Mets Morning News: Canó and Conforto crush

Meet the Mets

The Mets bested the Marlins 4-2 in a fashion that was, in many ways, just how Brodie Van Wagenen drew it up this offseason. Noah Syndergaard threw seven strong innings, but left with the game tied at two, the Mets’ two runs coming on a two-run homer by Michael Conforto. The Mets were able to get Syndergaard a win thanks to Robinson Cano’s two-run homer in the eighth inning. Seth Lugo pitched a 1-2-3 eighth inning, and Edwin Diaz closed it out in the ninth, notching his 20th save of the season.

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With Michael Conforto mired in a slump, the Mets hoped batting him second ahead of Pete Alonso would help him break out. “Is Pete behind me? He’s behind me today. I’ll probably get some pitches to hit,” Conforto said before the game. “They’re not going to want to face that big boy behind me. That’s always nice when you have a guy like him behind you.” It turned out to be a prescient quote indeed.

Robinson Cano—another player who broke out last night—indicated that his struggle to hit for power this season may stem, at least in part, from getting hit on the hand with a pitch multiple times this season.

Kevin Kernan took Brodie Van Wagenen to task for not taking enough responsibility for the team’s shortcomings.

Steven Matz threw a simulated game on Friday and is expected to start on Wednesday against the Twins.

Last night’s strong performance from Noah Syndergaard helped the Mets in more ways than one, as many scouts were in attendance, writes Kevin Kernan.

Around the National League East

Juan Soto delivered a clutch go-ahead, two-run homer in the ninth inning in the Nationals’ 4-3 victory over the Phillies. This backed a strong performance from Patrick Corbin, who fanned ten over six innings of work. Aaron Nola delivered a fantastic performance himself, but the Phillies bullpen could not hold the lead. Bryce Harper also made highlight reels with a monster throw to nab Victor Robles at third base.

The Phillies signed Logan Morrison to a minor league deal.

The Nationals have placed Max Scherzer on the 10-day injured list with a back strain, retroactive to July 10. Scherzer called the issue “not something to be overly concerned about,” hoping to come off the injured list as soon as he is eligible.

The Braves scored three runs in the top of the tenth to best the Padres 7-5 in a wild extra-inning affair. The Padres gave their best effort to battle back. Manny Machado hit a solo home run in the bottom of the tenth—his second of the day—and the Padres subsequently loaded the bases, but had to send their relief pitcher up to bat with two outs and the Braves escaped with the victory. The inning also featured a game-saving catch by Nick Markakis.

Around Major League Baseball

Ken Davidoff lists possible reasons why this year’s trade market has been slower to develop than previous years.

Speaking of trades, however, the Red Sox acquired starter Andrew Cashner from the Orioles in exchange for prospects Elio Prado and Noelberth Romero. The Orioles will cover $1.78M of Cashner’s remaining salary and will also cover most of the cost of his performance bonuses, should he earn them.

The Twins designated Adalberto Mejia for assignment.

The Angels activated Matt Harvey from the injured list and designated Jarrett Parker for assignment to make room on the roster for Harvey.

Frank Viola became the first manager to be ejected from a game after arguing balls and strikes called by an automated system, currently being tested out in the Atlantic League.

Bob Gibson has been hospitalized, as he battles pancreatic cancer, writes Rick Hummel for the St. Louis Dispatch.

Max Kepler has now homered in five straight at-bats off Trevor Bauer.

Yesterday at Amazin’ Avenue

Ken Lavin brought us the Daily Prospect Report.

This Date in Mets History

Tom Seaver struck out four over three scoreless innings in the 1970 All-Star Game on this date.