Mets Morning News: Washed out in Washington, Michael Conforto to begin rehab assignment

Meet the Mets

Mother Nature gave the Mets a reprieve from facing the Nationals in the final game of their series. The game was postponed due to heavy rain and a makeup date has not yet been determined.

Jacob deGrom was supposed to face Washington, but now he will start the first game of the Mets’ series in St. Louis on Friday night.

With the rainout, the Mets have an opportunity to set their rotation for the weekend series and end the first half on a positive note.

The series with Washington was cut short by the weather, but it was over for the Mets a lot earlier when they couldn’t get out of their own away against their rivals.

With the outfield facing some question marks right now, Brandon Nimmo is looking like he could potentially be the answer moving forward.

Some outfield help could be on the way since Michael Conforto will soon begin a rehab assignment in Port St. Lucie.

Statcast’s new speed data proved that the Mets are one of the slowest teams in the league, which is not surprising given the age and injury history of this team.

The pitching staff has been issuing walks at an alarming rate, which might be a reaction to the home run revolution baseball is currently experiencing. One person known for his control is Bartolo Colon, who becomes a free agent today.

Pitching in Las Vegas is no easy feat, but is the hitter-friendly environment detrimental to the Mets’ pitching prospects?

The Mets traded prosepct Milton Ramos to the Orioles, which gives them more flexibility in the international market.

Tim Tebow continues to hit in Single-A.

Around the NL East

The Braves placed reliever Arodys Vizcaino on the DL with a finger strain. The Astros hammered Atlanta in another ugly loss.

Marlins Park will be hosting the All-Star Game, but it’s publicly-funded beginnings will cast a long shadow over Miami. Giancarlo Stanton prepped for the home run derby by hitting two against the Cardinals in a 9-6 win.

The Phillies lost to Gerrit Cole and the Pirates 5-2.

The Nationals have been linked to a few relievers that could wind up on the market.

Around the Majors

The bracket for the Home Run Derby has been released which could lead to some interesting matchups.

Cleveland manager Terry Francona has not been with the team after he experienced a rapid heart rate. He is supposed to be the manager for the AL All-Star Team but no decision has been made if he will make the trip to Miami.

Yankees reliever Dellin Betances has lost all semblance of control recently.

The Cardinals may be interested in acquiring Blue Jays’ star Josh Donaldson.

Tigers ace Justin Verlander could be on the trading block, but it is highly unlikely he will be dealt at the deadline.

This Date in Mets History

The Cardinals played a role in two different Mets accomplishments on this date. First, in 1962 the Mets hit their first grand slam. Rod Kanehl came up with the bases loaded in the eighth and padded their 6-1 lead over the Cardinals. They eventually won the game 10-3.

Then in 1970 in another 10-3 win over St. Louis, Tommie Agee hit for the cycle at Shea Stadium.