Mets Morning News: Rain, rain, go away

Meet the Mets

Last night’s game against the Phillies was postponed due to rain. It will be made up as part of a single-admission double-header on August 16th.

Jacob deGrom will pitch this afternoon’s game, as scheduled. Noah Syndergaard will now pitch on Tuesday to open the Blue Jays series, with Zack Wheeler to follow on Wednesday. The Mets say Syndergaard is being pushed back because he partially warmed up last night.

The Mets are asking their starting pitchers to wear a protective brace on their throwing elbow while batting to prevent the elbow from hyperextending the way deGrom’s did ahead of his DL stint. Mickey Callaway is unsure if Jacob deGrom will be allowed to swing the bat today.

At least Todd Frazier was able to have a little fun with the Philly Phanatic last night during the rain delay.

The Wright family and the Bruce family both welcomed their newest additions yesterday. Congratulations to both happy families! The Blevins family is next in the lineup of new Mets babies.

Ken Davidoff speculates about what type of contract Asdrubal Cabrera may get as he hits free agency after this season, given the market’s apparent aversion to older players. Cabrera’s hot start may do him some favors.

David Lennon thinks that the Harvey for Mesoraco swap with the Reds was a win for both clubs.

Around the National League East

The Nationals have placed Ryan Zimmerman on the disabled list with an oblique strain. Mark Reynolds will be called up from Triple-A to replace Zimmerman on the roster.

The new batting order for the Nationals seems to be working out for them, as they best the Diamondbacks 2-1 behind Stephen Strasburg for their second straight win. Strasburg struck out nine in the victory.

The Braves rallied late to beat the Marlins 10-5. Jose Bautista committed a costly error that put the Marlins ahead, but helped his team out with his first home run as a Brave.

Sam Freeman is leading the resurgence of the Braves’ bullpen.

Around Major League Baseball

Given the news that the Diamondbacks may be the latest team to get a new stadium that replaces a not very old stadium, Grant Brisbee takes a dive into the use of public money to build baseball stadiums.

John Harper ranks his ten best and ten worst offseason moves across baseball, given the returns so far. Both the Jason Vargas and the Jay Bruce signings rank among his ten worst.

Ben Zobrist is the latest player to be fined for violating Major League Baseball’s uniform policy with his all black cleats. And he’s none too pleased with the fun police.

The Padres have designated Chase Headley for assignment.

Manny Machado hit his 13th home run of the year yesterday, which ties him with Mookie Betts for the major league lead.

Ichiro has been filling in at bench coach for the Mariners and got to deliver the lineup to the umpire for last night’s game.

Charlie Morton continues to have an ace-like season, striking out fourteen in last night’s game for the Astros—a career high.

Yesterday at Amazin’ Avenue

Kory Powell gave us a very happy recap in yesterday’s Daily Prospect Report.

There was a new episode of Amazin’ Avenue Audio, in which Brian Salvatore and I discuss the bleak change in outlook for the Mets, Chris McShane interviews the creator of a new dice-based baseball game, Steve Sypa brings us the minor league players of the week, and Aaron York talks about Adrian Gonzalez’s production at the plate.

This Date in Mets History

Happy birthday to former Mets manager Bobby Valentine!