Mets Morning News: Wheeler rolls over Mets as their own rotation falters

Meet the Mets

The Mets were swept by the Phillies in Philadelphia, dropping the final game of their three-game series by a score of 6-2 in Zack Wheeler’s first start against his former team. The Mets had opportunities against Wheeler, but once again could not come up big with runners in scoring position. After giving up an early run, Rick Porcello settled in to keep the score close, but gave up a decisive go-ahead, two-run homer to Andrew McCutchen in the sixth inning. The Phillies pulled further ahead thanks to a poor defensive inning by the Mets in the following frame, putting the nail in the coffin.

Choose your recap: Amazin’ Avenue short and long, Newsday, MLB.com, North Jersey, Daily News, NY Post, ESPN

Yesterday’s game served as a stark reminder to the Mets of what they could have had in Zack Wheeler if they had only ponied up the money to hold onto him, writes David Lennon of Newsday.

The Mets’ rotation is a mess right now and Luis Rojas has not committed to Steven Matz making his next start.

Meanwhile, Jacob deGrom “felt better” after playing catch yesterday and could make his next scheduled start this week. Michael Wacha will throw a simulated game this week.

Prior to yesterday’s game, the Mets recalled Franklyn Kilome and designated Brian Dozier for assignment.

As MLB remembers the legacy of the Negro Leagues, Dominic Smith talked to Anthony DiComo of MLB.com about his experience growing up as a Black youth baseball player.

“We’re going to stay in our bubble,” Luis Rojas said about going to Miami for the Mets’ upcoming series against the Marlins.

Bob Nightengale of USA Today reports that the bidding group headed up by Alex Rodriguez is now the “clear-cut favorite” to buy the Mets.

Around the National League East

The Phillies placed Roman Quinn on the injured list out of an abundance of caution after he reported minor symptoms of illness. This leaves the team without a true center fielder, but Scott Kingery may get reps there in Quinn’s absence.

In another incident similar to Stephen Strasburg’s ejection from the stands against the Mets, Anibal Sanchez was asked to leave the stands by the home plate umpire in the Nationals’ 6-5 win over the Orioles at Camden Yards yesterday for arguing balls and strikes. Nationals hitting coach Kevin Long was ejected from the game during the same incident.

The Braves blanked the Marlins 4-0 yesterday afternoon in Atlanta, with three of their four runs driven in by Nick Markakis.

Much like the Mets, the Braves are having to forge a makeshift rotation. They announced that for their upcoming series against the Nationals, Touki Toussaint will pitch tonight, Josh Tomlin—pulled from the bullpen—will pitch on Tuesday, and Kyle Wright will take the mound on Wednesday.

Around Major League Baseball

In a somewhat confusing relaxing of protocols, Major League Baseball is now allowing players who had tested positive for COVID-19 to apply to return to playing after ten days, even if they continue to test positive.

David Lennon of Newsday gave us 20 observations about this strange 2020 baseball season so far.

The Yankees placed D.J. LeMahieu on the injured list with a left thumb sprain and recalled Miguel Andujar to take his place on the roster.

With four straight home runs, the White Sox tied a major league record in their game yesterday against the Cardinals. Yoan Moncada, Yasmani Grandal, and Jose Abreu were also the first three Cuban-born players to go back-to-back-to-back in MLB history.

Yesterday at Amazin’ Avenue

Chris McShane covered the Mets’ roster move prior to the game; the Mets brought back Franklyn Kilome and designated Brian Dozier for assignment.

This Date in Mets History

Bud Harrelson picked up his first major league home run on this date in 1967.