Mets Morning News: Wheeler shines, McNeil goes 4-for-4

Meet the Mets

The Mets shut out the Braves 3-0 behind another stellar performance from Zack Wheeler, who struck out nine batters over seven scoreless innings, surrendering just three hits. Jeff McNeil went 4-for-4 on the night and Todd Frazier scored two runs thanks to some heads up base running. Bobby Wahl earned his first hold of the season by recording the first two outs of the eighth inning and Robert Gsellman got the save, retiring the final four batters to seal the win for the Mets.

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

The Mets promised three things at the deadline: that they would be open-minded about trading their pitchers, that they were willing to eat money in deals, and that their three-headed GM would think outside the box. They followed up on none of those promises, writes Joel Sherman.

Sherman also wrote about what lessons the Tampa Bay Rays can teach the Mets, which include building up the farm system and putting a greater emphasis on defense.

Jeff McNeil swears by his unconventional bat. If last night’s performance is any indication, there’s no need for him to change bats any time soon.

As the dog days of summer stretch on, the Mets are wary of Seth Lugo and Robert Gsellman’s accumulating innings.

To pay homage to Jose Reyes’ 2018 season, Maggie Wiggin reviews some of the worst individual player seasons in franchise history.

Endy Chavez, who is still playing baseball for the Somorset Patriots, reminisces about The Catch, saying he remembers it “like it was yesterday.”

In a tongue in cheek promotion meant to lessen the stigma surrounding mental health issues, UMA Health offered free therapy sessions to Mets fans in the aftermath of Tuesday’s 25-4 loss to the Nationals.

The Mets dealt Eric Villanueva, who had been struggling at Kingsport, to the Detroit Tigers for cash.

Around the National League East

The Nationals and the Reds played a double-header today. In the first game, Gio Gonzalez was shelled en route to an early exit and a 7-1 loss. However, the Nationals bounced back in the nightcap against Matt Harvey, who was tagged for five runs and nine hits in four innings of work. The Nationals won 6-2 and Harvey took the loss.

Bryce Harper was removed from the second game of the double-header after being hit by a pitch in the leg in the bottom of the sixth inning.

The Phillies hit four home runs in their 8-3 victory over the Marlins, increasing their lead in the NL East. One of them belonged to Asdrubal Cabrera. Zach Eflin earned a win for his strong effort.

Around Major League Baseball

Ken Rosenthal reports that long time Angels manager Mike Scioscia is expected to step down at the end of the season.

Johan Santana was inducted into the Twins Hall of Fame and officially retired, catching a ceremonial first pitch thrown by his son before the game. Mets fans of course remember Santana for throwing—as of yet—the only no-hitter in franchise history.

The Yankees acquired two minor league pitchers: George Kantos from the Indians and Gio Urshela from the Blue Jays.

Former Yankee Nathan Eovaldi shut the Yankees down, proving himself to be a successful deadline acquisition for the Red Sox. The Yankees are now 8.5 games back of the Red Sox in the AL East.

Lance McCullers Jr. exited last night’s game with an apparent right arm injury. He seemed to gesture to his right forearm and elbow area while walking off the field with the Astros trainer.

Yesterday at Amazin’ Avenue

Steve Sypa gave us the daily prospect report.

This Date in Mets History

On this date in 1973, the Mets dropped a double header to the Cardinals, putting them at 12 games under .500 and 11.5 games back in the National League East. Of course, we all remember the improbable run that followed.