Mets Morning News: Mets four games back after win in DC

Meet the Mets

Edwin Diaz blew a two-run lead in the ninth inning (thanks in part to a bad misplay by Brandon Nimmo in center) to send the Mets and Nationals to extra innings in their series opener, but the Amazins rallied for four runs in the tenth inning to win their fifth straight (sixth counting the made-up suspended game).

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

Rich Hill started and pitched six shutout innings last night, and he attributed his success to his “creativity” on the mound.

Chance Sisco had to leave the game after the tying run scored in the ninth on a collision at the plate, but afterwards he was thankfully doing okay.

Despite the blown save last night, Edwin Diaz has been on top of his game recently thanks in large part to the dominance of his slider.

New Mets reliever Brad Hand was activated before yesterday’s game, with Dominic Smith being placed on the bereavement list for unknown reasons in a corresponding roster move.

Despite struggling mightily in recent times, Hand is hoping to go on a hot stretch to end the season.

Jacob deGrom is still only playing catch, and it remains to be seen whether or not he will be able to return this season.

One of the confounding questions of this season for the Mets is why they have struggled so mightily on the road.

Don’t look now, but Dominic Smith has been producing at a higher rate since being relegated to the bench.

It’s possible that Ron Darling will be appearing on TBS broadcasts more next season, which could limit his appearances on SNY a bit.

Around the National League East

The Braves and Rockies traded leads for six innings, but following an RBI single from C.J. Cron in the sixth, Colorado was able to hold Atlanta scoreless for the final three innings to secure a 4-3 victory.

Trade deadline acquisition Kyle Gibson gave up eight runs in 5.1 innings against the Marlins, with a big chunk of that damage coming in a seven-run sixth inning for the Fish, and the Phillies fell to their NL East rivals 10-3.

Didi Gregorius returned from the restricted list from the Phillies following a leave of absence for the birth of his child.

Marlins third baseman Brian Anderson’s season could potentially be over due to a shoulder injury that may require surgery.

Nats pitcher Kyle McGowin was placed on the injured list due to a sprain in his right UCL.

Around Major League Baseball

In addition to being bad for public health, teams with low rates of COVID vaccination amongst their players may be jeopardizing their postseason chances as well.

The Cubs had a couple of breakthrough COVID cases on their squad, with manager David Ross and team President Jed Hoyer testing positive.

Professional baseball finally has an openly gay player after Bryan Ruby, who plays for the independent league Salem-Keizer Volcanoes, publicly came out in an article in USA Today.

The Blue Jays had one of the most impressive come-from-behind victories of the season last night against the Athletics.

The Giants reclaimed sole possession of first place after a wild walk-off victory in the eleventh inning against the Dodgers.

It is possible that Rockies interim GM Bill Schmidt may be given the job on a permanent basis following the conclusion of the 2021 season.

Dodgers pitcher David Price may be heading to the injured list due to a sore elbow.

Yesterday was Friday, which meant that Trevor Bauer’s administrative leave was once again extended for another week.

Yesterday at Amazin’ Avenue

Brian Salvatore provided the latest update in the -illar of the Day sweepstakes.

Vasilis Drimalitis previewed the weekend series against the Nationals and predicted the Mets would lose three of five.

This Date in Mets History

All-time Mets great and Hall of Famer Mike Piazza celebrates a birthday today.