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Good morning! Keep your spirits high today.
Amazement: The Mets are exceeding expectations early in the season
On April 18, a notable moment in baseball occurred: Juan Soto, with one out in the fifth inning against the Cardinals and trailing 2-1 at Citi Field, received a standing ovation from Mets fans eager to support their struggling $765 million player. Soto responded by tying the game with a hit. The Mets won 5-4.
For Soto, this must have felt like a relief. However, it turned out he was merely playing at an above-average level, boasting a 118 wRC+ across his initial 83 plate appearances. This had prompted fan support, a reflection of Soto’s own high standards.
The Mets are still coping with significant absences, with 40% of their intended starting rotation missing and closer Edwin DĂaz facing challenges. So much so, that even casual fans might find themselves filling in on the field.
Despite this, the Mets stand at 22-11, just half a game behind the Dodgers for the best record in MLB. Leading the NL East by 3.5 games, New York has the most comfortable lead of any division leader. What’s contributing to their success? Here are a few factors:
- Pete Alonso, after a tense off-season over contract negotiations with owner Steve Cohen, has signed on for two years and is currently showcasing exceptional performance. “Best I’ve ever seen him,” noted a scout.
- Francisco Lindor is consistently delivering strong performances.
- Second baseman Luisangel Acuña, 23 years old and the sibling of Ronald, is developing well, pairing nicely with the seasoned Lindor in the middle infield.
Most importantly, the makeshift rotation has excelled, leading MLB in ERA, FIP, and WAR. A standout performer has been 29-year-old Tylor Megill, whose improved ability to avoid being hit has resulted in a fantastic 1.74 ERA over six starts as he gets ready to face St. Louis later today.
Could a downturn be on the horizon? It’s possible. Yet, the Mets are well-positioned with a history of favorable outcomes and are already compiling victories. Last year’s team needed to fight hard from a 40-41 start to reach the NLCS. This year’s squad appears determined to have a smoother path toward October.
News to Know
Popovich’s Departure
Gregg Popovich is stepping down as head coach of the Spurs after a storied 29 years. He will transition to president of basketball operations, while interim coach Mitch Johnson takes over head coaching. Popovich had been inactive following a mild stroke in November.
More Game 7s Ahead
In Game 5, Steve Kerr opted to rest his starters despite a blowout loss; his eyes were set on Game 6. Unfortunately for the Warriors, they couldn’t contain the Rockets in the following game either. With the series heading to Game 7 in Houston, fans hope for better shooting stats this time around.
On the hockey front, the Blues convincingly beat the Jets 5-2 to force Game 7 in Winnipeg. With a struggling Connor Hellebuyck in goal, the Presidents’ Trophy winners find themselves under pressure.
Anticipate four Game 7s this weekend with more details to come shortly.
What to Watch
đź“ş The 151st Kentucky Derby
6:57 p.m. ET on NBC
Coverage starts early on NBC and Peacock, with the betting favorite being a horse named “journalism.” Infamous trainer Bob Baffert returns after a suspension and is eager to move forward. Enjoy our party props sheet for derby festivities.
đź“ş NBA: Clippers at Nuggets, Game 7
7:30 p.m. ET on TNT
A peculiar stat from Game 6: James Harden, Kawhi Leonard, Nikola Jokić, and Russell Westbrook all shot 50% from the field, avoiding elimination. This may be a rarity for the Hall of Famers.
đź“ş NHL: Avalanche at Stars, Game 7
8 p.m. ET on ABC
Nathan MacKinnon is having an impressive series but will face tough competition. Statistically, Stars coach Peter DeBoer boasts an impressive Game 7 record.
Pulse Picks
In light of the recent NBA playoffs, two franchises face uncertain futures:
The Athletic’s weekly sports news quiz.
Always support journalism. This isn’t betting advice for the Kentucky Derby, just a reminder for free press support. — Emily Olsen
Trader Joe’s sour strawberry belts. — Torrey Hart
Watching Pete Crow-Armstrong in center field. — Alex Kirshner
Where does the Mint Julep rank among sports cocktails? Hannah Vanbiber explores this.
New dryers! They will keep my clothes dry. — Alex Iniguez
This fun question on Bluesky: Which artist released their best album at least 15 years after debut? Mariah Carey, for the moment. — Jason Kirk
Evan Drellich’s review of Hideo Nomo’s journey during the 30th anniversary of Nomo-mania is captivating.
No Bojangles in sight, yet… but that airport chicken biscuit in Atlanta—amazing. — Chris Sprow
Most-clicked in yesterday’s newsletter: Our update on a fan who fell at PNC Park.
Most-read on the website yesterday: (Data in Chartbeat)
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(Top photo: David Berding / Getty Images)
