Mets Morning News: He did the monster Matz

Meet the Mets

In a welcome distraction from the many trade rumors surrounding the Mets, Steven Matz pitched the best game of his career in the Mets’ 3-0 victory over the Pirates. He needed just 99 pitches to throw a complete game, striking out seven hitters and walking none. Trevor Williams was fantastic for the Pirates as well, giving up just four hits—one fewer than Matz—over seven innings of work. But two of those hits were home runs—a solo shot by Michael Conforto and a two-run homer by J.D. Davis that helped power Matz to his sixth victory of the season. The Mets look to sweep the series today and hand the Pirates their eighth straight loss.

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

The latest on Noah Syndergaard is that the Mets “fully expect” to keep him beyond the trading deadline, reports Tim Healey, but trade talks are ongoing.

If the Mets do trade Syndergaard, they can’t afford to mess it up, writes Mike Puma of the New York Post.

Meanwhile, there is apparently “heavy trade action” involving Edwin Diaz, according to SNY’s Andy Martino.

There is even a chance the Mets could package Diaz and Zack Wheeler together in order to maximize the return, writes Joel Sherman of the Post. And the market is in their favor with so many teams in contention and seeking high end pitching.

Dominic Smith was placed on the injured list yesterday with a stress reaction in his left foot. He said he had been feeling pain in the foot for about a week before an MRI revealed the injury. He said it was “a very sad day for me.”

Meanwhile, Mets fans shouldn’t expect to see Brandon Nimmo anytime soon. He is continuing baseball activities, but remains “at least several weeks away” from returning, according to Mickey Callaway.

Pete Alonso donated $50,000 of his Home Run Derby winnings to both the Wounded Warrior Project and Tunnels for Towers yesterday at Citi Field, as he promised he would.

Speaking of generosity on the part of members of the Mets, Todd Frazier donated $50,000 toward efforts to create a special needs baseball league in his hometown of Toms River.

Michael Conforto is trying to stay positive, despite his prolonged slump. He showed signs of breaking out last night with his long home run.

Around the National League East

Both teams played in throwback uniforms and the Braves bludgeoned the Phillies 15-7 in Philadelphia. Ozzie Albies hit a grand slam and Ronald Acuna Jr. and Ender Inciarte both also homered for the Braves. Zach Eflin allowed 10 runs in just 2 ²⁄₃ innings.

In a huge blow to the Braves, however, Nick Markakis has been put on the injured list with a fractured wrist. He is likely to be sidelined for 6-8 weeks. But this represents a second chance for Adam Duvall, who used his long stint in Triple-A to reinvent himself.

The Braves are interested in the Blue Jays’ pitching and the teams match up well to make a deal.

The two rough losses in the past two games should clarify that the Phillies have too many holes to fill this trading deadline to be effective buyers, writes Corey Seidman of NBC Sports Philadelphia.

The Phillies acquired utility man Jose Pirela from the Padres for cash considerations.

The Nationals lost to the Dodgers 9-3 in Washington. With the rotation somewhat in limbo, the Nationals opted to go with the opener. They started Matt Grace, who retired all six batters he faced, but then Dodgers tagged Joe Ross for seven runs.

Meanwhile, the Marlins also suffered a lopsided loss, falling 9-2 to the Diamondbacks in Miami, which snapped a three-game winning streak. Rookie Jordan Yamamoto, who has impressed for the Marlins so far, surrendered a grand slam to Nick Ahmed in the loss.

The Twins bolstered their bullpen, acquiring Sergio Romo from the Marlins, as well as High-A pitcher Chris Vallimont. Double-A first baseman Lewin Diaz is heading to Miami in return.

Around Major League Baseball

David Ortiz was released from the hospital on Friday, Marly Rivera of ESPN reports. He will continue to rehab at his home. Ortiz was shot in the Dominican Republic on June 9.

The Athletics acquired Jake Diekman from the Royals in exchange for outfielder Dairon Blanco and righty Ismael Aquino.

The Diamondbacks are open to trading Zack Greinke, Robbie Ray, and some of the other veteran players on their roster at the deadline.

Forty years after the fact, players reflect on the still shocking death of Yankees captain Thurman Munson, who was killed in a plane crash.

Yesterday at Amazin’ Avenue

Ken Lavin brought us the Daily Prospect Report.

Steve Sypa reflected on the unfortunate career arc of minor leaguer Cameron Planck, who announced his retirement.

Chris McShane covered the Dominic Smith injury update.

The latest trade rumors regarding trading Syndergaard to turn around and acquire Marcus Stroman have led Chris McShane to wonder what exactly the Mets are doing and ponder the role the Mets’ persistent refusal to spend money is playing in their strange trading deadline strategy.

This Date in Mets History

It was on this day in 2011 that the Mets completed the trade that sent Carlos Beltran to San Francisco in exchange for Zack Wheeler. Now there’s a chance that exactly eight years later, Wheeler could very well be dealt.