Cowtipper

Mets signed a youngster named Victor Gallegos.

I am not ready, I love David Stearns.

I predict, right now, in this moment, the Mets are going to make the playoffs this year.

This team is still slashing .229/.293/.365 through 66 games. I never would've guessed.

Wes Gardner, who pitched for the Mets in 1984 and 1985 and was involved in the trade that brought aboard Bob Ojeda, John Mitchell, Tom McCarthy and minor leaguer Chris Bayer, died today. He was 1-3 with a 6.03 ERA in 30 relief appearances with New York and 17-27 with a 4.80 ERA in 159 games (44 starts) in the 6 succeeding campaigns.

So what exactly is or was the point of Leaptoad itself? I checked it out, assuming it was a host or something, but it's actually a throwback to 2000s Internet. It was a time capsule.

That's true. Also, I just don't pay as much attention that early in the season. It just doesn't stick as much. Later season baseball just means more -- that's when playoff races take shape, etc.

He was an early-season Met, so he was easily forgettable. Like Andy Ibanez. Who? For whatever reason, historically early season Mets that depart quickly fade from the memory a lot quicker than late season Mets. I remember Jonathan Arauz and Rafael Ortega well, but can't even recall some of the guys who started the year in the bullpen but disappeared quickly from the past couple seasons. Anywho, I remember him as the guy who replaced Tommy Pham (I think) and I remember watching a single clip of him scoring from third once. A reason I don't remember early-season guys as much is because April is when I don't have MLB.tv, so I only know the Mets through highlights and condensed games.

Jordyn Adams retired.

Mike Johnson died. https://www.parkerkohlfuneralhome.com/obituaries/michael-johnson Who was Mike Johnson? Michael Norton Johnson (March 2, 1951 – May 20, 2026) was an American professional baseball pitcher who played briefly in Major League Baseball with the San Diego Padres during the 1974 season. Born in Slayton, Minnesota, he was a right-handed pitcher who attended Faribault High School before beginning a professional baseball career. Johnson made his major league debut on July 25, 1974, and appeared in 18 games for the Padres before his final MLB appearance on October 2, 1974. He finished his big-league career with a 0–2 record, a 4.64 earned run average, and 15 strikeouts. Although his time in the majors was brief, he spent several years in professional baseball and enjoyed considerable success in the minor leagues, where he often posted ERAs below 2.50. Throughout his career, Johnson played for numerous minor league clubs in the United States and Canada. While he is best remembered for his stint with the Padres, his professional journey reflected the dedication and perseverance of many players who spent most of their careers in the minor leagues. He died in Carefree, Arizona, at the age of 75. Bob Lacey died. https://www.si.com/mlb/angels/onsi/former-angels-pitcher-7-year-mlb-veteran-dies-at-72-01ktcajcsa6g Who was Bob Lacey? Robert Joseph Lacey Jr. (August 25, 1953 – June 4, 2026) was an American professional baseball pitcher who played seven seasons in Major League Baseball between 1977 and 1984. A left-handed pitcher, he appeared for the Oakland Athletics, Cleveland Indians, Texas Rangers, California Angels, and San Francisco Giants. He finished his major league career with a 20–29 record, a 3.67 ERA, and 251 strikeouts. Lacey was drafted by Oakland in 1972 and quickly rose through the minor leagues. He became one of the Athletics' most dependable relief pitchers, leading the American League in appearances in 1978 while posting a 3.01 ERA. Known for his durability, he inherited a record 104 baserunners that season and was frequently called upon in high-pressure situations. He also gained attention early in his career by striking out future Hall of Famer Reggie Jackson twice in a key game and later becoming involved in a notable on-field altercation with Darrell Porter. After leaving Oakland, Lacey spent time with several organizations, including stints in the minor leagues and the Mexican League, before ending his playing career in 1985. He later returned to baseball as a coach and manager, most notably managing the Greenville Bluesmen in the late 1990s. Lacey died on June 4, 2026, at the age of 72, leaving behind a professional baseball career remembered for his resilience, versatility, and success as a relief pitcher.

Francisco Alvarez: Manager Carlos Mendoza indicated that Alvarez (knee) is scheduled to start a rehab assignment with Triple-A Syracuse on Tuesday, Andrew Tredinnick of The Bergen Record reports. Alvarez has been on the shelf the past few weeks after undergoing surgery to repair the meniscus in his right knee, but he's now been cleared for game action. The 24-year-old was initially expected to be sidelined eight weeks, but he's significantly ahead of schedule in his recovery. If all goes well with Syracuse, Alvarez could be back on the active roster in a week or two. Injury Knee. Est. Return mid-late June. Jorge Polanco: The Mets announced Saturday that Polanco's rehab assignment has been halted due to ankle soreness. Polanco began a rehab assignment last week and was expected to be nearing a return to the Mets' lineup, but he reported soreness in his ankle Saturday and will head back to New York to be reevaluated. The 32-year-old has dealt with Achilles and wrist issues this season, and he's now managing yet another injury. Polanco has been limited to 61 plate appearances across 14 games this season, and he's slashed an underwhelming .179/.246/.286 with one home run and two RBI. Injury Ankle. Est. Return 6/15/2026. Kodai Senga: Senga (spine) struck out five and allowed three earned runs on six hits and two walks across five innings in a rehab start Wednesday with Triple-A Syracuse. Though Senga was able to build up to 91 pitches (54 strikes) during the third start of his rehab assignment, his control once again left something to be desired. In addition to issuing the two free passes, Senga hit two batters and threw two wild pitches. Overall, Senga has turned in a 5.25 ERA and 1.58 WHIP over 12 innings between his two starts with Syracuse and one with Single-A St. Lucie, so he'll likely need to show some better results during his rehab assignment before the Mets consider activating him from 15-day injured list and adding him to the big-league rotation. Per MLB.com, Senga is expected to make his next rehab start Tuesday with Double-A Binghamton. Injury Back. Est. Return 6/9/2026.

Anderson Severino has been released.

Eddie Haas died. https://www.wpsdlocal6.com/news/former-mlb-manager-paducah-native-eddie-haas-dies-at-91/article_6ce0af6a-4c3d-4f9d-ba6f-3051d3a70215.html Who was Eddie Haas? Eddie Haas (1935–2026) was an American baseball outfielder, coach, manager, and scout whose career spanned several decades in professional baseball, primarily within the Milwaukee and Atlanta Braves organizations. Though his Major League playing career was brief, he remained a long-term figure in the sport through coaching, player development, and scouting roles. As a player, Haas appeared in parts of three MLB seasons between 1957 and 1960 with the Chicago Cubs and Milwaukee Braves. In 55 major league games, he hit .243 with one home run and 17 hits. His playing time was limited, including a missed 1959 season due to a broken ankle, but he spent much of his career in the minor leagues, where he was a productive hitter with several strong seasons. After retiring as a player, Haas became heavily involved in coaching and managing in the Braves’ farm system, spending many years developing minor league talent and later serving as a major league coach. He eventually became the Atlanta Braves’ manager in 1985 after Joe Torre, but his tenure was short, as the team struggled and he was replaced midseason. Following his managerial career, Haas continued working in baseball as a scout for the Montreal Expos and Boston Red Sox. Coming from a family with deep baseball ties, he remained active in the professional game for decades until his death in 2026 at age 91, remembered more for his long developmental and scouting career than his brief time as a major league player.

I've read a gajillion Mets books in my day. I remember Worst Team Money Can Buy being solid Tales from the 1962 New York Mets covering stuff that doesn't usually get covered in most Mets books.

Why it could be a summer bummer or a summer stunner, we just can't tell!

At some point in May, Daniel Juarez, who was granted free agency in November, signed with Saltillo in the Mexican League. He currently boasts a 1.69 ERA in 7 relief appearances so far. In early May, Colby Frieda, released in March, was signed by the Nats. Luke Jackson, briefly in the Mets system, was signed by the Royals on May 22. Kevin Gowdy, released by the Mets in May, was signed by Mexico City in the Mexican League, also in May.

Jorge Polanco - Polanco (Achilles/wrist) played in back-to-back games for Double-A Binghamton on Friday and Saturday, going 1-for-3 with two walks, two strikeouts, a home run and three RBI. Perhaps more importantly, the 32-year-old started Saturday's game at first base, indicating that the Mets haven't given up on the idea of Polanco being an important contributor at the position. He has yet to play a full nine innings in any of his three rehab games, however, so activation from the IL may not be imminent. Per Max Ralph of MLB.com, manager Carlos Mendoza acknowledged over the weekend that Polanco wasn't going to be fully healthy when he does return. "It's to a point where he's not going to be 100 percent," Mendoza said. "But as he went through the intensity [of baseball activities], the running the bases and the sprinting and all that, the next day, it's like, 'Hey, it's not getting any worse. I feel better.' The biggest thing was that it wasn't getting any worse, and he was able to manage it and was like, 'I'm good to go now.' " Once he does rejoin the big-league roster, Polanco will compete with Mark Vientos, Brett Baty and Jared Young for playing time at 1B and DH. Injury Achilles. Est. Return 6/5/2026. Kodai Senga - Senga (spine) will pitch Wednesday for Triple-A Syracuse, reports Mike Puma of the New York Post. Senga will aim to throw around 85 pitches in his next rehab start on Wednesday for Triple-A Syracuse. If this start goes according to plan, the 33-year-old could potentially return to the big-league club following this appearance. In seven innings, Senga has recorded a 5.14 ERA, 1.57 WHIP and 7:3 K:BB during his two rehab starts. Injury Back. Est. Return 6/9/2026. Syracuse Mets sent 3B Grae Kessinger on a rehab assignment to Brooklyn Cyclones.

Junk has been scratched.

Also, Severino had a 1.31 ERA at Triple-A. He'll get scooped up quickly elsewhere. Kind of a shame he didn't get to pitch for NY, that's a solid number.

I know Hayden Senger hit a home run in this one, but he's still not "good." However, former #11 overall pick Kevin Parada is hitting .429/.458/.571 for Syracuse, so it might be time to give him a shot. They promoted him to Syracuse pretty recently, so perhaps they're preparing for that move, anyway.

Wegmans Field has a nice ring to it. I worked for Wegmans once. Anyway, Francisco Alvarez - Alvarez (knee) is going through full baseball activities and could be ready for a rehab assignment as soon as next week, Andrew Tredinnick of The Bergen Record reports. Alvarez is just over two weeks removed from surgery to repair the meniscus in his right knee. He was given an eight-week timetable to return immediately following the operation, but the catcher is poised to beat that timeline by several weeks. Injury Knee. Est. Return 6/9/2026. Justin Hagenman - Injury Ribs. Expected to be out until at least Jun 4. Jorge Polanco - Polanco (Achilles) will play two more rehab games and could be activated from the 10-day injured list some time next week on the Mets' road trip, Andrew Tredinnick of The Bergen Record reports. Polanco has played one rehab game with Double-A Binghamton to this point, going 1-for-2 with a single and a strikeout. He's been out since mid-April with a right wrist contusion and left Achilles bursitis, and it's the latter injury that's lengthened his recovery. When he does return from the IL, Polanco will be used primarily at designated hitter. Injury Achilles. Est. Return 6/5/2026. Luis Robert - Robert was recently administered a series of injections for his injured back, Andrew Tredinnick of The Bergen Record reports. Out since late April with a lumbar spine disc herniation, Robert has yet to resume baseball activities, but the hope is the injections will speed his recovery along. Robert is on the 60-day injured list and not eligible to return until late June. A timetable for his activation won't be available until he starts ramping up his activities and goes out on a rehab assignment. A.J. Ewing has taken over as the Mets' primary center fielder in Robert's stead. Injury Back. Est. Return 6/26/2026.

Mets also signed a young fellow named Randiel Vicente.

He had a 6.43 ERA in May; like most Quad-A pitchers, batters eventually figured him out. Still had a good WHIP on the year, though.

They call it ESL Ballpark now? That must be recent. It was still Frontier Field when I moved away from the Rochester area, and that was less than 5 years ago. ESL Ballpark is a lame name to be sure.

I'd give Clifford a shot. Why not? He could be our very own Joey Gallo.