Mets Morning News: deGrom’s hummin’, Dom’s comin’

Meet the Mets

The Mets battered the Phillies on Thursday night for a 10-0 victory. Wilmer Flores kicked things off with a three-run bomb in the opening frame, one of his three hits on the night. Neil Walker had four knocks, and Michael Conforto, hitting cleanup in light of the departure of Jay Bruce, hit an opposite-field three-run home run. The only damage sustained by starter Jacob deGrom was of the literal sort—the lanky, long-locked hurler was struck in his throwing arm by a line drive in the seventh inning. He left the game after 6.2 scoreless frames, surrendering four hits and no walks.

Choose your recap: Amazin’ Avenue short and long, Daily News, Post, Star-Ledger, BP Mets.

Despite a serious bruise, deGrom doesn’t expect to miss his next start.

The Mets announced the call-up of Dominic Smith. The team will be monitoring his weight, as the first baseman has regained most of the 24 pounds he lost last offseason.

Sandy Alderson defended the Jay Bruce trade, assuring fans it was not just a cost-saving move.

Despite the exodus of veterans on expiring contracts, Curtis Granderson expects to remain with the team until the season ends.

Lucas Duda said farewell to the Mets and their fans in a piece in the Players’ Tribune. It’s very Lucas Duda.

Around the NL East

The Braves are trying to nail down just who their shortstop of the future is: Dansby Swanson or Johan Camargo.

Giancarlo Stanton added to his MLB-leading home run total, but the Marlins fell to the Nationals late, 3-2, thanks in part to a catch by Andrew Stevenson. Check out recaps from Fish Stripes and Federal Baseball.

The folks at the Good Phight were predictably less enthused about last night’s tangle with the Mets.

Around the Majors

The playoff race is incredibly crowded. Grant Brisbee did a deep dive to find out just how crowded, relative to history.

Jose Canseco thinks he can hit a softball farther than Aaron Judge can hit a baseball. More like Jose Can’t-seco, am I right guys? Right?! I’m so, so sorry.

A hockey player used a hockey stick to shoot the ceremonial first pitch at a White Sox game.

Yesterday at AA

We covered a whole bunch of roster moves: Fernando Salas was designated for assignment, Juan Lagares was activated from the disabled list, and the team called up Dominic Smith.

Also, Chris McShane covered the nearly consummated Neil Walker trade to the Yankees.

This Date in Mets History

In 2010, Francisco Rodriguez knocked himself out for the remainder of the season when he assaulted his girlfriend’s father, tearing ligaments in his pitching hand. Classic.