Mets Morning News: Buffalo Bomb and the Return of Robbie

Meet the Mets

The Mets played an intrasquad game yesterday. Yoenis Cespedes, Pete Alonso, and the white team beat Brandon Nimmo, Michael Conforto, and the blue team 3-1. Michael Wacha started for the white team, striking out four and allowing just one baserunner on a throwing error from first baseman Dom Smith. Ryan Cordell and Wilson Ramos both homered.

Jacob deGrom reportedly played catch yesterday after receiving treatment following his MRI on Wednesday, which revealed nothing concerning. The Mets have not committed to a timeline for deGrom’s next outing, but deGrom told reporters that he feels good, and plans “to pitch on opening day.”

Robinson Cano returned to camp yesterday, having missed six days of camp while dealing with personal issues that he would rather keep to himself. With about a week left in camp before the season starts, Cano stated that his goal is to be ready for opening day.

Potential Mets owners Alex Rodriguez and Jennifer Lopez met with New England Patriots owner Robert Kraft to discuss the development of the Willets Point area surrounding Citi Field.

Alex Rodriguez angered the MLB Players Association by publicly stating that players should accept a salary cap.

ESPN announced that Chipper Jones will be in the booth for the Sunday Night Baseball game on July 26 between the Mets and the Braves. Alex Rodriguez will not be in the booth, due to the potential conflict of interest inherent in his attempts to bid on ownership of the team.

Gordon Beckham returned to camp yesterday after a two day absence.

The Mets unveiled the cardboard cutout fans that will be seen in seats throughout the ballpark on opening day.

Around the National League East

The Nationals are not sure if they will be able to start the season at their home ballpark due to Washington D.C.’s coronavirus regulations.

The Braves announced that Cole Hamels is unlikely to start the season with the team.

The Marlins placed Lewis Brinson and Matt Joyce on the 10-day injured list.

Around Major League Baseball

The San Diego Padres have traded Franchy Cordero to the Kansas City Royals for reliever Tim Hill.

Major League Baseball announced that it has decided that scouts will not be allowed in ballparks to start the season, although they will revisit the policy once games start.

MLB families have had to make difficult choices on how to navigate the challenges of players returning to action amid a pandemic.

MLB announced it will play crowd noise from MLB The Show through ballpark PA systems during games.

The Cubs signed former-Met Jose Lobaton to a minor league deal.

Yesterday at Amazin’ Avenue

Jack McLoone profiled Chasen Shreve’s chase of a roster spot.

On episode 40 of Amazin Avenue Audio (The Show), Brian Salvatore and Chris McShane discussed this week’s news from Mets summer camp.

This Date in Mets History

On this date in 1979, Lee Mazzilli played in his first and only All-Star Game, and hit a game-tying pinch home run in the eighth inning.