Berg wrote about the excellent young shortstops that have currently populated the major leagues.

Yesterday at AA

David Capobianco argued that the Mets should stop giving playing time to James Loney. After an unexpectedly hot month of June, Loney has hit .243/.270/.309 in the second half.

This Date in Mets History

In 1993, the Mets hit a low point, getting no-hit by the Astros’ Darryl Kile. The only offense came in the form of a Jeff McKnight walk.