Mets Morning News: Joey’s grand affair

Meet the Mets

Just when it looked like Jacob deGrom was facing the same old script — a fantastic start doomed to a loss by the Mets’ inability to score — Jose “Joey Bats” Bautista stepped to the plate and unleashed a walk-off grand slam on the Rays, propelling the Mets to an improbable 5-1 victory. While deGrom didn’t notch the win, the Mets finally got the result he wanted.

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

John Ricco claims that the Mets will rebuild quickly, and that the process won’t be dragged out over several seasons. In fact, he believes the team might be ready to compete as early as next year.

Jenrry Mejia will be reinstated by MLB for the 2019 season, ending his lifetime ban.

Peter Alonso and Andres Gimenez made the 2018 Futures Game roster.

Mike Puma says history is doomed to repeat itself if the Mets don’t actually have a sell-off this season.

Peter Botte says that if the Mets don’t deal Syndergaard or deGrom, they need to pursue Manny Machado in the offseason.

The Athletic took a look at which starter makes the most sense for the Mets to trade.

Marysol Castro is happy to be the Mets’ first female PA announcer, and the first Latina PA announcer in MLB history.

Jacob deGrom wasn’t nuts about his pitching, despite giving up only one run in eight innings.

The Mets are taking it slow with Yoenis Cespedes.

The Mets placed Jerry Blevins, whose grandmother died this week, on the bereavement list and recalled Paul Sewald to take his roster spot.

Around the National League East

The Braves failed to sign their first round pick, Carter Stewart, after discovering a ligament issue in his wrist and attempting to low-ball him. The move also cost the Braves the chance to sign talented pitcher Zack Hess, who they were hoping to sign over slot value using money from Stewart’s pick.

The Phillies are no longer pursuing a trade for Manny Machado.

Stephen Strasburg pitched in a simulated game, and scouts said he apparently looked good.

Around Major League Baseball

Are Dexter Fowler and the Cardinals headed for a breakup? Signs say yes.

The Yankees are worried about Sonny Gray’s poor performance of late.

The Diamondbacks offered their first round pick, Matt McLain, his slot value, and he still rejected them to attend UCLA.

The Mariners have given Jerry Dipoto an extension on his contract.

An MLB-record 23 teams spent more than their bonus pool in the draft this season. The Mets weren’t one of them.

Yesterday at Amazin’ Avenue

Thomas Henderson handled the Daily Prospect Report.

Steve Sypa brought you draft profiles for Denzel Clarke and Zach Fascia.

Joe Sokolowski was back with another edition of “This Week in Mets Quotes.”

Vasilis Drimalitis previewed the Mets/Rays series.

This Date in Mets History

Shea Stadium hosted the All-Star Game on this date in 1964.