Cowtipper

I'll be there :-)

Jim Clancy died. https://sports.yahoo.com/mlb/article/longtime-toronto-blue-jays-pitcher-jim-clancy-dies-at-69-201559219.html Who was Jim Clancy? James Clancy (1955–2025) was an American Major League Baseball pitcher best known for his 12 seasons with the Toronto Blue Jays, where he was a foundational arm during the franchise’s early years. Drafted by the Texas Rangers in 1974, Clancy was later selected by the Blue Jays in the 1976 expansion draft. He made his MLB debut in 1977 and quickly became a rotation mainstay, known for his durability and workhorse mentality. His best season came in 1982, when he led the league in starts, posted a 16–14 record, and was named an All-Star. Though inconsistent at times, Clancy recorded eight double-digit win seasons, pitched over 200 innings six times, and ranks among Toronto’s all-time leaders in wins, innings, and losses. After leaving Toronto following the 1988 season, Clancy signed with the Houston Astros, where he struggled before transitioning to a bullpen role. In 1991, he was traded to the Atlanta Braves, where he contributed to their National League pennant run and earned a win in the World Series. Clancy retired in 1992 after a brief stint with the Cubs in spring training. He passed away on July 12, 2025, at the age of 69. Jeff Bittiger died. https://nypost.com/2025/07/20/sports/jeff-bittiger-former-mets-draft-pick-and-mlb-pitcher-dead-at-63/ Who was Jeff Bittiger? Jeffrey Scott Bittiger (1962–2025) was an American professional baseball pitcher who played four seasons in Major League Baseball from 1986 to 1989, appearing with the Philadelphia Phillies, Minnesota Twins, and Chicago White Sox. A New Jersey native, Bittiger was drafted out of Secaucus High School by the New York Mets in 1980. Originally a third baseman, he transitioned to pitching in 1981 and helped lead the Mets’ AAA affiliate to a championship in 1983. After years in the minors, he debuted in the majors with the Phillies in 1986, famously hitting a home run and earning his first win in the same game. He later joined the Twins in 1987, pitching briefly during their championship season, and had his most active big league year with the White Sox in 1988, appearing in 25 games. After a short stint with the Dodgers organization, he continued to pitch in the minors until 1996, finishing with a career minor league record of 193–115. After retiring as a player, Bittiger worked as a scout for the Oakland Athletics and a consultant for the Fargo-Moorhead RedHawks. He died on July 19, 2025, at the age of 63. Otis Thornton died. https://www.robertsfuneralservices.com/obituary/mr-otis-thornton-jr Who was Otis Thornton? Otis Benjamin Thornton (1945–2025) was an American professional baseball catcher who played a single day in Major League Baseball, appearing in both games of a doubleheader for the Houston Astros on July 6, 1973, against the Montreal Expos at Jarry Park. Selected in the 68th round of the 1965 MLB draft, Thornton spent years in the Astros’ minor league system before his brief appearance in the majors. During his lone day at the big-league level, he went 0-for-3 with one RBI, making him one of the few players whose entire MLB career took place outside the United States. Thornton passed away in 2025 at the age of 79.

Jose Butto sent to Syracuse for rehab. Rafael Ortega sent on rehab to FCL Mets. They signed a couple fellas named Jahzeel Montas and Aurelvys Batista.

Pete Alonso: Alonso has been diagnosed with a right hand contusion near the base of his thumb, explaining his absence from the starting lineup Sunday versus Cincinnati, Anthony DiComo of MLB.com reports. Importantly, X-rays on Alonso's hand came back negative, and he may be available to play off the bench. The slugger would need to do so in order to extend his franchise-record streak of 353 consecutive regular-season games played. It doesn't sound like the Mets are concerned about Alonso dealing with a significant injury, so at this point an IL stint doesn't seem to be likely. Injury Hand. Day-to-day. Paul Blackburn: Blackburn (shoulder) will begin a rehab assignment with the Mets' Florida Complex League affiliate Friday. A previous report indicated Blackburn's rehab stint would begin at Single-A St. Lucie on Friday, but he'll get his start in the FCL instead. He's expected to be activated from the 15-day injured list in late July, and will likely fill a long relief role with the Mets' rotation nearly at full strength. Injury Shoulder. Est. Return 7/25/2025. Jose Butto: Butto's (illness) rehab assignment will continue at Triple-A Syracuse on Friday. Butto made an appearance with the Mets' Florida Complex League affiliate Tuesday and will continue his rehab stint at Triple-A. Considering he's recovering from an illness instead of a physical injury, Butto likely won't need more than one or two more rehab appearances before being activated. Injury Illness. Est. Return 7/21/2025. Max Kranick: Kranick (elbow) will likely undergo Tommy John surgery, Anthony DiComo of MLB.com reports. Kranick was diagnosed with a right flexor strain in late June, and after receiving a second opinion on his elbow, he's expected to undergo his second Tommy John surgery in three years. There's still a chance he undergoes a flexor tendon repair surgery, but for now, the expectation is Tommy John. The 27-year-old logged a 3.65 ERA in 37 innings of relief for the Mets this season. Regardless of which procedure he has, he'll be out for the rest of 2025 and could miss a large portion of 2026. Injury Elbow. Est. Return 2/1/2027. Jesse Winker: Winker (back) recently had an epidural and will be shut down for 7-to-10 days, Laura Albanese of Newsday reported Friday. Winker received an injection to address the pain in his back and will be shut down for at least one week. The 31-year-old has been on the shelf since July 11, and Friday's news likely means he won't be back until August. Injury Back. Est. Return 8/1/2025. Due back soon: Starling Marte Jose Siri

No, I was wondering if he'd inspected his anus for any high quality pitchers.

What the hell is Stearns supposed to do ? Pull out a Sandy Koufax and a Bob Gibson and a Randy Johnson out of his ass? Has he even tried?

Mets call up Kevin Herget (who they just reacquired) and send down Brandon Waddell. Waddell's ERA is under 6 and Stearns only likes guys who travel in the 8-10.00 ERA range. Me every time Stearns makes a pitching move:

He has yet to really suck in his career, so he's a surer bet than the umpteenth waiver claim that hasn't pitched in the majors since 2022 with a 6.54 career ERA. The Mets should give him and Kimbrel a shot. Kimbrel is wasting away in the minors right now and even since he started his decline, he's still pitched about as well as perhaps an Ottavino.

Was it noted that Chris Williams was released? Also, the Diamondbacks signed Anthony Gose.

They should give Jared Porter another shot.

I'm sure Billy Eppler and Brodie are still available if you'd rather have them. I give Stearns the benefit of the doubt. I miss Jim Duquette.

I stole it from Johnny Lunchbucket.

Poche was re-signed. Zach Poop will probably be re-signed to a $5 million big league deal and put in the closer's role.

I remember thinking he was just another stupid transient Stearns acquisition. And I was right!

Andinson Ferrer, who didn't even have a face in this thread, actually found a new home, being signed by Sacramento after being released by the Mets in April. Also, Jankowski elected free agency.

You appreciate the effort but you're just looking for something dumb to gripe about. As I've cited before, I pull them from CBS/ESPN/Rotowire.

Joe Coleman died. https://www.newsweek.com/sports/mlb/tigers-all-star-first-draft-pick-appear-mlb-game-passes-away-2097007 Who was Joe Coleman? Joseph Howard Coleman was a Major League Baseball pitcher whose 15-year career (1965–1979) spanned seven teams, most notably the Detroit Tigers. A right-handed fireballer known for his fast pace and live arm, Coleman was a two-time 20-game winner and an American League All-Star in 1972. He was originally the third overall pick in MLB's inaugural amateur draft in 1965 and became the first drafted player to reach the majors. Coleman broke in with the Washington Senators at just 18 years old, later becoming a core part of Detroit’s rotation following the blockbuster 1970 trade for Denny McLain. Between 1971 and 1973, he won 62 games, struck out over 200 batters each season, and helped Detroit to the ALCS in 1972, throwing a record-setting 14-strikeout shutout in Game 3. His career included stints with the Cubs, Athletics, Blue Jays, Giants, and Pirates, finishing with a 142–135 record, 1,728 strikeouts, and a 3.70 ERA. Though he didn’t pitch in the postseason, he was part of the 1979 World Series champion Pirates. After retiring, Coleman had a long coaching career at both minor and major league levels, including roles with the Angels, Cardinals, Rays, Tigers, and Marlins organizations. He also made baseball history as part of MLB's first three-generation pitching family, following in the footsteps of his father, Joe Sr., and fathering Casey Coleman, who pitched in the majors in the 2010s. Coleman passed away at age 78 in Jamestown, Tennessee, on July 9, 2025. Lee Elia died. https://www.espn.com/mlb/story/_/id/45711822/lee-elia-manager-cubs-phillies-dies-87 Who was Lee Elia? Lee Constantine Elia (1937–2025) was a lifelong baseball man whose career spanned over five decades as a player, manager, coach, and executive in Major League Baseball (MLB). Born in Philadelphia to Albanian immigrant parents, Elia was a multi-sport athlete who chose baseball after a football injury in college. As a player, Elia had brief stints in the MLB with the Chicago White Sox (1966) and Chicago Cubs (1968), compiling a modest career batting average of .203 over 95 games. After retiring as a player, he found his true calling in coaching and management. He began managing in the minors in 1975 and rose through the Philadelphia Phillies' farm system, ultimately managing the Phillies (1987–88) and the Cubs (1982–83) at the major league level. His MLB managerial record stood at 238–300 (.442). Elia also served as a coach for several major league teams, including the Phillies, Yankees, Mariners, Blue Jays, Devil Rays, and Orioles. He earned a World Series ring with the 1980 Phillies. Elia is perhaps most famously remembered for a profanity-laced tirade against Cubs fans in 1983, a moment that cemented his reputation for passionate defense of his players. Beyond the dugout, Elia held scouting and executive roles later in life, serving as a special assistant with both the Dodgers and Braves. Known for his loyalty, intensity, and baseball mind, he mentored players and contributed to player development well into his seventies. He passed away in Odessa, Florida, on July 9, 2025, just shy of his 88th birthday, leaving behind a legacy as a fiery and deeply committed figure in American baseball.

Paul Blackburn: Blackburn (shoulder) will throw a bullpen session Sunday before beginning a rehab assignment at Single-A Port St. Lucie after the All-Star break, MLB.com reports. With Kodai Senga rejoining the rotation Friday and Sean Manaea (elbow/oblique) expected back Sunday, the Mets don't need to rush Blackburn back to patch over holes in the rotation. The 31-year-old right-hander should still be ready to come off the IL in late July, but it will likely be in a long-relief role. Injury Shoulder. Est. Return 7/25/2025. Sean Manaea: Manaea (elbow/oblique) was reinstated from the 60-day injured list and is expected to work as a bulk reliever Sunday against the Royals. The left-hander is making his 2025 MLB debut in the final game of the first half, and he is poised to pitch behind Clay Holmes in Kansas City. Manaea threw 73 pitches over 3.2 innings during his final rehab outing and shouldn't face significant workload restrictions, though he could have a suppressed pitch count Sunday as a result of his role. The 33-year-old had a 3.47 ERA, 1.18 WHIP and 184:63 K:BB over 181.2 regular-season innings for the Mets last year and should work as a traditional starter after the All-Star break. Starling Marte: Mets manager Carlos Mendoza said Friday that the results of Marte's (knee) MRI were "very encouraging," and the Mets expect Marte to return after the All-Star break, Laura Albanese of Newsday reports. Marte was placed on the injured list July 7 due to a bruised right knee, but he may not miss more than the required 10 days. The outfielder is slashing .270/.353/.387 in 188 plate appearances this season. Injury Knee. Est. Return 7/18/2025. Tylor Megill: The Mets transferred Megill (elbow) from the 15-day injured list to the 60-day IL on Tuesday. Megill resumed a throwing program last week as he works his way back from a right elbow sprain, but the Mets' decision to move him to the 60-day IL means he won't be eligible to return until mid-August. The transaction clears a spot for the return of outfielder Jesse Winker (oblique) from the 60-day IL. Injury Elbow. Est. Return 8/14/2025. Dedniel Nunez: Nunez (elbow) is scheduled to undergo Tommy John surgery next week, Mike Puma of the New York Post reports. Nunez landed on the injured list July 3 with a sprained right elbow, and he's now slated to undergo Tommy John surgery for the second time in his career. The 29-year-old will wrap up 2025 with five earned runs allowed in 9.2 innings, and because his procedure will happen so far into the season, he's likely to remain on the shelf for the entire 2026 campaign as well. Injury Elbow. Est. Return 2/1/2027. Jesse Winker: The Mets placed Winker on the 10-day injured list Friday due to back inflammation. Winker exited Thursday's game with back tightness and headed to New York to undergo further testing, which revealed inflammation severe enough to warrant an IL stint. Winker has been serving as the Mets' primary DH, a role that could be handed to Mark Vientos in the short term. Jared Young was recalled from Triple-A Syracuse in a corresponding move. Injury Back. Est. Return 7/21/2025.

It's Manaea day, he's been activated from the IL. Warren was sent down to accommodate.

You won't see him any time soon, Stearns prefers signing trash heap pitchers like Zach Pop and Colin Poche and instantly putting them on the roster instead of calling up the actual prospects.

I hope Goldschmidt doesn't retire anytime soon. He's on the precipice of being a Hall of Famer and I want him to become a shoo-in (I think he's already done enough, but the voters might not).

Paul Blackburn: Blackburn (shoulder) played catch out to 75 feet Sunday, MLB.com reports. After being placed on the injured list Thursday due to a right shoulder impingement, Blackburn was cleared to initiate a throwing program just three days later. Blackburn should have a chance at returning from the IL when first eligible shortly after the All-Star break, but he could be in store for a bullpen role upon his activation. The Mets currently have just three healthy rotation members, but Kodai Senga (hamstring) and Sean Manaea (elbow) both appear poised to return from the IL next weekend in Kansas City. Injury Shoulder. Est. Return 7/21/2025. Starling Marte: Mets manager Carlos Mendoza said after Sunday's 6-4 loss to the Yankees that Marte will get evaluated after his knee "flared up" in the ninth inning, Anthony DiComo of MLB.com reports. Marte was in the lineup for the fourth time in the last five games but was making just his fifth start of the season in the outfield while Brandon Nimmo served as the Mets' designated hitter. The 36-year-old provided a spark from the top of the order over his five plate appearances with three base hits and his fifth stolen base of the season, but the flareup of his chronic knee issue now clouds his availability heading into the All-Star break. Even if Marte is able to quickly bounce back from the knee problem, his playing time could soon trend downward with Jesse Winker (oblique) expected to return from the injured list at some point during the upcoming week. Injury Knee. Day-to-day. Kodai Senga: Mets manager Carlos Mendoza said that Senga (hamstring) is likely to return from the 15-day injured list next weekend and is expected to start either Friday or Saturday in Kansas City, Anthony DiComo of MLB.com reports. "When he went down [with a right hamstring strain], in my head it was more like after the All-Star break," Mendoza said. "For him to be in play for us now before we go into the All-Star break, it's huge for us." Before confirming which day Senga will return from the IL, the Mets will wait and see how he bounces back from the rehab start he made Saturday for Double-A Binghamton. The right-hander was charged with four runs (three earned) on six hits and two walks while striking out four over 3.2 innings, but the fact that he covered 68 pitches and experienced no complications with his hamstring is of greater importance than his results. Assuming he's given the green light to pitch this weekend, Senga shouldn't be operating with any significant restrictions in what would be his first start with the big club since June 12, though the Mets probably won't overextend him with the All-Star break looming. Injury Hamstring. Est. Return 7/11/2025. Jesse Winker: Manager Carlos Mendoza said that Winker (oblique) could return from the 60-day injured list when the Mets open their three-game series in Baltimore on Tuesday, Anthony DiComo of MLB.com reports. Winker has been on the shelf since May 4 due to a right oblique strain, but he looks ready to rejoin the big club after he went 4-for-12 with two home runs, one double and three walks across five rehab games with High-A Brooklyn, Double-A Binghamton and Triple-A Syracuse. The 31-year-old didn't get any exposure to the corner outfield during his rehab assignment, and while DiComo relays that the Mets have no imminent plans to use him on defense upon his return, the left-handed-hitting Winker should see regular starts against right-handed pitching as the strong side of a platoon at designated hitter. Injury Oblique. Est. Return 7/8/2025.

Trevor Cahill, who pitched briefly in the Mets system in 2022, and Dan Straily have also retired.

Former Met Kevin Pillar and Freddy Galvis of the terrible Phillies has retired. Arturo Lopez, who pitched briefly in 2009, announced his retirement earlier this year after spending years in Mexico.

Paul Blackburn: Blackburn (shoulder) will be shut down from throwing until early next week, Jorge Castillo of ESPN.com reports. The veteran right-hander landed on the injured list Thursday due to a shoulder impingement, but the Mets don't seem concerned about the severity of the issue. Blackburn could be ready to rejoin the roster in late July, but he may not have a rotation spot waiting for him if Kodai Senga (hamstring) and Sean Manaea (elbow/oblique) beat him back from the IL. Injury Shoulder. Est. Return 7/21/2025. Jose Butto: Butto was placed on the 15-day injured list Tuesday due to an unspecified illness, Anthony DiComo of MLB.com reports. The organization isn't releasing the specifics of the ailment, but he's expected to be back shortly after the All-Star break. Chris Devenski was recalled from Triple-A Syracuse to fill the open bullpen spot. Injury Illness. Est. Return 7/21/2025. Sean Manaea: Mets manager Carlos Mendoza said Thursday that Manaea (elbow/oblique) will make one more rehab start Tuesday, Manny Gomez of NJ.com reports. If all goes well Tuesday, the Mets will likely bring Manaea back from the 60-day injured list to make his season debut July 13 against the Royals in the final game of the first half. The left-hander went three innings and threw 60 pitches Wednesday with Double-A Binghamton in his most recent outing. Manaea initially went on the injured list due to a right oblique strain, but more recently he's dealt with a loose body in his pitching elbow. Injury Elbow. Est. Return 7/13/2025. Tylor Megill: Megill (elbow) has been cleared to restart a throwing program, Anthony DiComo of MLB.com reports. The right-hander has been shut down since landing on the injured list in mid-June due to an elbow sprain, but he recently underwent an MRI that showed reduced inflammation and has been cleared to start throwing on flat ground. Megill will need some time to ramp up his arm strength and may not be ready to come off the IL until early August, but he's hoping for a quick buildup. Injury Elbow. Est. Return 8/1/2025. Dedniel Nunez: Nunez (elbow) may require Tommy john surgery, Anthony DiComo of MLB.com reports. While the Mets initially labeled Nunez's injury as a right elbow sprain when he was placed on the 15-day injured list Thursday, an MRI revealed more significant issues with his ligament. If he does end up needing Tommy John surgery, it would be the second such procedure in the 29-year-old right-hander's career. Given his history of arm trouble, expect the Mets to be cautious with Nunez's recovery, even if he avoids a worst-case scenario. Injury Elbow. Est. Return 8/1/2025. Kodai Senga: Senga (hamstring) gave up four runs (three earned) on six hits and two walks while striking out four over 3.2 innings Saturday for Double-A Binghamton, Anthony DiComo of MLB.com reports. Senga was expected to throw around 60 pitches Saturday before potentially rejoining the big-league rotation next week, and he threw 68 pitches Saturday, although the results weren't great. DiComo says it remains to be seen whether this performance will affect the plan to have Senga return next week in Kansas City. Injury Hamstring. Est. Return 7/12/2025. Jesse Winker: Winker (oblique) has gone 2-for-6 with a home run and a 2:1 BB:K in two games since his rehab assignment was shifted to Double-A Binghamton. The veteran outfielder played nine innings as the DH both Wednesday (in the first game of a doubleheader) and Thursday, and while the Mets will likely want to get him some defensive reps before activating him, Winker's bat appears to be just about ready to face big-league pitching. He's been sidelined since May 4, and Winker should slot into the strong side of a platoon at DH once he comes off the IL while seeing occasional action in an outfield corner. Injury Oblique. Est. Return 7/8/2025. Calvin Ziegler: Status—day-to-day. Injury Elbow. Est. Return 7/9/2025.