Morning Briefing: Role Players Lead the Way

Good morning, Mets fans! Let’s not leave the bats in San Francisco.

Luis Torrens‘ go-ahead, two-run double keyed a four-run eighth inning on Sunday and the Mets (6-4) won 5-2 to take three out of four from the Giants. He was pinch-hitting for Jared Young, who went 3-for-3 and threw out a runner at second on a ball hit off the left-field wall. Young, who was making his second career start in left, also made a neat sliding catch.

Kodai Senga struck out seven and gave up two runs over 5 2/3 innings. Huascar Brazobán, Luke Weaver and Devin Williams didn’t allow a run from there. The three have yet to give up a run this season over 13 1/3 combined innings.

The Mets went 6-for-15 with runners in scoring position. They are 17-for-40 (.425 batting average) with RISP during the three-game winning streak.

The Mets are off Monday. Freddy Peralta (1-0, 4.35 ERA) faces Zac Gallen (1-1, 3.60 ERA) on Tuesday when the Mets return to Citi Field to start a six-game homestand against the Diamondbacks and Athletics.

Latest Mets News

Brett Baty was a late scratch from Sunday’s game because of a jammed left thumb that he hurt making a head-first slide on Saturday. Carlos Mendoza said the injury is not a concern and no tests are scheduled.

Juan Soto didn’t play for the second straight game after suffering a minor strain in his right calf running the bases on Friday. He is day-to-day. Mendoza said the Mets will evaluate Soto further on Tuesday and didn’t rule out a stint on the injured list.

Latest MLB News

Mookie Betts was placed on the injured list and Dodgers skipper Dave Roberts told reporters that an MRI showed a right oblique strain, which he thinks happened on a check-swing. Roberts is hopeful Betts can be back in less than the usual four to six weeks. Hyeseong Kim was activated.

Astros ace Hunter Brown was placed on the 15-day injured list with a strain in his pitching shoulder. A timetable for his return won’t be known until more tests are done.

Cubs RHP Cade Horton was placed on the 15-day IL with a strained right forearm two days after he exited a start in the second inning after feeling pain throwing a pitch. He will undergo more tests in Chicago.

The Angels selected the contract of RHP George Klassen and ex-Met LHP Joey Lucchesi was designated for assignment.

Latest on MMO

Johnluke Chaparro has more on the victory over the Giants.

You know where Carson Benge is, but how about Nick Morabito? Irving Cota? Robert Colonna goes over where all of the top 50 MMO prospects are to start the season. And he’s got a few gems on each of them to boot.

Mark Vientos is on fire. Alexis Farinacci is on it.

Jack Ramsey recaps all the Mets minor-league action from Saturday, which included Cam Tilly‘s stellar pro debut (five hitless innings, six strikeouts) for Low-A St. Lucie.

On This Date in Mets History

2004: Kazuo Matsui becomes the 20th player to hit his first major-league pitch for a home run. He also doubles twice and walks twice in his debut, a 7-2 victory over the Braves. He is the third Met to homer in his first MLB at-bat, joining Mike Fitzgerald and Benny Ayala.

2002: The Mets score nine runs in the ninth, including eight off John Smoltz, to beat the Braves 11-2. Rey Ordóñez comes through with a bases-loaded double. It’s the most runs the Mets have ever scored in the ninth inning.

1992: Jeff Innis earns the win on Opening Day vs. the Cardinals, notable because the year prior he became the first pitcher in MLB history to appear in 60 games or more without earning a win or a save. Innis appeared in 69 games in 1991 for the Mets and went 0-2 with an 2.66 ERA over 84 2/3 innings.

1971: The Mets win an opener at Shea Stadium for the first time. They beat the Expos 4-2 in five innings, the game shortened due to rain. Tom Seaver earns the win, Jerry Grote and Donn Clendenon double and Bud Harrelson steals a base.

Born on This Date: Andy Phillips (1977), Wayne Graham (1936).

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