Morning Briefing: Jose Iglesias to Perform at Home Run Derby

Good morning, Mets fans!

Jose Iglesias (a.k.a. Candelita) is set to perform his hit single “OMG” before the Home Run Derby tonight at Globe Life Field in Arlington, TX. This past week, “OMG” ranked No. 1 on Billboard‘s Latin digital song sales chart. Candelita’s “OMG” sign from the Mets’ dugout is also on its way to Arlington.

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The Rockies belted six home runs, including three from Michael Toglia and two from Ezequiel Tovar, and the Mets left 12 men on base as they dropped the final of the game first half, 8-5. The Mets also went just 1-for-13 with runners in scoring position.

Pete Alonso will look to join Ken Griffey Jr. as the only three-time Home Run Derby champions this evening. Alonso won his first two derbies in 2019 and 2021 but has bowed out early in his last appearances, falling to Julio Rodríguez both times. The event begins at 8 PM.

With the 19th pick in the 2024 MLB Draft, the Mets selected two-way player Carson Benge out of Oklahoma State University. Benge primarily played right field for the Cowboys, batting .335/.444/.665 with 18 homers, 24 doubles, and 10 steals in 304 plate appearances. On the mound, Benge posted a 3.16 ERA with 44 strikeouts against 11 walks in 37 innings, mostly working out of the bullpen. In his post-pick interview, Benge said he would like to continue being a two-way player professionally. He also is particularly close with Mets prospect Nolan McLean, who he roomed with in college.

McLean joined Benge’s press conference and announced that he will solely focus on pitching going forward. McLean has struggled to .565 OPS with 36 strikeouts in 69 plate appearances since getting called up to Double-A Binghamton. On the mound, he has a 5.35 ERA with 42 strikeouts against 13 walks in 38 2/3 innings.

With the 46th pick in the draft, the Mets selected left-handed pitcher Jonathan Santucci from Duke University. In his junior year for the Blue Devils, Santucci posted a 3.41 ERA with 90 strikeouts across 58 innings. While he issued 36 walks this year, Santucci did a great job keeping the ball in the yard, only allowing four homers.

Kodai Senga made his third rehab start on Sunday, allowing one run on two hits, walking two, and striking out three over 4 2/3 innings for Triple-A Syracuse. Senga threw 66 pitches in the outing. Carlos Mendoza said team officials will discuss whether Senga will need another rehab start before being activated.

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With the first pick in the 2024 MLB Draft, the Guardians selected Australian second baseman Travis Bazzana from Oregon State University. Bazzana is the first second baseman and first Australian to get drafted with the first overall pick. Bazzana dominated in his junior season for the Beavers, hitting a blistering .407/.568/.911 with 28 homers and 16 steals while drawing 76 walks against 37 strikeouts in 296 plate appearances.

The Brewers have designated former Cy Young award winner Dallas Keuchel for assignment. Keuchel made four starts for Milwaukee, posting a 5.40 ERA and allowing three homers in 16 2/3 innings.

Two-time batting champion Luis Arraez will not be participating in the All-Star Game, he said Sunday. Arraez has been dealing with a jammed left thumb over the past week.

Latest on MMO

Johnluke Chaparro breaks down the Mets’ loss in their series finale against the Rockies.

James Villani recaps Kodai Senga’s most recent rehab start.

Jack Ramsey breaks down the Mets’ selection of Carson Benge.

John Wilson looks at the recent performance of Pete Alonso.

Christian De Block breaks down the continued rise of Dedniel Nuñez.

On This Date in Mets History

1969: Al Weis hits his first homer of the year – a three-run shot off Dick Selma – and Ken Boswell adds a solo shot as the Mets hold off the Cubs in a 5-4 victory at Wrigley Field. The win moves the Mets to within five games of the division lead. Gary Gentry pitches 7 2/3 innings to earn his ninth win of the season.

1975: Jon Matlack strikes out four batters over two scoreless innings in the All-Star Game. Matlack is named co-MVP of the game along with Bill Madlock.

1991: The Mets trade Ron Darling and minor leaguer Mike Thomas to the Expos for former All-Star reliever Tim Burke. Darling has a 3.87 ERA in 17 starts on the season so far. Burke owns a 4.11 ERA in 37 appearances for Montreal.

Birthdays: Don Bosch (82), Wilson Delgado (52), Fernando Nieve (42)

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