News Every Day | 07 May 2024, 14:00

Morning Briefing: Francisco Alvarez Has Stitches Removed From Thumb

Good morning, Mets fans!

Francisco Alvarez had his stitches removed from his thumb on Monday, but he’ll continue to travel with the team to participate in pregame pitcher and catcher meetings. Alvarez had surgery on his left thumb roughly two weeks ago, and the recovery period is expected to be eight weeks. Since Alvarez went down, the Mets have gone just 6-10.

Wendell Cruz-USA TODAY Sports

Latest Mets News

Brandon Nimmo collected two hits, including a go-ahead home run in the seventh inning, and the Mets’ bullpen bounced back to record the final nine outs of the game as the team took their series opener in St. Louis, 4-3. Sean Manaea allowed three runs on six hits, walking one and striking out one to earn his second win of the season, and Edwin Díaz struck out a batter in a clean ninth inning to earn his fifth save.

The Mets will look to win their first series in two weeks, as they send José Buttó (0-2, 2.57 ERA) to the mound against veteran righty Miles Mikolas (2-4, 5.68 ERA). Buttó took the loss against St. Louis on April 26, giving up four runs in 5 2/3 innings – all of which came on homers by Alec Burleson and Willson Contreras. First pitch is scheduled for 7:45 PM.

Mets pitching prospect Joander Suarez was named Eastern League Pitcher of the Week for his dominant outing last Thursday for Double-A Binghamton. Suarez retired all 19 batters he faced that day, striking out seven batters.

In his latest podcast episode, Zack Scott spoke about the heated interaction he had with Pete Alonso following the dismissal of former Mets hitting Chili Davis, saying that Alonso found out about the move on Twitter. Scott said while Alonso was very upset with him for firing Davis, cooler heads prevailed, and he appreciated the passion Alonso showed for his team.

The Mets have re-claimed right-hander Yohan Ramírez off waivers from the Orioles and designated righty Max Kranick for assignment. Ramírez made five appearances for Baltimore, allowing four runs in six innings. Cumulatively, he has an 8.74 ERA this year.

Francisco Lindor was honored with MLB’s Play of the Week for his stop and throw in Saturday’s game against the Rays. Lindor’s throw home cut down the tying run at the plate.

Latest MLB News

Guardians outfielder Steven Kwan has an acute hamstring strain and is expected to miss approximately four weeks. Kwan is currently pacing the American League with a .353 batting average. To replace Kwan, Cleveland has called up their second-ranked prospect, first baseman Kyle Manzardo.

Ian Browne of MLB.com recently caught up with veteran left-hander Rich Hill, who is currently coaching his son Brice’s little league team in his final season. Hill said he declined offers to pitch in the first half of the season so he could coach Brice, but the 44-year-old hopes to pitch for a major league team in the second of the year.

Former All-Star and 2016 World Series champion Dexter Fowler graduated from Penn State this past week, finishing his bachelor’s degree in organizational and professional communication. Fowler was the student marshal at the graduation ceremony.

Latest on MMO

Tyler Antonelle recaps the Mets’ win in their series opener against the Cardinals.

Johnluke Chaparro details the Mets’ struggles to control their opponents’ running game.

Andrew Steele-Davis writes about the Mets’ series against the Rays in the latest 3 Up, 3 Down.

Matt Lazzarro writes about the strong weeks of Christian Scott and Francisco Lindor, who are the MMO Players of the Week.

On This Date in Mets History

2012: With the score tied 2-2 in the ninth inning, Jordany Valdespin crushes a pinch-hit three-run homer off Jonathan Papelbon for his first big league hit, and the Mets hold on to beat the Phillies, 5-2. The Mets’ bullpen tosses four scoreless innings in relief of Jon Niese, with Tim Byrdak earning the win and Frank Francisco getting the save.

2013: Matt Harvey carries a no-hitter into the seventh inning for the second time this year, allowing just an infield hit to Alex Rios and striking out 12 batters in nine shutout innings against the White Sox. However, the Mets don’t break through until the 10th inning, when Mike Baxter hits a walk-off single against Nate Jones to give the team a 1-0 victory. Bobby Parnell ends up as the winning pitcher.

2016: In the 247th major league plate appearance, Bartolo Colon hits the first home run of his career, a two-run shot off James Shields in the top of the second inning at Petco Park. Colon becomes the oldest player in major league history to hit his first career homer. Yoenis Céspedes, David Wright, and Michael Conforto hit homers of their own, while Colon holds the Padres to three runs in 6 2/3 innings as the Mets win, 6-3.

Birthdays: Billy Murphy (80), Manny Hernández (63), Brook Fordyce (54), James Loney (40), Keon Broxton (34)