Morning Briefing: Lindor’s Status Still Unknown
Good morning, Mets fans!
Carlos Mendoza told the media that Francisco Lindor‘s back injury remains day-to-day; he missed his first game of the 2024 season Saturday. Mendoza added that he’ll have to go through a “series of exercises just to get ready” to return to regular playing time. SNY columnist John Harper added that Mendoza didn’t sound confident about Lindor’s possible return Sunday.
Luisangel Acuña made an immediate impact on the day of his debut, collecting a couple of knocks in the Mets’ 6-4 defeat. While the Mets scored four before the end of the third inning, they let their lead slip away as the Phils clawed their way back, fueled by five RBIs from Bryce Harper and Cal Stevenson. Despite Luis Severino‘s quality start (6 IP, 3 ER), Danny Young struggled again, conceding two runs in just one-third of an inning.
Phillies reliever Orion Kerkering earned the win, Young was charged with the loss, and Carlos Estévez secured the save. With that loss, the Phillies evened the series, and the Metropolitans dropped to 81-67, once again tied with the Braves for the third Wild Card spot.
Photo by Wendell Cruz-Imagn Images
Wild Card Update
The Braves crushed the Dodgers Saturday, defeating Los Angeles 10-1 behind another gem from Chris Sale. Atlanta smacked six doubles, including two from Matt Olson and Jorge Soler.
The Diamondbacks lost a slugfest to the Brewers. They trailed 12-0 in the fourth inning and ended up losing 15-8, with 30 total hits between the two teams. That’s the Diamondbacks’ second straight loss, keeping the Mets exactly one game behind them for the second Wild Card Spot.
The Padres, meanwhile, cruised to an 8-0 win over the Giants. They own the first Wild Card spot with a 2.5-game lead over the Mets and Braves now.
Latest Mets News
New York will duel the Phillies on Sunday at 1:35 p.m. ET in the rubber match of the series. David Peterson (9-2, 2.98 ERA) will go up against Cristopher Sanchez (10-9, 3.33 ERA) in a showdown between two successful southpaws. Peterson has a 5.30 ERA in seven games pitched against Philadelphia with just two quality starts.
The Mets’ promotion of Acuña came at the expense of outfielder DJ Stewart. The former first-round draft pick is batting .177/.325/.297 on the year, making his demotion back to Triple-A unsurprising. Stewart has a .908 OPS in Syracuse.
David Stearns indicated that Acuña’s call-up was partly driven by Lindor’s back tweak.
Starling Marte underwent X-rays after getting struck by a pitch Saturday on the left forearm.
Trade deadline acquisition Paul Blackburn is dealing with a spinal fluid leak in his mid-back. “This is not a long-term, scary health situation,” Stearns reassured. Tylor Megill is expected to continue to fill Blackburn’s rotation spot.
Elsewhere in the rotation, Stearns expressed optimism about Kodai Senga‘s chances of returning this season. Senga’s 2.98 ERA from 2023 would significantly bolster the rotation, and his live BP session next week, followed by a potential rehab start, could pave the way for his return.
Latest MLB News
Dodgers ace Tyler Glasnow has developed a sprained elbow, per Dodgers manager Dave Roberts. The right-hander will shut down from throwing, and Roberts said the likelihood of a return looks slim. Glasnow, a 2024 All-Star, has posted a 3.49 ERA and 2.90 FIP this season, striking out 168 over 134 innings pitched.
Additionally in the NL West, the Diamondbacks announced that they placed Ryne Nelson on the 15-day IL due to shoulder inflammation. Moreover, they DFA’d catcher Andrew Knizner.
On Saturday, Max Scherzer, 40, pitched his first game since going on the IL on August 2 to shoulder fatigue. He allowed two runs in four innings in a game that Texas eventually lost 5-4.
Beloved San Francisco Giant Pablo Sandoval pitched in the Atlantic League for the Staten Island FerryHawks. Sandoval exited the game after 5 1/3 innings pitched, with no runs allowed and four strikeouts, while going 1-for-3 at the plate with an RBI. A special moment for the Kung Fu Panda.
Latest on MMO
Evan Mazza recapped Saturday’s loss against Philadelphia.
Chris Bello analyzed the call-up of Acuña.
Alexis Farinacci wrote about Francisco Alvarez’s recent improvements at the plate.
On this Date in Mets History
1963: The Mets held their first Banner Day, a day where fans showcased their banners, honoring the team. The practice ended in 1996.
1987: Keith Hernandez recorded his 2,000th career hit, against the Chicago Cubs.
2014: Jacob deGrom tied a major league record, striking out eight straight to begin a game against the Miami Marlins.
Born On This Date: Jason Hardtke (1971), Doug Simons (1966), Satoru Komiyama (1965), John Christensen (1960), John Pacella (1956), Charley Smith (1937).
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