Mets Morning News: Wheeler hands Nats third straight shutout, Rosario and Frazier homer

Meet the Mets

The Mets shut out the Nationals 3-0 on the second straight day, as Amed Rosario and Todd Frazier both homered for the Mets. Zack Wheeler didn’t have his best stuff, but still managed to pull a deGrom, going seven scoreless innings. Daniel Zamora, Drew Smith, and Jerry Blevins were all unscored upon in relief of Wheeler in yesterday’s victory.

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

Zack Wheeler has lowered his arm slot and is throwing his pitches as hard as ever. He has changed his release point, which has upped the movement on his pitches. And he’s added a splitter. These are the things that have contributed to Wheeler’s resurgence this year.

Brandon Nimmo began a rehab assignment with High-A St. Lucie yesterday, batting leadoff and playing center field.

Jacob deGrom has about seven starts left this season to prove he is the best pitcher in the National League. Joel Sherman sat down with deGrom and chatted about the Cy Young race and more.

The Mets’ first base situation has become crowded with the return of Jay Bruce. There is a chance that, as a result, top prospect Peter Alonso will not be promoted to the big leagues. That said, Mickey Callaway said that, “He’s definitely a name we’re discussing,” as September call-ups loom near. The Mets reportedly remain concerned about Alonso’s defense.

Amed Rosario has been seeing progress of late.

The Mets signed 22-year-old center fielder Gerson Molina.

Around the National League East

Ryan Madson hopes to return from the disabled list this week.

The Phillies continue to scuttle, as they fall to the Blue Jays 8-6.

The Marlins bested the first place Braves 3-1, as Wei-Yin Chen strikes out ten—a season high—in one of his best starts as a Marlin.

The Marlins are lowering prices in an effort to fill seats.

Around Major League Baseball

The high-end free agent relievers have failed to meet expectations this year. This could shape this offseason’s market for pitching, writes Joel Sherman.

Doug Glanville writes about Players Weekend and the pervasiveness of nicknames in baseball.

The A’s have had an improbable rise to playoff contention in 2018 by riding the launch angle trend and focusing on fly ball hitters, as well as their bullpen.

Yesterday at Amazin’ Avenue

Kory Powell gave us the daily prospect report.

This Date in Mets History

Bobby Valentine became manager of the Mets on this day in 1996.