Your Thursday morning dose of New York Mets and Major League Baseball news, notes, and links.
Meet the Mets
The Mets extended their streak of offensive futility as they were swept on Wednesday, having now failed to score in 23 consecutive innings. Zack Wheeler shut out the Marlins in six innings of work, striking out seven and walking five while allowing only two hits. The bullpen was strong until the bottom of the ninth, when Carlos Torres allowed the Marlins to break through the 0–0 deadlock and score the game's only run on a Marcell Ozuna sacrifice fly that brought Giancarlo Stanton home for the walk-off victory. Also: still no hits for the Mets' pitching staff.
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The Mets are off today before beginning a home series with the Phillies on Friday. Jenrry Mejia (3–0, 5.23) will toe the rubber and square off against Roberto Hernandez (2–1, 4.50).
In the wake of Omar Quintanillabeing designated for assignment, it is being reported that Wilmer Flores will be promoted from Triple-A Las Vegas in order to shake things up at shortstop.
Zack Wheeler was happy with his overall performance on Wednesday, but is feeling frustration that he can't seem to get a handle on his slider.
Citing the arm troubles that relieving has caused in the past, Jenrry Mejia spoke up to reiterate that he prefers to start.
Ron Darling, distancing himself from "The True New Yorkers" campaign, admitted that he failed to read the letter before agreeing to put his name behind it.
Mets pennant as metaphor for Don Draper's fate.
On this date in Mets' history, the team in Queens was officially christened the "Mets."
Yesterday At AA
Steve Sypa recapped all of Tuesday's Mets minor league action.
Episode 67 of Amazin' Avenue Audio went live.
Joe Sokolowski gave a rundown of The Mets Week in Quotes.
Around the NL East
The Braves snapped their seven-game losing streak on Tuesday only to get right back to losing on Wednesday, falling to the Cardinals 7–1. Ben Duronio takes a moment to appreciateAnthony Varvaro, Braves' bullpen escape artist.
Scott Gelman explains how the Marlins have been doing the little things right in order to make the most of the work done by the hitters in the middle of their lineup.
The Phillies were trounced by the Blue Jays 10–0. John Stolnis attempts to calm Phillies fans' nerves about the early-season struggles of Cole Hamels.
Stephen Strasburg and the Nationalsdowned the Dodgers on Wednesday 3–2. Nats' manager Matt Williamsweighs in on the importance of Strasburg.
Around the majors
The Padres had a baby T-Rex throw out the first pitch of their game with the Royals yesterday (WARNING: There will be Rex Hudler).
Around the Majors, Minor League Edition™: The Clinton LumberKings, Single-A affiliate for the Seattle Mariners, registered one of the greatest come-from-behind victories in the history of sport, overcoming a 16-run deficit as they scored 19 consecutive runs to defeat the Burlington Bees in twelve innings (Box). Not to be outdone, Matt Szczur's diving catch on the final play of the game secured Chris Rusin's no-hitter for the Triple-A Iowa Cubs.
John Farrell proposes some changes that could speed up the game.
Ned Yost is taking some heat for failing to challenge a close play at the plate in Tuesday night's game with the Padres.
Finally, an interesting piece on FanGraphs confirming that at least one umpire finds pitch-framing persuasive.
If you read an article or find a link that you think would be a great addition to a future edition of Mets Morning News, please forward it to our tips email address tips@grission.com and we'll try to add it in.