Morning Briefing: Joey Votto Retires From Baseball
Good morning, Mets fans!
On Wednesday, one of the great first basemen of the 21st century officially hung up his cleats. In an Instagram post where he gave thanks to all those that helped him during his career, longtime Red Joey Votto called it a career. Votto played all 17 of his major league seasons in Cincinnati since being called up in 2007, racking up six All-Star appearances, one Gold Glove Award and an MVP.
Votto was a wizard at the plate, always finding a way to get on base. During his prime, it was a virtual guarantee that he would hold a batting average north of .300 by the end of the season and was a walk machine, leading the NL in OBP seven times. Despite signing a minor league deal with the Blue Jays prior to the 2024 season, he never made it to the majors this year and will end as a career-long Red.
It was also another exciting day in Flushing on Wednesday. If Monday’s finish wasn’t enthralling enough, the Mets had more in store on Wednesday. Despite giving seven solid innings, Sean Manaea left the game with the eventual tying run on base. However, Jesse Winker was there to save the day; Winker sent his first home run as a Met over the left field wall in the bottom of the ninth inning to give the Mets a 4-3 win over the Orioles, securing a series win over the O’s. For more on the Mets’ late-inning theatrics, click here.
After going 5-4 during their homestand, the Mets will now swing back out to the West Coast to take on the Padres and Diamondbacks. Luis Severino (8-6, 3.91 ERA) will be on the mound for Thursday night’s 9:40 p.m. start against Padres ace Dylan Cease (12-9, 3.46 ERA) to kick off the four-game weekend series in San Diego. The Mets currently stand 1.5 games behind the Braves for the third Wild Card spot.
Latest Mets News
Jett Williams went 1-for-3 with a stolen base in his first rehab appearance for the St. Lucie Mets. He played seven solid innings at shortstop, including this sparkling play.
Jett Williams in his first rehab game for the St. Lucie Mets:
1-for-3, SB, played 7 innings at SS including this great play.
— Mike Mayer (@mikemayer22) August 21, 2024
Former Mets manager Terry Collins is hosting a Mets pre-game party on Saturday before their game against the Padres. The event, which starts at 4 p.m., will be on 42nd Street by Grand Central and fans will be able to meet and watch the game with Collins.
Katie Honan of The City NY gave Mets fans insight into Citi Field’s SVP of ballpark operations, who makes game days run smoothly.
Comedian and writer Eitan Levine set the world record for the most first pitches in a season on Wednesday. With his first pitch at Citi Field, he threw out his 40th and record-breaking first pitch.
Mets top pitching prospect Brandon Sproat struggled in his third start for Triple-A Syracuse: 5 IP, 9 H, 6 ER, 0 BB, 0 K.
Latest MLB News
The St. Louis Cardinals optioned INF Nolan Gorman to Triple-A Memphis and recalled INF José Fermín from Triple-A. The once top prospect Gorman has struggled this season, with a slash line of .203/.271/.400.
Atlanta Braves left-handed reliever A.J. Minter underwent left hip surgery on Wednesday and will be out for the remainder of the 2024 season.
Johnny Cueto made his 2024 debut on Wednesday and was given a standing ovation by the Kansas City crowd after giving up three runs in 6 1/3 innings. While Cueto was pitching for the Angels, Mets fans know all too well how important he was for the Royals in their 2015 World Series season.
Royals fans don't forget Johnny Cueto's contributions to the 2015 team ???? pic.twitter.com/diuKWtUGKN
— MLB (@MLB) August 22, 2024
The World Baseball Classic announced the pools and schedule for the 2026 WBC, which will start on March 5 of that year. The United States will be in Pool B with Mexico, Great Britain, Italy and another qualifier.
In his first start since June 9, Justin Verlander went 5 IP, 2 ER, 4 H, 1 BB, and 6 K in the Astros’ 4-1 loss to the Red Sox.
Yankees starting RHP Luis Gil was placed on the 15-day IL on Wednesday with a lower back strain.
Latest on MMO
Jose Quintana’s August troubles continue to roll on.
Mets propsect Nolan McLean dazzled in the Rumble Ponies Tuesday win.
Jesse Winker walk-off homer gives Mets the series win in electric fashion.
On This Date in Mets History
2006: Carlos Delgado blasts a grand slam into deep right field at Shea Stadium for his 400th career home run. Carlos Beltran finished that game by hitting a two-run walk-off home run off of Jason Isringhausen to beat the Cardinals, 8-7.
Birthdays: Darrin Jackson (61), Ike Hampton (73), Ray Burris (74)
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