Mets Morning News: Lindor making progress, Drew Smith to IL

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The Mets lost to the Dodgers in extra innings for the second straight time last night, this time by a score of 2-1. Taijuan Walker was brilliant, tossing 6 ¹⁄₃ hitless innings before Will Smith tied the game in the seventh with a solo homer. Michael Conforto had hit a solo shot in the fourth inning to put the Mets on the board. That was it for the scoring in regulation; Aaron Loup helped Walker get out of the seventh inning and then Miguel Castro and Seth Lugo each contributed a scoreless inning in relief. Cody Bellinger hit an RBI double off Yennsy Díaz to score the free runner in the tenth inning. Díaz managed to hold the Dodgers to just the one run, but the Mets failed to muster any sort of rally in the bottom of the frame and thus fell to 1.5 games out of first place in the NL East.

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Francisco Lindor has progressed to taking batting practice from both sides of the plate. He had only been taking BP from the right side prior to yesterday. Lindor would like to come back to the Mets without going on rehab assignment and the Mets have not ruled out that possibility.

Prior to last night’s game, the Mets placed Drew Smith on the 10-day injured list with right shoulder inflammation, which is a big blow to the Mets’ bullpen. Albert Almora Jr. was also optioned to Triple-A. The Mets called up Geoff Hartlieb and Jake Reed from Triple-A Syracuse.

Noah Syndergaard took to Instagram to voice his displeasure at the decision to move today’s start time so that the game could be broadcast in primetime on ESPN, given the fact that the Mets have to travel to the West Coast after the game.

Darryl Strawberry spoke to the Daily News about his new role as a traveling speaker, doing events to inspire athletes around the country.

Around the National League East

The Braves trounced the Nationals 12-2, as Patrick Corbin’s struggles on the mound continue.

The Braves have released Shane Greene.

The Phillies beat the Reds 6-1 and Matt Moore did not allow a hit through his six innings of work.

The Phillies made a few roster moves ahead of yesterday’s game, optioning Mickey Moniak, designating David Paulino for assignment, recalling Adonis Medina from Triple-A, and reinstating Bailey Falter from the COVID-19 injured list.

Rhys Hoskins will likely not come off the injured list when he is first eligible on Tuesday.

The Marlins beat the Cubs 5-4 in comeback fashion.

Around Major League Baseball

Diamondbacks lefty Tyler Glibert threw a no-hitter in his very first major league start last night against the Padres.

According to new reporting from the Washington Post, Trevor Bauer—currently on administrative leave following allegations of sexual assault—was the subject of a temporary order of protection in 2020 by an Ohio woman, who is also accusing him of abuse and of making a death threat toward her.

Chris Sale took the mound for the first time in nearly two years last night, throwing five strong innings against the Orioles.

Yesterday at Amazin’ Avenue

Steve Sypa brought us the Daily Prospect Report.

Christian Romo pitched his idea for the Mets’ version of the Field of Dreams game that honors New York’s baseball history.

This Date in Mets History

The Hella Mega Tour featuring Weezer, Fall Out Boy, and Green Day recently made its way to Citi Field (although Fall Out Boy did not play the New York show due to a positive COVID-19 test), but Shea Stadium hosted a historic concert on this date in 1965.