Mets Morning News: Rocky Mountain Low

Meet the Mets

Needing to win just about every game the rest of the way, the Mets went out and lost to the last-place Colorado Rockies on Monday night. Brandon Nimmo led off with a home run, and Jeff McNeil added a two-run shot later on as the Mets built a three-run lead. Things completely unraveled in the fourth, as Steven Matz was blasted for six runs that sunk the Mets for good. In the inning, Rockies’ starter Antonio Senzatela contributed a two-run single to tie the game and end an 0-for-44 stretch. The Mets fell to five games back with 12 games to play in 2019.

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

For the Mets to make the postseason they would need all of their National League rivals ahead of them in the standings to collapse while they essentially ran the table.

Despite a recent cold stretch, Pete Alonso has carried the Mets through some of the toughest times this season.

In addition to being a leader on the field, Alonso has taken charge off the field and in the community. He recently planned custom cleats for his teammates to wear on the 18th anniversary of September 11th, which drew praise from the Police Benevolent Association of the City of New York. The NYC PBA sent Alonso some gifts to thank him for the gesture, and wished him good luck for the rest of the season.

Mike Piazza took to Twitter to voice his displeasure with MLB’s policy, which prevents the Mets and other teams from wearing first responder hats on 9/11.

The Mets will finally grant Noah Syndergaard his wish, as Rene Rivera will get the start on Wednesday in place of Wilson Ramos.

Dominic Smith is continuing to work his way back from a stress fracture in his left foot. He will receive some live at-bats in instructional ball down in Florida. Smith is eligible to be activated from the injured list on September 25.

The Athletic brought you 13 thoughts on the Mets with 13 games remaining on their schedule. (paywall alert)

Around the National League East

The Washington Nationals were bested by the St. Louis Cardinals by a 4-2 score. The Nationals now cling to a slim half-game lead on the Chicago Cubs and a one-and-a-half game lead over the Milwaukee Brewers in the Wild Card race.

The Miami Marlins fell to the Arizona Diamondbacks 7-5. It was Miami’s 98th loss of the year.

Around Major League Baseball

J.P. Ricciardi takes a look at how the General Manager Role has changed in baseball as the Red Sox look to fill the position.

Once a relief pitcher for the Mets, Hansel Robles is excelling with the Los Angeles Angels and has exceeded their expectations since the team picked him up last year.

The Cubs pummeled the Cincinnati Reds 8-2 to maintain their lead for the second Wild Card spot. The team also announced that first baseman Anthony Rizzo will wear a boot for 5-7 days after an MRI showed a lateral right ankle sprain. There is no timetable for his return.

Over 200 MLB prospects participated in the “Prospects & Expectations” program, which is part of an initiative to provide current and former Major and Minor League players with help and support for off-the-field development.

This Date in Mets History

On this date in 1986, the Mets clinch their third division title by defeating the Cubs 4-2. In that game, Dwight Gooden pitched a complete game.

Yesterday at Amazin’ Avenue

Allison McCague brought you the latest Mets’ pitcher and position player performance meters.

The Baltimore Orioles claimed Eric Hanhold from the Mets.

I previewed the Mets’ series against the Colorado Rockies, which began last night.

The newest episode of From Complex to Queens went up!