Mets Morning News: Extra inning shenanigans

Meet the Mets

The Mets fell to the Braves 5-3 in extra innings, squandering a spectacular performance from Steven Matz, who gave up just one run on two hits through six innings of work. The Mets held a 2-1 lead until the ninth inning, when Edwin Diaz allowed a game-tying home run to Marcell Ozuna. Hunter Strickland then faltered in extras, allowing the runner that began the inning on second base to score, along with two more. The Mets rallied in the bottom of the frame, but ultimately fell short.

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Relievers Brad Brach and Jared Hughes, who had both been on the injured list for undisclosed reasons, have rejoined the Mets.

Brach later revealed that both he and his pregnant wife did indeed have coronavirus. He described the cases as “pretty mild,” but said, “That was pretty scary. We had twin boys, so you just don’t know how it’s going to affect them … But I’m just glad my wife is feeling good and the boys are safe.” He said he knew he had COVID-19 when he could not taste his lunch one day at the ballpark after feeling a little ill earlier that day. He threw a bullpen session on Saturday at Citi Field with no ill effects.

Michael Wacha will be Monday’s starter against the Red Sox. The Mets have yet to announce a starter for Tuesday’s game.

Three Mets dogs are now featured among the cardboard cutouts at Citi Field: Michael Conforto’s dogs Kali and Griffey and Jeff McNeil’s dog Willow.

We have learned that Chipper Jones was not the person who purchased the cardboard cutout in his likeness that is now among the many in the stands at Citi Field. It was purchased by ESPN, where he is now employed as a broadcaster.

Around the National League East

Stephen Strasburg was scratched from yesterday’s game agains the Yankees due to a nerve issue in his right hand. Erick Fedde started for the Nationals instead and they beat the Yankees 9-2 on the back of a four-RBI night from Victor Robles.

The Nationals are finalizing a deal with Josh Harrison to fill a utility role for the team.

The Phillies beat up on the Marlins bullpen on the way to a 7-1 victory at Citizen’s Bank Park. Zack Wheeler had a strong showing in his Phillies debut, allowing just one run in seven innings of work.

Around Major League Baseball

ESPN’s Opening Day game averaged 4 million viewers, which is the most for a regular season game since 2011.

The bat that Hunter Pence used on Opening Day as the first National League DH in MLB history will be enshrined in the Baseball Hall of Fame.

Alden Gonzalez of ESPN did a profile on MLB’s athletic trainers, who will be key in keeping the players healthy during this strange season.

The Yankees signed Fernando Abad to a minor league contract.

Yesterday at Amazin’ Avenue

Chris McShane covered the news that Jared Hughes and Brad Brach have both rejoined Mets camp, as well as the Red Sox’s claim of Stephen Gonsalves off waivers.

This Date in Mets History

Mookie Wilson lifted the Mets to victory via a walk-off home run on this date in 1983.