The Mets had a rough night against the Rays, falling 6-2 while former Met Freddy Peralta picked up the win. Francisco Lindor accounted for both New York runs, opening the scoring with a solo home run to lead off the game before adding an RBI walk in the seventh.
There were still a few encouraging Mets notes tucked into the day’s news cycle. Nate Lavender has been nearly impossible to square up since making his major league debut almost a month ago, and the Mets’ positive developments this season only sharpen the case for making a serious push to sign Tarik Skubal.
The roster picture is shifting as September begins. With teams able to add two major league spots at the start of the month, the Mets used theirs on pitcher Dylan Ross and outfielder Nick Morabito, with another move expected today for starter Justin Hagenman. On the other end of the league, the Padres tried to claim Luis Robert Jr. off waivers, but the Orioles had priority and got him instead.
Around the National League East, the Nationals blasted the Braves 9-5 behind Brady House, who drove in three runs, including two on an RBI double in the second inning. The Marlins knocked off the Royals 6-3 as Graham Pauley piled up four RBIs with a two-run homer and a two-run triple. The Phillies were in control from start to finish in a 7-1 win over the Diamondbacks, with Jesús Luzardo covering 6.2 innings and allowing one run on six hits and a walk while striking out six.
Elsewhere around baseball, the Angels have been sold to Rams owner Stan Kroenke, closing the book on Arte Moreno’s turbulent and controversial run. Kroenke Sports & Entertainment issued a statement on the purchase, and the reported $4 billion sale could have major effects in Los Angeles and beyond.
For Angels fans, the deal brings what the source described as a newfound freedom and hope. The Padres also promoted their top prospect, 20-year-old catcher Ethan Salas, while Mark Walter’s 2012 purchase of the Dodgers was described as having built a sports empire that is now crumbling around him.
At Amazin’ Avenue, the site is now easier to read on the go thanks to the new SB Nation app, and Steve Sypa also published another edition of Mets Minor League Players of the Week.
In Other News...
Mets Are Giving Two September Call-Ups A Meaningful Audition
The Mets used their September roster expansion to take a closer look at two prospects who could matter beyond this month. Nick Morabito and Dylan Ross were both promoted as call-ups, giving the organization a chance to see how each handles a bigger stage while the season moves into its final stretch.
Morabito brings speed and some intrigue as either future outfield depth or a possible trade piece, but his bat still needs to take a step forward, especially against left-handed pitching. Ross has already flashed in the majors and can miss bats, though his minor league control issues remain part of the evaluation, making this a useful audition for a pitcher who could fit into the bullpen shuffle or draw interest down the line. [Read more 🡒]
Mets May Have To Reimagine Two Franchise Stars In The Field
Juan Soto and Francisco Lindor have long been central to how the Mets want to look on the field, but the conversation around both stars may be shifting beyond their usual spots. The idea is not tied to any official move or timeline, just a broader look at how the roster could evolve if the Mets decide their best path forward involves rethinking where a few of their biggest names line up defensively.
Soto has been mentioned as a possible fit at first base, while Lindor could eventually be asked to slide from shortstop to either second or third. Marcus Semien is part of that same discussion too, with first base presented as another possible landing spot. For now, it is all speculative, but it speaks to the kind of roster math the Mets may have to do if they want to keep their top talent on the field while making the whole group fit a little cleaner. [Read more 🡒]
Mets GM Search Suddenly Puts David Stearns At A Crossroads
Andy Greens return to the Mets front office looked like a clean fit when he shifted back into player development, but the clubs ongoing search for a general manager has quietly reopened the door to a different kind of role. Green is currently serving as the interim manager, and with the GM chair still vacant since Billy Epplers resignation, his name has naturally surfaced as the kind of internal option teams often at least examine before reaching outside the building.
For David Stearns, the timing matters because the organization is trying to sort through major offseason decisions with an anticipated lockout hanging over the calendar. The Mets can choose to stay in-house or widen the search, but either path adds another layer to a front office already juggling leadership questions and planning for the months ahead. Greens future, meanwhile, appears tied to whether the Mets want to keep leaning on familiarity or make a broader hire. [Read more 🡒]