Mets Morning News: Miserable March’s merciful end

Meet the Mets

On National Doctors Day, the Mets posted a video thanking doctors for everything they have done and continue to do.

The Mets sent a letter to staff saying they will not be able to employ them until “at least May 1” following the baseball season’s suspension.

In the wake of Noah Syndergaard’s season-ending surgery, Sports Illustrated asked whether it’s wrong for baseball players to get Tommy John Surgery during a public health crisis.

Pete Alonso responded to critics of Syndergaard having his surgery last week.

Dominic Smith served as Marcus Stroman’s personal catcher in a video the pitcher shared on Twitter.

Mike Puma answered fans’ questions about all things Mets.

The Athletic has introduced The Red Seats Pub for Mets fans looking to pass a time without baseball. Every Monday, Tim Britton will present a topic from Mets history, and a discussion will follow in the comments. (Paywall Alert)

Mets’ minor leaguer Michael Paez announced his retirement. He was the team’s fourth round pick in 2016.

Around the National League East

NBC Sports Philadelphia compiled Bryce Harper’s five biggest home runs with the Phillies.

Tommy John surgery has been recommended for Phillies’ reliever Seranthony Dominguez.

The Nationals’ spring training facility in West Palm Beach is now a coronavirus testing site.

In a simulation from Strat-O-Matic, which is helping fans fill the baseball-less void, the Marlins are a competitive team.

Around Major League Baseball

Fangraphs is asking their readers for a little help after making the difficult call to close The Hardball Times.

With South Florida new stay-at-home order in place until at least mid-May, an early June start to the baseball season appears unlikely.

The San Francisco Chronicle wrote about why we miss sports so much.

ESPN’s Marly Rivera spoke with MLB managers on how they are helping their team and their families in the wake of the coronavirus pandemic.

Lindsey Adler talked to members of the 1981 Yankees on how they handled the work stoppage while staying ready for baseball to return, and examined what teams today could learn from them. (Paywall Alert)

What happens if baseball returns and a player ends up testing positive for coronavirus? (Paywall alert)

David Schoenfield looked at the biggest one-hit wonders from every MLB team.

The Red Sox announced that Chris Sale underwent “successful” Tommy John surgery yesterday. The procedure was done in Los Angeles by Dr. Neal ElAttrache.

The Andrews Institute has suspended Tommy John procedures to comply with the Florida state executive order prohibiting non-urgent and non-emergency procedures. Dr. James Andrews originally treated Sale’s elbow issues last year.

With the questionable ethics surrounding elective surgeries for athletes, Chaim Bloom shared his thoughts on why Sale’s surgery was necessary to his livelihood.

25 years ago, Judge Sonia Sotomayor saved Major League Baseball from the Scab Ball folly.

Three generations of David Ortiz’s family got together to play some friendly wiffle ball during the quarantine.

Yesterday at Amazin’ Avenue

Episode 53 of From Complex to Queens went up!

Voting for the Hated Eight is now open!

This Date in Mets history

The Mets won a 14-inning marathon on Opening Day against the Phillies on this date in 1998. After four-and-a-half hours, backup catcher Alberto Castillo drove in the lone run with a single to give New York a 1-0 victory.