Meet the Mets
The Mets dropped their series opener to the St. Louis Cardinals 6-5. Joey Lucchesi got the nod and was roughed up to the tune of six earned runs over 2.2 innings. Robert Gsellman, Sean Reid-Foley, and Jacob Barnes combined to toss 5.1 innings of scoreless relief. Kevin Pillar contributed two hits, including a two-run home run, and Pete Alonso had three hits of his own in the loss. Francisco’s Lindor’s struggles continued as he went 0-for-4 to extend his hitless streak to 21. He also left six men on base.
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Immediately after the game, the club fired hitting coaches Chili Davis and Tom Slater. Hugh Quattlebaum and Kevin Howard, respectively, will take over their roles.
Zack Scott spoke about the decision to make the change.
In the closing moment of last night’s game, the lights went out in a bizarre scene.
Jacob deGrom was named National League Pitcher of the Month. The ace will look to continue his red-hot start tonight.
A bad trifecta of issues is plaguing Lindor.
Despite his struggles, Luis Rojas has no plans to drop Lindor in the order.
Prior to the game, Lucchesi was called up to make the start, with Daniel Zamora getting optioned to the minors. The Mets also released catcher Caleb Joseph.
J.D. Davis was placed on the injured list, retroactive to Sunday, and Trevor Hildenberger was recalled from the Alternate Training Site to take his place.
Brandon Nimmo is slowly improving, according to Rojas.
Edwin Díaz is feeling much better after experiencing back tightness on Sunday.
Carlos Carrasco could be back soon. The right-hander will pitch six innings tonight, and the team will decide from there whether his next start will be with the Mets or in a rehab assignment with one of their minor league affiliates.
Tim Britton dropped the latest edition of This Week In Mets (Paywall Alert)
Around the National League East
The Philadelphia Phillies clung to a 4-3 win against the Milwaukee Brewers. Hector Neris threw 40 pitches over 1.2 innings and loaded the bases in the ninth, but he struck out Lorenzo Cain to secure the victory.
José Alvarado and MLB agreed to a two-game suspension, which started last night following the incident during Saturday’s game against the Mets.
Greg Garcia opted out of his Phillies contract and became a free agent.
Miami Marlins’ right-hander Paul Campbell was suspended 80 games after testing positive for DHCMT.
Miami’s Trevor Rogers was named the National League Rookie of the Month.
Atlanta Braves star Ronald Acuña Jr. was named the National League Player of the Month.
Despite some early season misfortune, the Washington Nationals have proven that they can take a punch as they sit atop the division.
F.P. Santangelo has been absent from Nationals broadcasts, but MASN and the club won’t say why.
Around Major League Baseball
Rob Manfred’s $2.2 billion MLB expansion fee could be on the high side, at least for now.
Along with deGrom receiving NL honors, Gerrit Cole was named AL Pitcher of the Month.
MLB released its latest Power Rankings.
The Colorado Rockies announced that Bill Schmidt, who served as the Vice President of Scouting for the club, will be their Interim General Manager.
Shohei Ohtani was scratched from last night’s start after getting hit by a pitch on the elbow yesterday. José Quintana started in his place for the Los Angeles Angels.
Los Angeles Dodgers’ starter Dustin May has some UCL damage in his right elbow, which will require him to undergo Tommy John surgery on May 11.
The Dodgers are encouraged by David Price’s progress as he recovers from a hamstring injury, and they believe that he will be back on the active roster before month’s end.
Johnny Bench spoke candidly about the Hall of Fame friends he’s lost in the past year.
The Cincinnati Reds signed former Met Brad Brach to a minor league contract.
The San Diego Padres have released former Mets reliever Jacob Rhame.
Amber Sabathia, wife of former MLB Pitcher CC Sabathia, has joined CAA Sports as an agent.
Reggie Jackson is no longer working with the Yankees.
The Seattle Mariners have become the first team to make COVID-19 vaccines available to fans attending games at their home park.
The Padres blanked the Pittsburgh Pirates 2-0.
The Minnesota Twins held off the Texas Rangers 6-5.
Cleveland topped the Kansas City Royals 8-6.
The Oakland Athletics defeated the Toronto Blue Jays 5-4.
The Tampa Bay Rays bested the Angels 7-3.
The Baltimore Orioles beat the Mariners 5-3.
Yesterday at Amazin’ Avenue
I previewed the team’s series with the Cardinals, which began last night.
I also covered the news that deGrom had been named NL Pitcher of the Month.
Chris McShane wrote about Davis hitting the injured list.
Allison McCague covered the news of the club’s roster moves ahead of their game.
Allison also brought us the position player and pitcher meters for the week!
On Episode 112 of From Complex to Queens, the crew provided their predictions for the 2021 MiLB season!
This Date in Mets History
On this date in 1969, the Mets swept a doubleheader against the Cubs. Tom Seaver tossed a complete game in the first game, while Tug McGraw tossed a complete game in the second game. The Mets won both contests by an identical 3-2 score.