Mets Morning News: Mets welcome Nationals to Citi, Marcus Stroman makes his home debut

Meet the Mets

The Mets were off but they were busy off the field. They signed reliever Brad Brach who was recently released by the Cubs. They also remain interested in second baseman Joe Panik who could clear waivers later today.

The Mets’ run has finally led them to this series against the Nationals which will be their ultimate test, but the hardships they have faced this season should have them well prepared to face it.

At least one person believes the team has enough talent to make a run to the World Series.

Keith Hernandez thinks that playing in meaningful games down the stretch will be of great benefit to the young stars on the team.

Marcus Stroman will be making his home debut to open the series, and he has an unusual pregame routine that helps him get ready for his starts.

J.D. Davis has been making the most of his playing time and his numbers stack up well against some of the top players in the league.

The team finally got some good news regarding Brandon Nimmo who is expected to begin a rehab assignment next week.

The Mets and Yankees have a perceived rivalry, but the two big sluggers on both teams have nothing but respect for each other. They also have two players chasing a batting title and should both D.J. LaMahieu and Jeff McNeil succeed, it will be the first time since 1942 that one city had a batting champion from both leagues.

Mcneil enjoyed taking in a day of golf which, at one point, could have been his future.

Former-Met Ron Hunt has been battling Parkinson’s disease but he will make his way to Citi to greet the fans who have offered their support to him.

Around the National League East

Austin Riley was diagnosed with a partial-LCL tear in his knee and placed on the IL. The Braves were demolished by the Marlins 9-2.

The Marlins finally broke out of their losing streak against the Braves.

Madison Bumgarner shut down the Phillies in their 5-0 loss against the Giants.

Around Major League Baseball

The Yankees and White Sox will play in Iowa near the “Field of Dreams” on August 13, 2020.

Bo Bichette has hit the ground running for the Blue Jays and has an extra-base hit in nine consecutive games, which hasn’t been accomplished by a rookie since 1939.

The Astros are the latest team to extend their protective netting down the foul lines.

The Red Sox placed David Price on the injured list with a wrist injury.

Former Major Leaguer Micah Bowie has been battling significant heath issues for the past three years, but his life was saved with the help of an organization that was founded to help former baseball players.

Yesterday at Amazin’ Avenue

The latest Unformetable episode was about reliever Royce Ring.

Chris McShane wrote about both Michael Conforto and J.D. Davis and how they have been excelling recently. He also covered the Brach signing.

Fan confidence in both the team and the manager has gone up since the trade deadline.

This Date in Mets History

On this date in 1988, the Mets and Cubs completed the first game played with artificial light at Wrigley Field.