Morning Briefing: Mets Have Dropped 13 of Last 15 Games

Good morning, Mets fans! The dog days of August are barking.

Ryan Helsley gave up back-to-back RBI doubles in the eighth inning Thursday in the Mets’ 4-3 loss to the Braves. The hard-throwing right-hander has given up runs in four of his six outings since coming to New York at the trade deadline.

The Mets have lost 13 of 15, five straight series and the lead over the Cincinnati Reds for the final Wild Card spot is down to 1/2 a game.

Francisco Lindor went 3-for-4 with a home run and a stolen base, but the rest of the team went 3-for-26. Kodai Senga threw 5 2/3 innings of two-run ball, his longest outing in six starts since returning from a hamstring injury. The streak of a Mets starter other than David Peterson not making it to six innings reached 56 games.

The 41,782 in attendance at Citi Field saw a franchise record set for the second time in three nights. Juan Soto stole a base in the sixth inning, the Mets’ 36th straight successful swipe. The MLB record in a single season is 39.

Freshly minted Mets home run king Pete Alonso was honored before the game with a tribute video, a painting of him during his record-breaking home run trot made from 253 baseballs and a Ford F-150 truck. The painting was a gift from Steve and Alex Cohen.

Sean Manaea (1-1, 4.33 ERA) faces Luis Castillo (8-6, 3.19 ERA) Friday as the Mets open a three-game series with the Mariners — two games at Citi Field, one in Williamsport, Pa., for the MLB Little League Classic. Manaea has given up nine runs in 9 2/3 innings over his last two starts. Castillo has given up three earned runs or less in eight straight starts.

Latest Mets News

Mets public relations legend Jay Horwitz turned 80 on Wednesday. Mathew Brownstein did a wonderful long-form interview with Horwitz for MMO five years ago that is worth your time.

The Mets granted minor league outfielder Rafael Ortega his release after he triggered an opt-out clause in his contract, according to MLBTR. Ortega, 34, spent most of the season on the injured list with a hamstring strain, slashing .231/.301/.418 with three home runs in 27 games across four minor league levels. He posted a .613 OPS in 47 games with the Mets in 2023.

Latest MLB News

Baseball America annually surveys major league managers, coaches and executives about which players have the best tools. The results (subscription required) are in and Soto was first in the National League for best strike-zone judgement and Edwin Díaz was third for best reliever.

MLB is in negotiations that may result in new broadcast packages with Netflix, ESPN, NBC and Apple, officials briefed on the discussions told The Athletic (subscription required). NBC/Peacock and Apple TV+ are said to be top contenders for Sunday Night Baseball and first-round playoff games, ESPN may add weekday games and more of a digital presence and Netflix may be where to watch the Home Run Derby.

The Braves recalled RHP Hunter Stratton and designated RHP Carlos Carrasco for assignment.

Nationals OF Dylan Crews finished a rehab assignment and was reinstated to the team from the 60-day injured list. First baseman Nathaniel Lowe was designated for assignment.

Latest on MMO

Alexis Farinacci details Nolan McLean‘s journey from Oklahoma State University to starting Saturday’s game vs. the Mariners at Citi Field.

Jordan Baron breaks down an unusually ugly start for Peterson.

Michael Mayer recaps the minor league action in the Mets organization. Jett Williams hit his first Triple-A homer.

On This Date in Mets History

2011: Jason Isringhausen earns career save No. 300 in a 5-4 win over the Padres in 10 innings. It would turn out to be the final save of his career. Lucas Duda and Josh Thole homered.

2006: Jose Reyes hits three home runs and drives in all four Met runs in an 11-4 loss to the Phillies. Orlando Hernández gives up 11 earned runs in four innings.

1985: Gary Carter, Ray Knight and Tom Paciorek homer in a 10-7 win over the Phillies. The starting pitching matchup was 20-year-old Dwight Gooden vs. 42-year-old Jerry Koosman. This was the penultimate start of Koosman’s career.

Born on This Date: Tommie Reynolds (1941), Duffy Dyer (1945), Nino Espinosa (1953), Oliver Perez (1981).

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