The Amazins - MLB The Show

[jmcole33]

The Amazins

Mets Shuffle Roster Amidst Injury to Rotation
May 24, 2030

Julio Fernandez is headed to the IL once again. Unfortunately, this has become a reoccurring theme during his career in NY. This time, he tore a ligament in his throwing hand and will require surgery. Fernandez will be out until mid-August at the earliest. It's a shame because Fernandez was turning in one of his better seasons with a 3.46 ERA across his 10 starts.

Jermaine Butler, who just cleared waivers and was outrighted to Syracuse, is returning to the team. He was added to the 40-man roster this morning and will be taking the roster spot left available by Fernandez's injury.

In other news, Lincoln James and Lester McCarthy will be heading to Syracuse, but not for performance reasons. After both having pitched multiple innings each of the last two games (and pitching well), the Mets are bringing up some fresh arms for the Houston series. Otis Morgan and Greg Ceda are being recalled from AAA and will be traveling with the team. This will be Ceda's first MLB experience. The 33 year old hails from Pennsylvania and was signed to a minor league contract this winter. He throws mid-90s with a changeup and a low-90s splitter and has a 1.32 ERA in 13.2 IP in AAA. He will wear #77.

[jmcole33]

The Amazins

Mets Sweep In Houston
May 26, 2030

The Mets continue their winning ways, this time away from Citi Field. New York was in complete control from the first pitch of the opener, and have now extended their season best winning streak to 7.

Game 1 looked like a replay of the 1986 NLCS as both teams wore their mid-80s classics. Jeremy Pacheco delivered once again, giving up 3 hits and 1 run while striking out 6 over 5.2 IP. His ERA sits at 2.06 on the year - incredible for the rookie. The bullpen also did their job as the Astros were held scoreless. Elvis Valido had a 2 RBI day, including a 3rd inning rocket that almost cleared the train tracks in left field. It was his 13th of the year. 4-0 Mets.

Lucas Giolito was sailing through the Stros lineup until the 4th inning. All in all, 6 of the 7 Houston runs went on his ledger, making it two starts in a row he's struggled. Thankfully, the Mets offense had a big day. Nick Craven hit a leadoff shot, Barney Nowak hit 2 homeruns, and Nick Karnitz homered for the second game in a row. The Mets put up 9 runs in the win, and Greg Ceda pitched a scoreless 6th inning in his MLB debut. 9-7 Mets.

Both teams brought their aces to the finale - Anderson Espinoza vs Xavier Taylor. Taylor was good, but Espinoza was better. He gave up 2 runs over 6 innings, the runs coming on a 2-run HR off the bat of LF Arturo Arias. Espinoza also struck out 10 and recorded his 7th win of the season. The game was close until the Stros were forced to go to their bullpen in the 6th due to Taylor's high pitch count. The Mets scored 5 in the inning in route to a 11-2 win - the capper being an Elvis Valido bomb to left that DID clear the train tracks. 444 feet. 115 MPH off the bat.

The Mets (40-15) are headed straight to Atlanta for their first series with the Braves (31-24) this season. This is a big series as the Braves are looking to climb back into the division and establish that they can challenge for the crown. They are 8-2 in their last 10 and coming off a sweep of the Phillies.

Broderick McClendon Joins Mets as 6th Rotation Arm

The Mets are determined to continue with a 6-man rotation through at least the All Star Break. After the Julio Fernandez injury they went with an extra bullpen arm until the days lined up to get Broderick McClendon to NY on normal rest. He'll start the series opener in Atlanta.

McClendon is 30 years old and from California. He has a 4.54 ERA with 39 punchouts in 41.2 innings in AAA Syraucse this season. He brings with him a low-90s fastball along with a slider and changeup. While not a top-prospect, the minor league journeyman provides pitching experience and will likely top out at 5 innings per start. The lefty will be getting his first taste of the big leagues and will wear #64.

Jermaine Butler will be sent to AAA Syracuse. He pitched 3 scoreless innings in tonight's finale behind Anderson Espinoza, which makes him the choice to make room. It was a great return to the club after he was recently DFA'd and cleared outright waivers. He will now need to clear optional waivers.

[jmcole33]

The Amazins

Luke Wray Has Found His Swagger
May 27, 2030

A very positive development is brewing in Flushing, and that is the fact that Luke Wray seems to be emerging from his slumber. The veteran catcher had been on the worst cold streak of his of career dating back to the All Star Break of last season. But once the calendar flipped to May, he has looked like the player Mets fans know and love.

Since May 1, Wray is 17 for 46 (.369) with 5 HR and 11 RBI. That includes a 4 for 5 night with two homers and 3 RBI in last night's finale against the Astros. He's earning back his spot as the starting catcher with the way he's performed this month, and the Mets are happy to give it to him.

Roosevelt Fox has done a fine job, but his average has plummeted since being thrust into the lineup in a more full-time capacity. In most situations, Fox would be a very capable starting backstop. However, Wray gives the Mets an offensive weapon that almost nobody else in the majors has at the catcher position. They want to take advantage of that for as long as he is in a Mets uniform.

Wray has earned an increase in playing time as we move into June, and the Mets are hoping that it translates into more consistency and more production. It's also likely to lead to an increase in defensive frustration, as Wray has not improved that piece of his game one bit.

Hopefully the bat sticks around.

[jmcole33]

The Amazins

Mets Drop Opener But Win Series
May 29, 2030

New York extended their divisional lead to 10 games over the Braves after taking 2 of 3 in Atlanta.

Broderick McClendon made his MLB debut in Game 1 against Atlanta. He would be cruising until the third inning, when a blown strike call forced in a run on a bases loaded walk. It would snowball from there with the Braves scoring 6 runs before McClendon could retire the side, the haymaker being a 3-run HR by 2B Steve Feliz. To McClendon's credit, he would come back out for the 4th inning and get the side out in order. McClendon - 4 IP, 8 H, 6 R in his debut. The offense didn't provide much punch in the 7-1 loss, the lone run being a Elvis Valido HR, his 15th on the year.

The Mets would bounce back in Game 2 thanks to 7 scoreless innings from Michael Whitehead and homeruns from Elvis Valido and Luke Wray. Barney Nowak would drive in 2 with a double in the 8th inning to push the Mets' lead to 4-0. The Braves scored 2 off Ramon Chavez but that would be as close as they would get, as Donald Beals came in to collect the save. Steven Logan had 2 errors on the day, pushing his season total to 6, which is a career high. Seems like the move back to first base hasn't been as seamless as everyone expected.

The finale was a back and forth affair early, as all 7 runs were scored in the first 3 innings. Atlanta built a 3-1 lead before 3 consecutive RBI doubles by Corey Seager, Barney Nowak, and Alexis Quevedo pushed the Mets in front 4-3. That would be the final as the Braves were held scoreless the rest of the way thanks to Travis West, Barney Shipman, Cesar Ferreira, and Donald Beals.

The Mets (42-16) are headed back home to welcome the Pittsburgh Pirates (32-27). The last time these two teams met at the end of April, the Pirates managed to take 2 of 3 from the Mets at PNC Park.

[jmcole33]

The Amazins

Mets Wrap Up May With Series WIn
June 1, 2030

The Mets sandwiched two wins around a loss to take the home series from Pittsburgh. The pitching shined in both wins, holding the Pirates to zero runs across the two games. Pittsburgh's only win was by a score of 7-6 in Game 2.

Giolito bounced back after a couple rough starts to help lead the Mets to a 3-0 victory in the opener. Giolito would throw 5 scoreless innings, giving up just 4 hits and striking out 5. New York was held scoreless as well until the 7th inning when they broke through against the Pirates' bullpen. Luke Wray drove in a run with a single up the middle and Michael Conforto hit a pinch hit sac fly to extend the lead. Barney Nowak made the score 3-0 with an RBI single in the 8th.

Jeremy Pacheco had his worst start of the season in Game 2, with the Pirates taking a 4-0 lead 4 batters in thanks to a grand slam. To his credit, Pacheco would settle down, and at one point strike out 5 batters in a row, but he would exit the game after 4 innings giving up 6 of the 7 Pirates runs. Nick Karnitz and Steven Logan would both go deep, but it wouldn't be enough to complete the comeback with the PIrates winning 7-6. It was Logan's 20th HR of the season, and he his leading the majors.

The Mets would claim the series with a 4-0 win in the finale thanks to 7 strong innings from Anderson Espinoza. He collected 9 punchies and gave up just 4 hits. The Mets offense was powered by a pair of 2-run HRs, one by Alexis Quevedo and the other by Michael Conforto. Quevedo was scorching hot in the month of May as he looks to FINALLY live up to the hype that made him the #1 prospect in the Mets system at one point.

The Mets (44-17) now welcome the Phillies (17-44) to town. The Phillies are still looking for their first win against New York this year, and the Mets are hoping to build on their division lead over the Braves (9.5 GB).

But first, tonight is the Amateur Draft. The Mets will have the 30th pick. Expect a full recap before tomorrow's 7:10pm first pitch.

[jmcole33]

The Amazins

1st Year Player Draft Recap
June 1, 2030

The Mets entered this year's amateur draft with the best record in the majors at 44-17. The draft is incredibly important for maintaining long term success. Last year, New York went pitcher heavy and came away with a draft that they felt really good about. This draft had a lot less depth and the Mets had the 30th overall pick, but the Mets managed to select a couple prospects that they feel will be able to help - albeit further down the line. Let's take a look at their selections:


1st Round – SS Lenny Stokes
18 years old | 5’10 | 189 LBS | California

New York went the route of high school position player with their first pick. Lenny is a plus athlete on the bases and looks like his bat to ball skills will translate to the big leagues. He'll need to pack on some muscle to unlock some power, but it's likely he'll never hit more than 15 HR in a season. The Mets see Stokes as a high-OBP, defensive middle infielder, but he will need several years until he's knocking on the door.

Prediction: Speed + Contact Middle Infielder | ETA: 2037


2nd Round – 1B Alberto Moreno
23 years old | 6'5 | 221 LBS | Venezuela

The Mets went after another bat with their second pick. Alberto Moreno has some professional experience in Venezuela where he hit 30 HR in his most recent season. Moreno provides a big stick from both sides of the plate, but he has some major swing and miss issues. He will need to clean up his plate discipline and ability to shorten his swing, but the power will absolutely play.

Prediction: Middle of the order power bat | ETA: 2035


3rd Round – CF Tim Green
20 years old | 5’8 | 173 LBS | Hawaii

Green had an excellent season for the University of Hawaii and it helped put him on the map. His diminutive stature kept him from going earlier in the draft, but his production cannot be argued with. He can change a game with his speed alone, and his ability to get on base at a high clip makes him a terror to opposing teams. His athleticism will allow him to play anywhere up the middle, but he'll need time to develop into a big leaguer.

Prediction: Leadoff hitter | ETA: 2036


4th Round – RHP Bobby Phillips
23 years old | 5'11 | 167 LBS | Germany

Phillips was the only pitcher selected by New York and is a bit of a project. He's got incredible power and torque in his short frame, allowing his fastball to touch 99 and average around 96. He also features a low-80s curveball and a changeup that has some potential. What Phillips lacks is a grasp of the finer points of pitching. He often loses the strike zone and he hasn't quite figured out how to pitch strategically. If the mental part of the game can click for Phillips, he will contribute in New York.

Prediction: Backend Starter or Bullpen | ETA: 2035


5th Round – 2B Kris Barrios
21 years old | 5'10 | 194 LBS | Dominican Republic

Barrios is a solid baseball player, but doesn't do anything great. He can hit, has some pop, and can run the bases. Defensively, he looks like a second or third baseman. Overall, he doesn't give scouts much to write home about, but there's no glaring weakness in his game. Barrios is a few years away from being considered for a MLB spot, but he should be able to provide organizational depth at a minimum.

Prediction: AAAA Player | ETA: 2038+


6th Round – Giovanni Namura
19 years old | 6'2 | 214 LBS | Japan

Like a lot of the players from Japan, Namura is a professional hitter. At just 19 years old, he already possesses a MLB ready bat and plate discipline. However, he lacks the power output that would make him a really exciting hitter. Unfortunately, Namura struggles on the defensive side of the ball, which makes his options limited with no DH in the NL. His contact-ability is so good that he'll be in conversations to be on a roster his whole career.

Prediction: Career Minor Leaguer/Bench Bat | ETA: 2033

[jmcole33]

The Amazins

Mets Drop Series To Philly
June 5, 2030

The Mets turned in their first truly disappointing series of the year and dropped 3 of the 4 games to the lowly Phillies. Their lone win came in Game 2 on the heels of 7 scoreless innings by Michael Whitehead.

Overall, the Mets were outscored 18-9 across the four games, including an 8-2 drubbing in the opener. Broderick McClendon made his second start in a Mets uniform and gave up 5 runs on 10 hits over 4.2 IP. Sounds like he'll get one more start to show carrying him as a 6th starter is worth it for the club.

In addition to his stellar performance on the mound, Michael Whitehead also provided an RBI double in the 2-1 Game 2 victory. The Phillies would score in the 8th, but Alexis Quevedo cut down the runner trying to extend a single into a double, which ended the rally. Donald Beals collected his 21st save of the year despite allowing a leadoff double.

In the next game, Beals would enter the game once again with a 2-1 lead in the top of the 9th. However, the Phillies would tag him for back to back homers that put them on top 4-2. Corey Seager would bring the Mets within a run, but Steven Logan grounded into a double play that would end the game. A tough loss.

The finale was all Philadelphia as they prevailed 5-2. They would plate 4 runs on 10 hits off Lucas Giolito and the Mets offense never really found its groove. Steven Logan provided the two Mets runs with a solo HR and a sac fly. He was the one Met who had a productive series - 4 for 14 with 2 HR and 5 RBI.

The Mets (45-20) will now get a day off before hitting the road for six games. They'll head to Miami to face the Marlins (34-32) for the first time this season before 3 more games in Philadelphia.

Julio Fernandez Not Close to Return

Management got word today that the lefty pitcher is still a ways away from making his return to the big league mound. Despite a successful surgery, he will still need quite some time to rehab. The Mets are hoping to get the lefty veteran back before August.

The news isn't necessarily a surprise, but it does indicate that the 6-man rotation experiment is on its last leg. Broderick McClendon has an 11.50 ERA over his two starts, and Lucas Giolito has turned in three out of 4 below-average starts. Management will not throw 6 arms just for the sake of doing so, and if Giolito cannot turn it around, they'll quickly be down to 4 viable starting arms.

Lincoln James is the only other arm currently on the 40-man with any starting experience, and he's been used primarily out of the bullpen for the last year and a half. The Mets will be forced to call up one of their younger prospects (which they don't want to do quite yet), give Aaron Blair a look as a starter, or they'll have to explore the trade/free agent market.

[jmcole33]

The Amazins

Mets Crank 8 Homers In Finale, Win Series
June 9, 2030

The Mets claimed the series in Miami thanks to a huge offensive day in the finale which included a franchise record 8 home runs. In total, New York scored 33 runs in the three games after only having scored 9 in the 4 games prior against the Phillies.

Game 1 was a close affair until the 6th inning. With the Marlins leading 5-4, Otis Morgan entered in relief and Miami pounced all over him. Before the inning was over he had surrendered 4 runs and the Marlins had a 9-4 lead. The Mets would threaten in the 7th, but Barney Nowak grounded into an inning ending double play with the bases loaded to crush any chances at a comeback. It was an 11-6 Marlins win and pushed the Mets season worst losing streak to 3. Otis Morgan was optioned to AAA post game with Jermaine Butler being recalled.

New York would bounce back in a big way the next two games. The Mets won 10-3 in Game 2 thanks to 4 scoreless innings from their bullpen and a 3 for 4 day from Elvis Valido, which included 4 RBI and 2 HR. Then their bats exploded in a 17-6 win in the finale. 8 of their 21 hits were home runs - Steven Logan (3), Evlis Valido (2), Barney Nowak, Luke Wray, and Alexis Quevedo all went deep. Logan is up to 25 HR on the year, which leads the majors, and Valido now has 20.

The Mets (47-21) will take their talents to Philadelphia to try and get revenge against the Phillies (23-45) from their recent series loss. The Phillies continue their hot play with just having swept the Cubs and winning 6 of their last 7.

[jmcole33]

The Amazins

Jackie Maurer - Time to Have a Discussion?
June 10, 2030

Jackie Maurer came up in early August of last year and showed legitimate promise down the stretch of the regular season and into the playoffs. He's been pegged as the franchise's shortstop of the future and has been given the reins at third base this season. So far though, he has done everything but impress.

Maurer did get off to a satisfactory start, and was hitting .300 with a team high 8 doubles midway through April. He was unable to sustain it. For the year now, Maurer is slashing .234/.329/.327 with 2 HR, 11 2B, and 15 RBI. He's also struggled more than expected on the defensive end. Overall, it's been a less than impressive start to his first full season in the majors.

Expectations were high for the 23 year old, but Maurer earned those expectations by excelling at every level of the minors since being drafted in the first round of the 2026 draft. He's not the first highly touted prospect to struggle to find his footing, and he certainly won't be the last. The Mets are hoping that Maurer can find some confidence in the coming weeks because their belief in his potential is still sky high.

Working against the Mets' ability to be patient with the youngster is their desire to compete for a championship this season. This makes Maurer's hold on the hot corner tentative. Ray Velazquez will be returning from injury in the next few weeks, and Barney Nowak has been having a good year thus far. Nowak's natural position is third base, and he has a .746 OPS with 6 HR and 23 RBI so far this season, including 3 HR in the series vs Miami this week.

If things continue to develop this way, Nowak might be seeing a majority of the at bats at third once Velazquez comes back from injury. This doesn't diminish Maurer's potential or the belief the organization has in him long term. Their championship or bust mentality requires them to play the best players on a daily basis. The Mets are fortunate to have the flexibility to not be totally reliant on a 23 year old as they chase a championship this season.

Maurer has a couple more weeks to establish that he belongs in the lineup every day.

[jmcole33]

The Amazins

Mets Take Series From Philly
June 12, 2030

The Mets were able to win the last two games of the series in Philadelphia to avenge their series loss from a week ago.

However, the Mets would lose the opener 6-2. 5 of the Phillies runs went on Travis West's ledger, the majority of them coming on a 3-run HR by RF Rick Dickinson in the 5th inning. The Mets offense didn't threaten much.

The middle game was an exciting affair that looked like it would be anybody's ball game. Jackie Maurer must have read the tabloids because he hit a 3-run HR in the second inning to give the Mets the lead. However, the Phillies would hit a 3-run bomb of their own off Lucas Giolito to tie it in the bottom half of the inning. The Mets reclaimed the lead for good in the 3rd inning thanks to a Michael Conforto homer. They would go on to win 9-4, and the bullpen did a good job in relief.

New York looked like they snatched defeat from the jaws of victory in the finale when Ramon Chavez gave up two runs in the 7th to go down 4-3. That's when Barney Nowak came to the rescue and crushed a no doubter into the right field bleachers to give the Mets the lead right back, 5-4. Steven Logan would add a 2-run HR of his own in the 9th just for kicks, and the Mets would escape Philly with a 7-4 win in the rubber match. Broderick McClendon earned himself another start with his best showing - 5 IP, 8 H, 2 R, 3 K. He lives to pitch again.

Jackie Maurer had himself a series - 5 for 10 with a homer, 3 RBI, and 3 runs scored. It was pleasant to see, especially after he was just thrust under the microscope.


Looking Ahead

After a day off, the Mets will embark on a stretch that sees them play 20 games in a row without a break. It will be a great litmus test as we creep towards the All Star break as to where exactly this team is. The first three games will be at Citi Field against the Dbacks (38-33).

3 v Arizona
3 v Miami
4 v STL
3 @ MIL
4 @ CHC
3 v LAA

[jmcole33]

The Amazins

New York Avoids Sweep In Finale
June 16, 2030

The Mets did not get off to the start they wanted on this long stretch of games. They dropped 2 of 3 to a good Diamondbacks team, their only win coming in the finale Thursday afternoon.

The opener was a low scoring affair with the Mets taking a 1-0 lead into the 7th. Jeremy Pacheco was spotless until then, when he gave up an RBI double to LF Alden Hopper to tie up the game. Barney Shipman would enter the game in relief and give up a 2-run HR to CF Pablo Vaccaro to put the Dbacks up 3-1, which would be the final.

The Mets' bullpen would let them down again in Game 2. Anderson Espinoza wasn't spectacular, but he would get through 6 innings with a lead, 6-4 Mets. Ramon Chavez would enter in the 7th and give up a homer that would tie the game at 6. Then Cesar Ferreira would completely melt down in the 8th. He allowed 5 runs to score in the inning. It would be an 11-6 final in favor of the visitors.

Luckily, the Mets salvaged the finale. Alexis Quevedo was a triple shy of the cycle in a 3 for 3 day and Michael Whitehead got through 5 IP giving up 2 runs. A bases clearing double in the 5th by Corey Seager would break the tie and put the Mets up 5-2 (while also extending his hitting streak to 16 games). The final would be 7-4, with Ramon Chavez giving up another 2-run homer in the 9th. Chavez has struggled as of late, so we might be seeing some other options late in games.

Alexis Quevedo is coming on in a big way lately. His AVG is up around .300 and his OPS is over .850. He's got 7 HR on the season thus far, which is 2 off his career high he set in 2028. Quevedo is looking more and more like the player that management envisioned he would be when they selected him in the first round of the 2020 draft. Quevedo will be getting the majority of AB in LF for the foreseeable future as he looks to lock up the position long term.

The Mets (50-24) welcome the Marlins (37-37) to town next. New York looks to break out of this little funk as they are 7-7 in the month of June thus far.

[jmcole33]

The Amazins

Mets Win 2 of 3 Against Miami
June 19, 2030

The Mets got back on track against the Marlins and were able to take the first two games of the series before dropping the finale.

New York was victorious in the opener despite Travis West giving up 3 first inning runs. He was able to settle down afterwards, and the Marlins were held scoreless the rest of the game. Elvis Valido tied the game in the in the 3rd inning with a 2-run blast, and Corey Seager put the home team in front with an RBI single in the 7th. Then Jackie Maurer would push across an insurance run with a pinch-hit RBI single in 8th. Donald Beals would come in and record the save in a 5-3 Mets win.

Game 2 started the way Game 1 ended - with a Jackie Maurer RBI single. Alexis Quevedo hit his 8th HR of the year in the bottom of the 2nd, and Barney Nowak crushed his 9th of the year in the bottom of the 3rd. The Marlins would score a run on a HR in the 4th, but that's all they would produce in a 3-1 Mets win. Lucas Giolito was spectacular and turned in his best start in a Mets uniform. He gave up one run over 7 innings while striking out 9. Donald Beals recorded his second straight save.

The Marlins won the finale 2-1 on Fathers' Day. Brad Bracken was phenomenal for the visitors and held the Mets scoreless until Michael Conforto hit a pinch-hit HR off him in the 8th to put the Mets on the board. It was a cool moment as Conforto recently became a father for the first time. Broderick McClendon pitched well for the second consecutive outing, but unfortunately had to be removed in the 5th inning after he was hit in the head by a line drive. McClendon suffered a concussion on the play and is headed to the IL. Replacing him on the roster will be Lincoln James. Also noteworthy - Corey Seager's 17-game hitting streak came to an end.

The injury makes Giolito's performance in Game 2 all the more crucial. With injuries to Julio Fernandez, Broderick McClendon, and Manuel Diaz (Next man up in AAA), the Mets starting pitching depth has suddenly gotten incredibly thin. There are not a lot of other places to turn to if Giolito cannot continue the success he found this weekend. The Mets would be looking at the likes of Aaron Blair, Lincoln James, or external help - all of which are not ideal.

New York (52-25) will now host the St. Louis Cardinals (42-34) for 4 games. The Cards currently sit 3.5 games behind the Cubs for the NL Central lead.

[jmcole33]

The Amazins

Ray Velazquez Activated From IL
June 21, 2030

The Mets are getting their first baseman back. Ray Velazquez was activated from the IL following tonight's 10-1 win over the Cardinals.

Velazquez was having the best season of his young career before his injury. He has a .786 OPS with 5 HR and 18 RBI through 27 games. Both he and the Mets are hopeful that he can pick up right where he left off, although his power numbers may suffer for a while until all the strength returns in his wrist. Velazquez returning will push Steven Logan back to second base and it might jeopardize Jackie Maurer's hold on third. Barney Nowak is having himself a phenomenal season, and the Mets would be silly to push his bat to the bench full time.

In a corresponding move, Alfredo Diaz is being sent down to AAA Syracuse. Diaz appeared in 17 games over the last month and a half. He slashed .172/.200/.276 in 29 AB and was used primarily as a pinch runner and defensive replacement. The Mets are fine using Diaz in a limited role, but if there was ever a need for more at bats on the infield, they would turn in a different direction. Diaz will need to clear optional waivers as he is out of options.

[jmcole33]

The Amazins

Mets Sweep, Winners in 7 of 8
June 23, 2030

The Amazins certainly lived up to their moniker in this series, outscoring the visiting Cardinals 27-5 over the 4 games. Both the pitching and the offense were on point in the drubbing at Citi Field, which dropped the Cardinals to 3rd place in the NL Central race.

Game 1 was a pitching duel between Jeremy Pacheco and Francis Martes. It wasn't until the 7th inning, but the Cardinals struck first with an RBI single to put them up 1-0. The Mets had to wait all the way until their offense produced anything. Barney Nowak got the rally started with a one out single into centerfield. Then Alexis Quevedo hit a bloop double down the right field line that scored the pinch-running Alfredo Diaz from first. The next batter, Luke Wray, smashed his 10th HR of the year to give the Mets a walk-off 3-1 win.

Game 2 and 3 were both decisive wins by the Metsies - 10-1 and 11-0 respectively. Anderson Espinoza and Michael Whitehead provided the stellar pitching while the Mets offense exploded on back to back nights. Luke Wray capped off a 4-run 4th inning in Game 2 with a 2-run homer, which got the ball rolling. Alexis Quevedo went 3 for 4 with a HR, a double, and 3 runs scored and Barney Nowak enjoyed a 4 for 5, 2 RBI day. Lincoln James threw 3 scoreless innings in his return to the ball club following Broderick McClendon's injury.

It was the 4th inning once again when the Mets broke through in Game 3. Corey Seager (18), Steven Logan (29), and Ray Velazquez (6) would all go deep. Welcome back Velazquez! Luke Wray would homer for the third straight game, and Steven Logan would go deep once more in the 7th. It was his 30th HR of the year and 72nd RBI. He's on pace to smash both his previous career highs.

Travis West was brilliant in the finale. He took a no hitter into the 8th inning, but it was broken up on an infield single by RF Tyler O'Neill that ricocheted off West. Cesar Ferreira would enter and give up a 3-run home run that closed the gap to 4-3, but Donald Beals would collect the save in the 9th. Ray Velazquez had two more RBI thanks to a single in the 1st inning, and Alexis Quevedo cranked his 10th HR of the year in the 6th to put the Mets up 4-0. It's a new career high. Corey Seager also had an RBI single, giving him an even 70 on the year. He and Steven Logan are 1 + 2 on the NL RBI leaderboard this year.

The Mets (56-25) will now hit the road for the remainder of this stretch of games. First, they'll head to Milwaukee to take on the last place Brewers (29-52).

[jmcole33]

The Amazins

Velazquez Headed Back to IL
June 24, 2030

All you can do is shake your head. Ray Velazquez is headed back to the IL. He hurt his knee on an athletic play at first to complete a double play in tonight's 7-0 win over the Brewers in the series opener. Thankfully, the MRI revealed that it was just an ACL sprain. The first baseman should be back in a couple of weeks. Velazquez was 2 for 10 with a home run and 3 RBI in his brief return to the lineup.

Alfredo Diaz, who just cleared waivers, will return to the big league club. Hopefully, he hasn't unpacked yet.