Mets Morning News: Mets split twin bill, Nimmo to the IL

Meet the Mets

The Mets split a doubleheader with the Nationals yesterday, blowing a nine-run lead in the first game before pulling out an 11-9 victory in extras thanks to a Francisco Lindor two-run homer and falling just short of a comeback in the second game, losing by a score of 4-3. The loss in Game 2 ended a seven-game winning streak, but the Braves and Phillies both lost yesterday, meaning that the Mets gained a half game on both teams and are 3.5 games out of first place in the NL East.

Choose your recap: Amazin’ Avenue short (Game 1 | Game 2) and long, NY Post, Daily News, Newsday, North Jersey, MLB.com

The Mets activated James McCann from the injured list ahead of the second game of yesterday’s doubleheader, but he likely won’t ramp up to full everyday catching duties right away.

Brandon Nimmo exited Game 1 of yesterday’s doubleheader with “right hamstring tightness,” which was later diagnosed as a hamstring strain that will require an IL stint. Travis Blankenhorn has been called up to replace Nimmo on the roster.

Nimmo said there is belief that his hamstring strain is mild and affects only the muscle and not the tendon. “In my heart of hearts I do think I’m going to be back his season,” he said.

The loss of Nimmo from the lineup is a significant blow to the Mets, writes Anthony DiComo of MLB.com.

The Red Sox claimed Geoff Hartlieb off waivers from the Mets yesterday.

Bill Madden of the New York Daily News argues that Steve Cohen should bring on Billy Beane to head up baseball ops for the Mets.

Around the National League East

The Marlins beat the Phillies 3-2 behind Trevor Rogers in his first start after missing a month due to the loss of both his grandfathers and his mother’s battle with COVID-19 and pneumonia that landed her in the hospital. He wrote “MOM” along with the initials of both his late grandfathers on the mound to honor his family.

The Braves tried to stage a late-inning comeback, but fell to the Rockies 7-6.

Braves manager Brian Snitker said that Drew Smyly is likely going to continue to pitch out of the bullpen for now. “He’ll pitch out of the bullpen the next couple days,” Snitker said. “... There’s probably a situation that may open up next week that we’d slide him into [as a starter].”

Around Major League Baseball

Britt Ghiroli and Ken Rosenthal of The Athletic report that unvaccinated employees of both the Astros and Nationals who were fired will not be paid or receive health benefits for the duration of their contracts, due to their violation of team policy.

Brewers shortstop Willy Adames aggravated an existing quad injury in yesterday’s game against the Cardinals and could miss some more time.

The Giants placed Alex Dickerson on the 10-day injured list with a hamstring strain.

Shohei Ohtani hit his MLB-leading 43rd home run of the season last night. Ho-hum.

Yesterday at Amazin’ Avenue

Ken Lavin brought us the Daily Prospect Report, in which all of the Mets affiliates that played on Friday night won their games.

Christian Romo covered James McCann’s activation from the injured list and Chris McShane covered Brandon Nimmo’s exit from Game 1 of yesterday’s doubleheader due to a hamstring injury that has now landed him on the injured list.

This Date in Mets History

Ruben Tejada hit his first career home run on this date in 2010.