#new_york_mets

Soto’s Grand Slam Propels Mets to Series Sweep of Marlins, Fourth Straight Win QUEENS, NY — A combination of early home runs from Carson Benge and Marcus Semien, along with a dramatic sixth-inning grand slam by Juan Soto, propelled the New York Mets to a 10-1 victory and a series sweep of the Miami Marlins on Sunday afternoon at Citi Field. The win marked the Mets’ fourth consecutive victory, lifting them out of last place in the National League East for the second time since April 29. Soto’s game-winning grand slam came in the sixth inning, capping off a two-out rally that began with Marlins reliever Josh White, making his MLB debut, struggling to contain the Mets’ offense. White managed to retire the first two batters he faced but quickly found himself in trouble after walks to Semien and Benge, sandwiched around a Luis Torrens hit-by-pitch. The bases were loaded when White walked Bo Bichette, putting the Mets up 5-1. Soto then launched a towering slider 433 feet to the Shea Bridge in right-center field, sending the crowd into a frenzy. The 27-year-old slugger watched the ball soar before flipping his bat toward his dugout in celebration. “I know where the pressure is in that situation,” Soto said after the game. “I just tried to execute, get a good pitch. I knew he was kind of wild, so I knew he was going to try to get in the zone early, so I was just ready to go.” Soto’s grand slam was his third career home run of the season and the 19th RBI of the month. Over his last 17 games, the star outfielder has hit nine home runs, showcasing his dominance at the plate. His performance was instrumental in the Mets’ offensive surge, which has seen them win four straight games after a 1-7 stretch. The Mets’ offensive onslaught began in the third inning when Benge, entering the game batting .#miami_marlins #juan_soto #new_york_mets #carson_benge #citi_field

Should the Phillies Begin Contract Extension Talks with Jhoan Duran? Jhoan Duran has been every bit the elite closer he was advertised as since joining the Phillies last year. In 40 appearances since the trade deadline, he is 27 for 30 in save opportunities with a 1.93 ERA and 0.96 WHIP. He has started 2026 strongly, posting a perfect 11 for 11 record in save chances and a 1.62 ERA through 17 appearances. Since returning from the injured list on May 5th, Duran has allowed two runs across 10 appearances, striking out 18 batters while walking five. His performance has established him as a key asset for the Phillies. Duran’s success has naturally led to discussions about a potential contract extension. He is currently under team control via arbitration through the 2027 season and will be eligible for free agency at age 30. His 2026 salary of $7.5 million represents an increase from the $4 million he earned in 2025. His lack of long-term security has reportedly influenced his decisions, including declining an invitation to pitch in the 2026 World Baseball Classic. Recent reliever deals provide a framework for evaluating a potential extension. Edwin Diaz signed a five-year, $103 million deal with the Mets prior to 2023, later opting out of the final two years of his contract to pursue free agency. He then agreed to a three-year, $69 million deal with the Dodgers, effectively extending his total earnings to $134 million over six years. Josh Hader signed a five-year, $95 million contract with the Astros in 2024, averaging $19 million annually. These examples suggest that closers of Duran’s caliber command contracts exceeding $20 million per season. If Duran continues his current pace, a five-year, $100 million+ deal appears likely.#new_york_mets #philadelphia_phillies #edwin_diaz #jhoan_duran #josh_hader

Carson Benge Overcomes Slump as Mets' Outfielders Show Promise The New York Mets endured a grueling 16-day stretch that tested their resilience, culminating in a much-needed day off on Thursday. Despite a .500 record during the span, the team faced significant challenges, including injuries to key players like Clay Holmes, Francisco Alvarez, and Tyrone Taylor. Additionally, performances from pitchers David Peterson, Nolan McLean, and Devin Williams raised concerns about the team’s overall stability. However, the Mets’ 4-2 victory over the Cincinnati Reds on Wednesday highlighted glimmers of hope, particularly in the form of their young outfielders, Juan Soto and Carson Benge. While the Mets’ offense continues to struggle, standout performances from Soto and Benge have sparked optimism about the franchise’s future. Soto, dealing with wrist discomfort that flares during swing-and-miss attempts, has responded with a surge in production. In his last 12 games, he has hit eight home runs, including a 449-foot blast off a 99.8-mph fastball from Eury Perez against the Marlins. Manager Carlos Mendoza praised Soto’s focus, calling him “locked in” and “one of the best, if not the best, at what he does.” However, Mendoza also noted that Soto’s success aligns with expectations, as the veteran slugger has long been a consistent performer. Benge, on the other hand, has faced a more turbulent path. After a 1-for-23 slump that forced him to shave his mustache in an attempt to change his luck, the rightfielder delivered two RBI singles in the Mets’ win over the Reds. His recent success has been particularly encouraging, as Benge’s inexperience makes slumps harder to overcome. Prior to his recent resurgence, his batting average had not exceeded .200 since April 1, but his .#juan_soto #new_york_mets #carlos_mendoza #carson_benge #a_j_ewing

Mets Rookie Benge Shaves Mustache, Notches Key Hits in Win Carson Benge, the New York Mets' rookie outfielder, made a bold decision to shave his mustache after struggling with his performance in early-season games. The 23-year-old player, who had been batting .136 with two extra-base hits and three RBIs in his first 21 games, attributed his recent turnaround to the change in appearance. After coming through with two clutch singles in a 4-2 victory over the Cincinnati Reds on Wednesday, Benge reflected on his adjustment. "I haven't really been getting a ton of hits, so I just shaved it off and it worked," he said following the game. Benge's transformation has been significant, with his batting average climbing above .300 and his contributions to the team's offense growing. Since April 23, he has recorded 17 RBIs and 19 runs while adapting his approach at the plate. His resilience was on full display in a critical matchup against the Reds, where he broke a 1-for-20 slump with two RBI singles. With two outs in the fifth inning, Benge faced a 0-2 count against left-handed starter Andrew Abbott and responded by hitting an up-and-in fastball into center field for an RBI single that gave the Mets a 3-1 lead. Later in the seventh inning, he repeated the feat against right-handed reliever Zach Maxwell, driving a 98 mph fastball into the same gap to make it 4-2. Manager Carlos Mendoza praised Benge's determination, noting that the player had previously struggled with high-strike-zone pitches. "He's always aggressive. He has a really good swing, and he knows it," said star teammate Juan Soto. "He's squaring balls most of the time, and that's really cool to see." Mendoza added that Benge's ability to adapt has been impressive, particularly after a slow start to the season. "It's really good to see," Mendoza said.#juan_soto #new_york_mets #carlos_mendoza #carson_benge #jonah_tong

Mets Weigh Call-Up of Jonah Tong Amid Rotation Struggles The New York Mets are considering bringing up top pitching prospect Jonah Tong for their series against the Miami Marlins, though the decision hinges on the outcome of their game against the Washington Nationals on Thursday. If the Mets play Thursday, Tong is likely to pitch Friday against the Marlins. However, if the game is rained out, he may stay in Syracuse, N.Y., for his Triple-A start. The Mets are evaluating multiple scenarios for Tong’s use, including inserting him as a sixth starter in the rotation or deploying him as a bulk pitcher behind an opener. Manager Carlos Mendoza emphasized that the team is keeping Tong in play, though the exact role remains uncertain. Tong, 22, has struggled in his brief MLB appearances last season. Over five starts with the Mets, he threw 18 2/3 innings and posted a 7.71 ERA. The Mets rushed him up to the majors after just two starts in Triple A due to rotation needs, but his performance did not meet expectations. In nine Triple A starts this season, Tong holds a 5.68 ERA, with a 32.7% strikeout rate (top in the International League) but a 14.3% walk rate (among the worst in the league). His 2025 season in the majors was marked by inconsistency, and the Mets are now seeking to leverage his potential in a shortened schedule. The Mets’ rotation has been under significant strain without Clay Holmes, who led the team in innings before a fractured fibula sidelined him. Since Holmes’ injury, the rotation has struggled to provide length, with Nolan McLean’s 5 2/3-inning start marking the longest outing from a Mets starter since Holmes’ absence. Relievers like David Peterson, Freddy Peralta, and Christian Scott have stepped in, while rookie Zach Thornton made his major-league debut with 4 1/3 innings.#miami_marlins #new_york_mets #carlos_mendoza #jonah_tong #syracuse_n_y

Mets Promote Zach Thornton to Major League Roster Amid Injury-Related Depth Calls The New York Mets officially promoted pitching prospect Zach Thornton to their active roster on May 20th, marking a significant move as the team navigates a challenging injury situation. The decision came after the Mets placed right-handed pitcher Clay Holmes on the 15-day injured list due to a fractured right fibula, which could sideline him into August. Thornton, a 24-year-old right-hander, will join the team as a potential spot starter or long reliever, with his role yet to be fully determined. The promotion follows a series of roster adjustments, including the option of Daniel Duarte and the recall of Nick Morabito, which cleared space for Thornton on the 40-man roster. Thornton, a fifth-round draft pick by the Mets in 2023, has emerged as a key prospect in the organization’s system. His 2025 season, cut short by an oblique injury, showcased his potential. Across High-A and Double-A levels, he pitched 72 2/3 innings, posting a 1.98 earned runs per nine innings ratio. His strikeout rate of 28.5% and walk rate of 4% highlighted his control and effectiveness, while his ground ball rate of 43.2% demonstrated his ability to limit extra-base hits. These numbers earned him recognition as one of the top prospects in the Mets’ system, with Baseball America ranking him 13th and FanGraphs placing him 12th in their respective rankings. Entering the 2026 season, Thornton’s stock has risen further. After five starts at Double-A and two at Triple-A, he has accumulated 37 innings with a 3.16 ERA, a 26.5% strikeout rate, and a 7.9% walk rate. His ground ball rate of 44.4% has remained consistent, reinforcing his value as a reliable pitcher.#new_york_mets #carlos_mendoza #baseball_america #clay_holmes #zach_thornton

Zach Thornton's Journey from Collegiate Baseball to MLB Prospect Zach Thornton, a 21-year-old left-handed pitcher, has carved out a path from humble beginnings in Kansas to becoming a notable prospect for the New York Mets. Born to a pair of collegiate track athletes, Thornton’s athletic career diverged from his parents’ sport, leading him to excel in baseball. His journey began at Lawrence Free State High School in Kansas, where he developed as a high school pitcher. Despite his talent, he was not a top prospect due to a combination of factors, including the loss of his senior season to the COVID-19 pandemic. This, coupled with his lack of draft attention, led him to attend Barton Community College in Great Bend, Kansas, a junior college just a few hours from his hometown. Thornton’s college career at Barton saw steady progress. In 2021, he appeared in 14 games, starting 13, and posted a 4.01 ERA over 60.2 innings. His performance earned him a spot in the Sunflower Collegiate League, where he further refined his skills with a 4.18 ERA in 32.1 innings. The following year, he returned to Barton for his sophomore season, starting all 15 games and improving his ERA to 2.63 in 78.2 innings. This success caught the attention of larger programs, and by 2022, he was offered a spot at Grand Canyon University for his junior year. At Grand Canyon, Thornton became a mainstay in the weekend rotation, posting a 3.87 ERA in 88.1 innings. His performance in NCAA Division I baseball caught the eye of the Mets, who selected him in the 2023 MLB Draft with their fifth-round pick (159th overall). The Mets signed him for $350,000, slightly below the slot value of $378,000 for that pick.#new_york_mets #zach_thornton #lawrence_free_state_high_school #barton_community_college #grand_canyon_university

Mets say Clay Holmes' Broken Leg Likely to Heal in Time for Late-Season Return The New York Mets confirmed on Friday night that pitcher Clay Holmes suffered a fractured right fibula during a game against the Yankees, with the injury occurring from a 111.1 mph comebacker hit by Yankees' Spencer Jones. The incident happened during the Mets' 5-2 loss, marking a significant setback for the team. Manager Carlos Mendoza expressed confidence that Holmes would be ready to return for the final two months of the season, emphasizing the importance of the pitcher to the club’s rotation and overall dynamics. Holmes’ injury, which was diagnosed after an MRI confirmed the initial X-ray findings, requires six to eight weeks of recovery. Mendoza noted that the pitcher will undergo a spring training-style ramp-up, typically lasting about six weeks, before rejoining the team. The manager also revealed that the injury was confirmed during the seventh inning of the game, when rookie A.J. Ewing was at the plate with two outs and runners at second and third. Mendoza described the moment as emotionally challenging, stating, “I was like: ‘Oh my gosh.’” The 33-year-old right-hander, who signed a $38 million, three-year deal with the Mets before the 2025 season, has been a key contributor to the team’s rotation. Shifted from the bullpen to the starting rotation, Holmes has posted a 12-8 record with a 3.53 ERA since joining the Mets. This season, he is 4-4 with a 2.39 ERA, despite the team’s struggles in the NL East. The Mets, who began the season with baseball’s highest payroll, are currently last in the division at 18-26. Holmes’ injury adds to a list of key players on the injured list (IL), including shortstop Francisco Lindor, catcher Francisco Alvarez, first baseman Jorge Polanco, center fielder Luis Robert Jr.#new_york_mets #francisco_lindor #spencer_jones #carlos_mendoza #clay_holmes

Mets Pitcher Clay Holmes Suffers Broken Leg After 111 mph Line Drive The New York Mets’ starting rotation faced a significant setback on May 15, 2026, when pitcher Clay Holmes sustained a fractured right fibula after being struck by a line drive from New York Yankees designated hitter Spencer Jones. The injury occurred during a game at Citi Field, where the Mets suffered a 5-2 loss to the Yankees. Holmes, who had been a bright spot for the struggling team, will be sidelined for an extended period following the incident. The injury happened in the top of the fourth inning, with the Mets trailing 3-0. Jones hit a powerful 111 mph line drive off Holmes’ 94 mph sinker, which ricocheted off the pitcher’s right leg into foul territory near first base. Holmes initially stayed in the game, jogging to first base and receiving a check from trainers and manager Carlos Mendoza. Despite the injury, Holmes managed to finish the inning, striking out two batters and retiring Aaron Judge on a fly ball with the bases loaded. However, he was eventually lifted after a one-out walk in the fifth inning, having thrown 95 pitches, including 26 in the inning following the hit. Mendoza expressed disbelief at Holmes’ determination to continue despite the injury. “He said he was fine. That’s the crazy part. We went out, checked him out, threw a couple pitches, was able to finish the inning,” Mendoza said. “Comes back in and he didn’t even give me a chance. He said, ‘I’m good to go back out,’ and he goes back out there. Sent him for X-rays and this is what we’re dealing with now.” The X-rays confirmed a fractured right fibula, which will keep Holmes out for “a long time.” Jones, who trains with Holmes in Nashville during the offseason, described the situation as heartbreaking. “It’s tough to hear,” Jones said.#new_york_mets #spencer_jones #carlos_mendoza #citi_field #clay_holmes

Nolan McLean Shines in Comeback Start as Mets Edge Diamondbacks in 10-Inning Thriller Nolan McLean delivered a pivotal performance for the New York Mets, securing his second quality start of the season as the team edged the Arizona Diamondbacks 3-1 in a 10-inning showdown. The 24-year-old right-hander allowed just one earned run while striking out six over six innings, exiting the game with the score tied at 1. The Mets’ bullpen then held Arizona scoreless for the final four innings, culminating in a dramatic 10th-inning rally that secured the victory. McLean, who had struggled in his previous outings, faced significant challenges in the game. After a rough start against the Angels on May 2, where he lasted only four innings and allowed three earned runs, the right-hander vowed to rebound against Arizona. “My job is to get as deep into the game as I can every time I go out, and I was disappointed in myself last time against the Angels,” he said. This determination translated into a more disciplined approach, though he still labored at times, throwing 63 strikes out of 100 pitches. The game took an early turn when Arizona’s Nolan Arenado hit a leadoff home run in the second inning on a 1-0 sinker, tying the game. McLean recovered swiftly, retiring the next three batters to end the inning. “They're pretty patient hitters in there, and then you have a few guys who are looking for certain pitches early in the count,” he explained. “You kind of play that cat-and-mouse game with them.” McLean relied heavily on his sinker, sweeper, and four-seamer, which accounted for 80 of his 100 pitches. His fastball peaked at 97.7 mph, leading to an Arenado groundout to end the fourth inning.#new_york_mets #carlos_mendoza #arizona_diamondbacks #mark_vientos #nolan_mclean

MLB 2026: Early-Season Stats and Numbers to Watch Four weeks into the 2026 Major League Baseball season, the league’s landscape has already shifted significantly from preseason expectations. The Cincinnati Reds and Pittsburgh Pirates are locked in a tight race for the third-best record in baseball, while the New York Mets struggle with a 12-game losing streak, dragging them to the bottom of the NL East. The Philadelphia Phillies, meanwhile, hold the worst run differential in the majors, and the Houston Astros, despite their historical dominance, face mounting challenges in their rotation. The Athletics lead the AL West, and the Boston Red Sox and Toronto Blue Jays continue to grapple with offensive struggles. Early-season stats are often unpredictable, but some metrics have already begun to signal potential trends. Jeff Passan highlights the league’s unprecedented walk rate, which sits at 9.9%, a 16% increase from 2025. This surge is attributed to the automated ball-strike system, which has standardized the strike zone and altered pitching and hitting strategies. Pitchers are throwing more changeups and splitters, while breaking balls are moving more sharply. These adjustments have led to longer games, with the average duration now at 2:42 in the first month of the season—up from 2:36 in 2024. Kiley McDaniel focuses on Cam Smith’s bat speed, which has spiked to 78 mph, placing him fourth in the league. Smith, a 2024 draft pick for the Chicago Cubs, has shown promise with a .313 batting average and seven home runs in his first 32 games. However, his early 2026 performance has been marked by a 21st-ranked expected batting average, suggesting his success may be due to luck. His improved bat speed, combined with a more aggressive attack angle, could position him for a breakout season.#new_york_mets #philadelphia_phillies #cincinnati_reds #pittsburgh_pirates #mlb_2026

Mets' Tobias Myers to Start Instead of David Peterson The New York Mets made a strategic decision late Saturday night to have right-hander Tobias Myers start Sunday’s game against the Chicago Cubs at Wrigley Field, replacing left-handed pitcher David Peterson. The move was not related to injury but aimed at adjusting the lineup to limit Peterson’s exposure to right-handed batters at the top of the order. Manager Carlos Mendoza emphasized the need to create a more balanced approach against teams that frequently stack right-handed hitters in their lineups, particularly given Peterson’s recent struggles. Peterson, who entered the season with an All-Star performance last year, has faced challenges this year. Through four starts, he carries a 0-3 record and a 6.41 ERA. His performance against right-handed batters has been particularly poor, as he has allowed a .339 batting average to those hitters. Mendoza noted that after Peterson’s last start, the team discussed the possibility of using an opener or a different setup to protect Peterson. However, the final decision was based on the bullpen’s readiness and the need to adjust the lineup for better balance. Despite the Mets’ 10-game losing streak—their longest since 2004—the decision was not tied to the team’s recent performance but rather to Peterson’s effectiveness. Mendoza stated that the focus was on positioning players for success, regardless of the outcome. “Whether we’re winning or losing, it just came down to putting players in position to have success,” he said. Myers, acquired in a trade from Milwaukee earlier this offseason alongside Freddy Peralta, has been used primarily as a reliever for the Mets this season. He has made six relief appearances, posting a 3.46 ERA with nine strikeouts in 13 innings.#chicago_cubs #new_york_mets #carlos_mendoza #tobias_myers #david_peterson

Mets seeking turnaround after slow start to season The New York Mets are grappling with a credibility crisis as they enter the second decade of the season with a 7-9 record, having lost five consecutive games. The team’s offensive struggles have been particularly glaring, with their lineup failing to generate consistent pressure at the plate. The situation has drawn sharp criticism, including a front-page headline in the New York Post that read, “GETTING LATE EARLY,” a reference to the Mets’ alarming pace of play. The frustration intensified after a 1-0 loss to the Oakland Athletics on Sunday, marking their fifth straight defeat at Citi Field. The loss came just days before a grueling cross-country trip to face the two-time defending World Series champions, the Los Angeles Dodgers, further complicating their path to a competitive season. Despite the early struggles, the Mets still have 146 games remaining in the season, and their roster remains one of the most talented in Major League Baseball. The team’s depth and star power—highlighted by players like Francisco Lindor and Juan Soto—should theoretically provide a strong foundation for success. However, the lack of results has raised questions about the team’s ability to translate potential into performance. Last year, the Mets faced similar challenges, losing their NL East lead and squandering a Wild Card berth on the final day of the season. The parallels have led fans to question whether the current season will follow the same troubling trajectory. President of baseball operations David Stearns and manager Carlos Mendoza have consistently emphasized patience, insisting that the team’s struggles are part of a longer-term plan.#new_york_mets #francisco_lindor #carlos_mendoza #new_york_post #david_stearns

Mets Lose Series Finale to Athletics NEW YORK – The New York Mets suffered a 1-0 loss to the Oakland Athletics on Sunday at Citi Field, marking their first sweep of the season by the A’s and their third shutout of the year. The game, which concluded the three-game series between the teams, highlighted persistent offensive struggles for the Mets, who failed to capitalize on multiple scoring opportunities and were ultimately outdueled by the Athletics’ pitching staff. The Mets’ inability to mount a rally began in the top of the third inning, when Nick Kurtz swung at an 0-2 curveball from right-handed pitcher Freddy Peralta. The ball cleared the right-field wall, turning into a home run and giving the Athletics an early lead. The Mets never recovered from that deficit, as their offense continued to struggle throughout the contest. Despite having runners on first and second with one out in the sixth inning, the Mets failed to capitalize on the chance to tie the game. A’s right-hander Aaron Civale induced Jorge Polanco to hit into a forceout, ending the inning. Civale was later replaced by left-hander Hogan Harris, who retired pinch-hitter Mark Vientos on a flyout to right fielder Lawrence Butler. The Mets went 0-for-3 with runners in scoring position and left four men on base, further emphasizing their offensive woes. Manager Carlos Mendoza acknowledged the team’s struggles but pointed to defensive limitations as a factor in their inability to rally. He noted that Luis Robert Jr., a key pinch-hitter, was unavailable for the game due to playing five consecutive games and needing a day off. “We didn’t have him for defense because of those reasons,” Mendoza said, clarifying that Robert is not injured.#new_york_mets #freddy_peralta #citi_field #oakland_athletics #aaron_civale

Mets-Dodgers is matchup of MLB's biggest payrolls The New York Mets and Los Angeles Dodgers are set to face off in what is shaping up to be the most expensive series in Major League Baseball history. The 2026 matchup features the two teams with the highest competitive balance tax (CBT) payrolls in the league, with the Mets carrying a $375 million-plus CBT payroll and the Dodgers holding the MLB-high $413.5 million CBT payroll. When combined with their respective tax bills, the total player expenditure for the 2026 season exceeds $1.07 billion, marking a historic financial showdown in baseball. The Dodgers’ 2026 CBT payroll alone surpasses the combined payrolls of the bottom four teams in MLB—the Chicago White Sox, Tampa Bay Rays, Cleveland Guardians, and Miami Marlins. Meanwhile, the Mets’ payroll eclipses the combined totals of the Chicago Cubs, Cleveland Guardians, and Tampa Bay Rays. The Dodgers’ estimated tax bill for 2026 is $161.9 million, which is higher than the total tax payrolls of 12 other teams, while the Mets’ $120 million tax bill exceeds the combined tax payrolls of six teams. The combined salaries of the four highest-paid players on both teams—Shohei Ohtani, Juan Soto, Kyle Tucker, and Bo Bichette—exceed the total payroll of 14 MLB teams. This figure is within $400,000 of the Seattle Mariners’ payroll, which ranks as the second-highest in the league. The New York Yankees are the only team besides the Mets with a payroll within $100 million of the Dodgers’ total. The Philadelphia Phillies rank fourth in the league at $312.7 million, which is $100.8 million less than the Dodgers’ payroll. The 2026 series is the most expensive in MLB history, surpassing the previous record set in 2025 when the Mets and Dodgers combined for a $764 million payroll.#shohei_ohtani #los_angeles_dodgers #juan_soto #new_york_mets #kyle_tucker

Francisco Lindor's Defensive Lapses and Offensive Struggles Leave Mets in Peril NEW YORK -- Francisco Lindor, a five-time All-Star shortstop and two-time Gold Glove Award winner, has found himself in an unfamiliar position this season: struggling with uncharacteristic defensive errors that have compounded his offensive woes. The 32-year-old, entering his fifth year of a $341 million, 10-year contract extension, has become a focal point of concern for the New York Mets as his recent mistakes have disrupted the team’s momentum. With the Mets now 7-8 on the season, Lindor’s performance has raised questions about his ability to maintain the high standards expected of a player of his caliber. The latest episode unfolded during the Mets’ 11-6 loss to the Athletics on Saturday. In the second inning, Lindor’s defensive lapse allowed the A’s to score a run that proved pivotal in the game’s outcome. Lawrence Butler hit a ground ball to second baseman Marcus Semien, which should have initiated a 4-6-3 double play. Instead, Lindor, who has long been celebrated for his defensive prowess, made a play for the ball rather than retreating to second base to turn two. The decision forced Semien to sprint to second base for one out, while a run crossed the plate for the A’s. Mets manager Carlos Mendoza described the error as “weird” and “not him,” emphasizing that Lindor’s recent mistakes defy his usual composure. “It’s hard to explain. And he’ll be the first one. He’ll tell you he’s got to be better,” Mendoza said after the team’s fourth straight loss. Lindor’s defensive struggles were not isolated to Saturday. Over the past two days, he had already committed three similar errors. On Friday, during a potential inning-ending double-play situation, Lindor was flat-footed while making a turn at second base.#new_york_mets #francisco_lindor #carlos_mendoza #marcus_semien #lawrence_butler

Mets Activate Craig Kimbrel as Season Enters Second Week The New York Mets made a significant roster move just days into the 2025 season by activating right-handed reliever Craig Kimbrel from their minor league affiliate, marking a pivotal moment for the team’s bullpen. The decision came ahead of Saturday’s game, with the club also designating left-hander Richard Lovelady for assignment. Kimbrel, a 37-year-old veteran with a storied career, signed a $2.5 million minor league contract that became guaranteed upon his activation. The move signals the Mets’ confidence in his ability to contribute as a high-leverage reliever, despite recent struggles in maintaining his velocity and control. Kimbrel’s callup was not entirely unexpected, as he had been a favorite to break camp with the Mets during spring training. However, his performance during the pre-season was marred by velocity issues and inconsistent command, which kept him sidelined. Despite these challenges, Kimbrel chose to remain in Port St. Lucie, Florida, rather than opt out of his contract. His decision to stay paid off with a strong debut for Single-A St. Lucie, where he reached a top speed of 94.2 mph—a slight improvement from his spring training outings. The Mets’ activation of Kimbrel came just days after his first appearance with the team, during a 11-6 loss to the Oakland Athletics. In his debut, Kimbrel pitched a scoreless seventh inning, allowing a single and a line drive to the warning track while striking out two batters. While his velocity dipped slightly from his spring training performance, the outing was seen as a positive step forward.#new_york_mets #oakland_athletics #craig_kimbrel #port_st_lucie #single_a_st_lucie

Mets Call Up Nine-Time All-Star Reliever Craig Kimbrel, DFA Lefty Lovelady The New York Mets made roster adjustments on Saturday by calling up nine-time All-Star reliever Craig Kimbrel and designating left-hander Richard Lovelady for assignment. The move clears space on the 26-man active roster, with Kimbrel joining the team after a long journey through multiple organizations. Kimbrel, 37, signed a minor league deal with the Mets in January that guaranteed him $2.5 million for the season once he was added to the active roster. He opted to remain with the organization after not making the Mets’ Opening Day roster, despite having a rolling opt-out clause that would have allowed him to sign with another team if presented with a major league opportunity. According to a source, Kimbrel chose to stay with the Mets, continuing to work on his physical conditioning and pitching mechanics during spring training. “I think towards the end of camp, I was feeling pretty good,” Kimbrel said. “It just might have been a little too late. In the last two weeks, I’ve just been focusing on maybe putting on a little bit more weight. I’ve been in the weight room quite a bit and just continue working on the pitches I’ve been working on, and I’ve been pretty happy with how they’ve progressed. The velocity has been pretty good and consistent. The body feels good.” Kimbrel made his major league debut on Saturday, throwing a scoreless seventh inning in the Mets’ 11-6 loss to the Athletics. The inning included two strikeouts, marking his fourth consecutive scoreless frame for the team. Kimbrel stayed in Port St. Lucie, Florida, after the Mets broke camp for the regular season, where he appeared in one game for Low-A St. Lucie. He tossed a perfect inning with one strikeout, throwing nine pitches and touching 94.2 mph.#atlanta_braves #new_york_mets #carlos_mendoza #craig_kimbrel #richard_lovelady

Mets Navigate Injuries and Rotation Challenges as Trade Rumors Linger New York Mets infielder Jorge Polanco missed Thursday’s game due to a lingering Achilles injury, with manager Carlos Mendoza indicating the team has not ruled out a stint on the injured list. Polanco, acquired to serve as the club’s primary first baseman after Pete Alonso’s trade to the Orioles, has been limited to designated hitter appearances since starting the season at the position. Mendoza told reporters, including Will Sammon of The Athletic, that Polanco’s absence ended a streak of four consecutive starts. The veteran’s injury has prompted the Mets to rely on Mark Vientos, Brett Baty, and Jared Young to fill in at first base. Vientos has taken over regular work at the cold corner following the Juan Soto injury, which opened up right field opportunities for Baty. The former prospect has thrived in his increased playing time, slashing .323/.353/.484 across 34 plate appearances. Baty, meanwhile, has struggled to capitalize on his chances, but the injuries have allowed the Mets to evaluate both players more extensively. Vientos’ performance has been a bright spot in a lineup that has faced challenges due to the absence of key contributors. Mendoza has expressed no immediate plans to adjust the pitching rotation, despite David Peterson’s recent struggles. The lefty allowed five earned runs in his last two starts, pushing his ERA over 6.00 through 14 2/3 innings. The Diamondbacks capitalized on Peterson’s woes on Wednesday, scoring five runs in the second inning after a quick lead in the first. Peterson’s performance has been a continuation of his second-half decline in 2025, following an All-Star season that saw him post a 7.74 ERA over 10 starts from August onward.#new_york_mets #carlos_mendoza #mark_vientos #jorge_polanco #brett_baty

Jorge Polanco Avoids Injured List as Mets Reassess Achilles Injury Jorge Polanco, the New York Mets’ first baseman, expressed optimism on Friday that he would avoid the injured list despite missing the previous two games due to a left Achilles issue. The 32-year-old player reported improved comfort in his left Achilles, which had plagued him since the start of the season, and confirmed he would not require a stint on the disabled list. The Mets’ medical team conducted an MRI on Thursday, which revealed no structural damage to the tendon, leading to a revised diagnosis of bursitis—a condition involving inflammation around the ligament rather than direct tendon damage. Polanco participated in full batting practice the following day and could return to the starting lineup as early as Saturday. Manager Carlos Mendoza provided reassurance, stating, “The good news is the tendon’s healthy. There’s nothing wrong. … We’ve just got to kind of limit the defensive side, how much pressure he puts there.” The Mets had previously classified Polanco’s issue as Achilles tendinitis, but the updated diagnosis allows for a different treatment approach, including anti-inflammatory medication. Mendoza emphasized that the team now has a clearer understanding of the problem, noting, “We know what we’re dealing with. We know there’s nothing with the tendon in that area there.” Polanco’s injury has significantly impacted his performance this season. After a strong Opening Day, where he went 1-for-3 with two walks, he has struggled at the plate in nine games since, posting a .189/.250/.270 batting line. Mendoza acknowledged the inconsistency in Polanco’s condition, explaining, “There’s days where he comes in and he feels really good that he goes out there and does a little bit of defensive work.#new_york_mets #carlos_mendoza #jorge_polanco #bursitis #mets_medical_team