Mets Morning News: Mets down Cardinals to open series, Bartolo signs with Twins

Meet the Mets

Jacob deGrom gave up four home runs, and the Mets still managed to win. It sounds like a lie, but it’s true. The Mets rolled into St. Louis for their final series before the All-Star break and managed to pull out a 6-5 win over the Cardinals despite a relatively down night from deGrom.

Choose your recap: Amazin’ Avenue short and long, Times, Post, Daily News, Newsday, MLB.com, NJ.com, Bergen County Record.

Michael Conforto will likely be activated today, and expects to be ready for the All-Star Game.

Bartolo Colon spurned the Mets and chose to sign with the Minnesota Twins.

The Mets agreed to terms with their top draft pick, David Peterson.

Fred Wilpon is one of the investors in the new esports Overwatch League.

Zack Wheeler will be getting the start against the Cardinals today, despite his struggles.

Las Vegas 51s pitcher Beck Wheeler once thought he’d never walk again.

Chris Flexen had a very good outing for the Rumble Ponies.

Around the NL East

The Braves broadcast team trolled the Nationals by mocking their questionable rain delay on Thursday night.

The Braves couldn’t follow up their trolling with a win though, and lost to the Nationals by a score of 5-4.

The Phillies lost to the Padres at home, which was still way less embarrassing than when they accidentally set off their post-game fireworks in the middle of the game the night before.

Dan Straily pitched a heck of the game as the Marlins beat the hapless Giants.

The Marlins are the only team in baseball with a team barber, and ESPN ran a story on him.

Around MLB

Aaron Judge broke Joe DiMaggio’s record for most home runs by a Yankees rookie. Judge still has a half-season left to add to his new record.

Indians bench coach Brad Mills will manage the American League All-Star Team in place of Terry Francona. Rays manager Kevin Cash will assist Mills.

Carlos Carrasco pitched an immaculate inning during the Indians’ win over the Tigers.

The Reds have signed Hunter Greene with a massive $7.23 million bonus.

The Indians/Tigers game had another major moment when current Tiger Victor Martinez collected career hit number 2,000 against his former team. Martinez collected his first hit back in 2002 as a member of the Tribe.

Royals pitcher Nate Karns may need to undergo surgery for thoracic outlet syndrome.

Reds pitcher Brandon Finnegan, who was already on the DL, fell off a boat and was forced to undergo surgery after dislocating his shoulder. He’ll miss four to six months.

Yesterday at AA

Aaron Yorke previewed the Mets/Cardinals series.

Joe Sokolowski brought you another edition of “This Week in Mets Quotes.”

Daniel Convery handled the Daily Prospect Report.

This Date in Mets History

Bobby Jones made a memorable All-Star debut as a Met on this date twenty years ago, striking out Ken Griffey Jr. and Mark McGuire while pitching a scoreless eighth inning.