CHICAGO — Two of the Mets’ 4 All-Stars returned to the beginning lineup Thursday for the collection opener in opposition to the Cubs.
Jeff McNeil and his spouse, Tatiana, welcomed child squirrel, Lucas Hayden, into the world at 4:45 a.m. on Wednesday July 13 in California. McNeil spent about 12 hours together with his first-born little one earlier than hopping on a flight to Chicago on Wednesday night.
He landed round midnight on Thursday and, after an excellent evening’s sleep, joined his teammates at Wrigley Field within the afternoon, batting fifth and taking part in left area in opposition to the Cubs. Outfielder Ender Inciarte was designated for task to make room for McNeil.
Starling Marte additionally returned to the lineup on Thursday, batting second and taking part in proper area, together with his groin discomfort behind him. Marte was in a position to keep away from the injured checklist, however he was sidelined for 4 video games after he exited within the fourth inning of the Mets’ 5-4 win over the Marlins at Citi Field final Saturday
Both Marte and McNeil have been chosen on Sunday to their second-career All-Star Game.
Asked to summarize the previous few days, McNeil responded: “Perfect. It’s been pretty magical. Making the All-Star Game. Birth of our child. It’s been pretty special.”
McNeil stated he was in a position to keep emotionally invested within the Mets-Braves collection earlier this week. He and his spouse had the Mets video games taking part in whereas they have been nonetheless ready for his or her son to be born. Now, the plan is for Lucas Hayden to hitch his dad on the All-Star Game festivities.
“He might get to experience the Home Run Derby and the All-Star break,” McNeil stated. “Obviously he’s not going to remember it. But, cool story to tell.”
Buck Showalter caught up with McNeil within the foyer of their resort on Thursday afternoon earlier than the staff left for Wrigley. The Mets supervisor stated McNeil appeared proud and that he’s basking within the glow.
“He’s in a different place of his life,” Showalter stated. “Think about waking up today and there’s someone else depending on you to get a couple of hits. I remember the first time I looked over in the crib and went, ‘Oh, I better find something that I can be good or decent at.’ Now there’s somebody else depending on you. Just more pressure, I guess.”
TAI, STRO BRAGGING RIGHTS
Taijuan Walker and his good pal, former Mets pitcher Marcus Stroman, will go toe-to-toe on Friday afternoon at Wrigley Field in recreation two of the Mets-Cubs collection. Walker stated he went to Stroman’s home on Wednesday evening after the Mets flew in from Atlanta. The two pitchers, each followers of Drake, made positive they wouldn’t use the identical warm-up tune on Friday.
Walker stated he’s wanting ahead to out-pitching Stroman. He added it will’ve been extra enjoyable if the common DH wasn’t applied in order that he might get a success off Stroman. The former Mets pitcher, who was acquired in July 2019 on the commerce deadline, signed with the Cubs on a three-year, $71 million deal as a free agent this previous offseason. Stroman has a 4.91 ERA in 10 begins this season.
“You get the bragging rights,” Walker stated of going through Stroman. “At the end of the day, we go out there and whoever has the better line gets some bragging rights. We’ll get dinner on Saturday and the winner will pay for the wine.”
METSCELLANEOUS
Mets first base coach Wayne Kirby will bear surgical procedure over the All-Star break. Kirby expects to return to the staff by the Subway Series (July 26-27) at Citi Field, however he might be restricted to the dugout. The Mets have but to announce a fill-in for Kirby.
Trevor May (proper triceps stress response) lately accomplished a bullpen and is scheduled to throw his first dwell batting observe on Sunday at Port St. Lucie. May stays on observe to rejoin the Mets bullpen someday after the All-Star break.
Pete Alonso will attempt to out-homer a well-known foe on Monday. Alonso and Ronald Acuna Jr. will face off in spherical one of many Home Run Derby. MLB launched the total bracket on Thursday, which incorporates sluggers Albert Pujols, Jose Ramirez, Juan Soto, Kyle Schwarber, Corey Seager, Julio Rodriguez, Acuna, and Alonso.
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Source: www.bostonherald.com