It can be argued that Mets manager Mickey Callaway didn't completely think through his eighth-inning pitching change in Game 2 of Monday's doubleheader against the Phillies.

No, this wasn't like the time he made a mistake like when the Mets batted out of order in the first inning. This involved him making a situational pitching change for a pinch hitter ... before the pinch hitter was announced.

With one out in the top of the eighth inning, the Phillies had left-handed outfielder Odubel Herrera in the on-deck circle to pinch hit for pitcher Aaron Nola. Callaway had Jacob Rhame on the mound to begin the inning and opted to go to Jerry Blevins for the lefty-lefty matchup.

That wasn't the case.

Here is a collection of relevant  trade rumors based on my recent conversations with rival team executives, MLB insiders, local reporters, and people connected to the Mets...

According to SNY's Andy Martino, the Mets have moved past the idea of trading Jacob deGrom and Noah Syndergaard and are instead focusing on trading Zack Wheeler and Steven Matz.

However, in addition to Matz and Wheeler, teams looking for a mid-rotation starting pitcher are also looking at Tyson Ross (Padres), Marco Estrada (Blue Jays), Mike Minor (Rangers) and at least a handful of other more experienced and reliable arms...

Before the Mets took on the Blue Jays on the Fourth of July, some decided to go sightseeing in Toronto. For Robert Gsellman and Jerry Blevins, they took that to the extreme. 

Gsellman and Blevins were among Mets players that participated in the CN Tower EdgeWalk, which is a thrilling task where people take in the city of Toronto at the top of their most famous tower. Gsellman posted to his Instagram story to show the world of his accomplished feat. 

The Mets had the lead again in Toronto, but this time, they kept it to the end as the split the two-game series with the Blue Jays after a 6-3 victory on Wednesday night. 

For a full box score of the game, click here.

Things you should know about tonight's game...

The Mets had the lead again in Toronto, but this time, they kept it to the end as the split the two-game series with the Blue Jays after a 6-3 victory on Wednesday night. 

For a full box score of the game, click here.

Things you should know about tonight's game...

The Mets couldn't respond to a six-run third inning, as they dropped the series opener to the Marlins, 8-2, in Miami. 

For a full box score of the game, click here.

Things you should know about tonight's game...

Jeurys Familia is among the Mets expected to be dangled in advance of the trade deadline, but don't expect much back in return.

The recent Kelvin Herrera trade netted the Royals only one highly thought of prospect from the Nationals. That's a sign that the relief market isn't what is was a few years ago -- when the Yankees landed Gleyber Torres as part of a deal for a half season of Aroldis Chapman.

As Chris Cotillo of Mass Live notes, teams are far more reluctant to trade key prospects for relievers. And the relief market is also saturated...

Chris Flexen surrendered a solo homer to Justin Turner in the top of the 11th inning and the Dodgers completed a three-game sweep to hand the Mets their sixth straight loss, 8-7, on Sunday afternoon at Citi Field.

For a full box score of the game, click here.

Things you should know about today's game...

1) Flexen (0-1) retired the first two batters in the 11th before surrendering Turner's go-ahead blast. The Dodgers slugged a Citi Field-record seven solo homers in the game, including two each from Kike Hernandez and Clay Bellinger. Max Muncy and Joc Pederson also went deep for Los Angeles, which has homered at least five times in a game at Citi Field for three consecutive seasons. The seven homers allowed by the Mets tied a club record.

With Mets LHP Jason Vargas scratched and headed to the DL, Mickey Callaway decided to hand Jerry Blevins his first start in 533 MLB appearances. He and RHP Tim Peterson were able to give the Mets four innings. 

As has been the case for Blevins most of this season, it did not go great...

Led by Jacob deGrom and his 13 strikeouts, the Mets broke a franchise record with 24 strikeouts in their 7-1 loss to the Cubs on Saturday night.

The Mets broke the previous record of 20 strikeouts, which was set on August 1, 1999 in a 13-inning game against the Cubs.

DeGrom racked up six strikeouts in the first three innings and recorded back-to-back strikeouts in the sixth to help him avoid futher damage in the inning.

Andy Martino, SNY.tv | Twitter | Mickey Callaway said two things on Tuesday that seemed incompatible with one another:

1. He used Seth Lugo for two innings in Monday's Mets loss because he knew that Lugo would have to start later in the week in place of the injured Noah Syndergaard, and he wanted to stretch out Lugo.

2. There was not enough time to get an extra reliever from Las Vegas to Atlanta...

After striking out eight batters and allowing one run in seven innings on Monday, Mets RHP Jacob deGrom has an ERA of 0.94 in his last eight outings.

However, the Mets have only won two of those starts.

After striking out eight batters and allowing one run in seven innings on Monday, Mets RHP Jacob deGrom has an ERA of 0.94 in his last eight outings.

However, the Mets have only won two of those starts.

The Mets bullpen blew a 6-4 lead by allowing four runs in the seventh inning in Sunday's 8-7 loss to the Milwaukee Brewers.

Relievers Robert Gsellman, Jerry Blevins and Paul Sewald surrendered four runs, four hits and a walk in one inning after Zack Wheeler settled down after a three-run third inning.

Gsellman retired two of the first three batters he faced before giving up a two-out walk to Jesus Aguilar. Manager Mickey Callaway opted to bring in Blevins, who had not given up a run in his last 11 appearances entering Sunday, to face Travis Shaw. A lefty specialist, left-handed hitters were 7-for-26 off Blevins entering Sunday. (By contrast, right-handed hitters were 1-for-10.)

The Brewers erased multiple-run deficits for the second straight day and scored four times with two outs in the seventh to rally past the Mets, 8-7, on Sunday afternoon at Miller Park.

For a full box score of the game, click here.

Things you should know about today's game...

1) The Mets took a 6-4 lead into the seventh and had two outs with a runner on first when the inning unraveled. Robert Gsellman walked Jesus Aguilar on a close, 3-1, pitch to put runners at first and second. Jerry Blevins' struggles continued when he surrendered an RBI single on a 1-2 offering to Travis Shaw that cut the lead to one run. Domingo Santana and Jonathan Villar contributed consecutive doubles to put Milwaukee ahead, 8-6.

AJ Ramos' struggles continued in his latest outing, and once again, it cost the Mets the game. 

In the Mets' recent series against the Reds earlier this month, it was Adam Duvall who launched a walkoff homer off Ramos. But, this time, the Brewers didn't even need to swing the bat to walk off the game. Ramos issued back-to-back walks to bring in the winning run in a tough 4-3 loss. 

Though none of the runs were Ramos' particularily, his issues on the bump have become alarming. And he knows it...

Mets fan Callie Quinn needed 500,000 retweets to be able to take prom pictures on Citi Field, and after she knocked that number out of the park, she got to live her wish on Friday. 

Quinn, who received a Promposal with Mr. Met traveling to her high school on Staten Island in January, arrived at Citi Field flaunting a blue dress with orange lacing in the back showing her loyalty to the Mets' colors. 

CLICK BELOW TO SEE CALLIE'S PICTURES

The Mets will reinstate LHP Jerry Blevins from the paternity list prior to Friday night's game against the Diamondbacks at Citi Field, and will announce a corresponding move. 

Blevins was placed on the paternity list on Tuesday, with the Mets recalling LHP Buddy Baumann and RHP Jacob Rhame from Triple-A Las Vegas, while optioning RHP Corey Oswalt was optioned to Las Vegas.

Blevins and his wife, Whitney, welcomed the couple's first child -- a son named Ellis -- on May 14.

Mickey Callaway's bullpen has faced the fifth-most batters in the National League since May 1.

They have faced the second-most batters this week thanks in large part to Jacob deGrom, who was pulled after just one inning during his most recent start due to throwing 45 pitches in the first inning. The next day, Noah Syndergaard pitched only five innings, and Zack Wheeler could only get through four innings Wednesday.

This is bad. It's only a three-game stretch, but it's not a new issue. Even when the Mets were playing their best baseball this season they were at best middle of the pack in this category...

The Mets placed LHP Jerry Blevins on the paternity leave list on Tuesday, while recalling LHP Buddy Baumann and RHP Jacob Rhame from Triple-A Las Vegas.

RHP Corey Oswalt was optioned to Las Vegas...

Andy Martino, SNY.tv | Twitter 

No one in the Mets front office is kidding themselves about Mickey Callaway's week. From a batting order snafu to questionable bullpen management, the rookie manager has shown his inexperience.

Behind the scenes, at least, his work has been more encouraging: Callaway is said to be communicating well with his bosses, making adjustments to his game management based on their feedback and displaying none of the apparent defensiveness that occasionally emerges in his postgame sessions with reporters. The Mets consider Callaway thoughtful and responsive, and remain hopeful about his future.

Danny Abriano, SNY.tv | Twitter | The Mets were leading the Phillies, 1-0, with two outs and two on in the bottom of the sixth inning in Philadelphia -- 10 outs away from a rain-shortened two-game sweep.

Right-handed reliever Paul Sewald was on the mound, hoping to clean up the small mess he created. The Phillies announced left-handed hitting Nick Williams as the pinch-hitter, and Mets manager Mickey Callaway had lefty specialist Jerry Blevins ready in the bullpen for that exact scenario. But instead of going to Blevins, he stuck with Sewald.

After being passed over, Blevins shook his head and looked exasperated in the bullpen. And of course, Sewald allowed a game-changing three-run homer to Williams...

Left-handed reliever Buddy Baumann is on his way from Triple-A Las Vegas to join the Mets, who have placed Hansel Robles on the 10-day DL (retroactive to May 9) due to a right knee sprain. 

Robles left Tuesday's game early due to the knee and received an MRI in New York on Wednesday.

Baumann, 30, has a 0.79 ERA and 1.15 WHIP with 13 strikeouts in 11.1 innings (12 appearances) for the 51s this season.

Michelle Ioannou, MetsBlog | Twitter | Last week in Mets Land was not a good one. I was at three games this past week... and the Mets lost all of them. In fact, the Mets didn't win a game their entire homestand. Six straight losses.

I know, none of you want to recap this past week I don't blame you. It was a horrible. But there was a move that does need to be brought up again, and that is Matt Harvey. Harvey refused a minor league assignment (to no one's surprise) and was DFA'd by the Mets. I already spoke about this more in depth, but it was a move that had to be made. And it was sad that it had to come to this. The irony of all of this, though? Hansel Robles was called up to replace Harvey in the bullpen. Yes, a sentence you likely never thought you'd hear (and likely never wanted to hear).

Speaking of Robles, he came back with a bang (and a point) by giving up a home run to Ian Desmond on Sunday in his first appearance back. The Mets went on to lose this game, but the biggest shockers of the game were that Noah Syndergaard walked in a run and Robles then somehow had a scoreless ninth inning despite giving up the above mentioned homer in the eighth...

Behind a brilliant pitching performance by Jacob deGrom and a big home run by Asdrubal Cabrera, the Mets took the series opener from the Padres, 5-1, on Friday night in San Diego.

For a full box score of the game, click here.

Danny Abriano, SNY.tv | Twitter | There was one out in the eighth inning Monday night, the Mets up 6-1 on the Nationals. Jacob deGrom, dominant from the second-inning on, was still on the mound. The Mets were about to be 13-2, and then they weren't. 

So, what the hell happened?

As painful as it is, I'm going to re-watch the bloodbath that took place after deGrom left the game, and then react to it. Yes, after watching last night's game, with my couch bearing the brunt of my anger as it all went to crap, I'm watching the eighth inning again. Here it goes...

While Jacob deGrom dominated the Washington Nationals into the eighth inning, the Mets' bullpen unraveled in Monday's 8-6 loss at Citi Field.

"It's definitely tough," deGrom told reporters after the game. "You're comfortable when those guys come in, and they're not perfect. It's going to happen. Tonight, we let one get away, but they'll be back after them tomorrow."

DeGrom struck out 12 batters in 7 1/3 innings and had only given up one run through the first seven innings, but was taken out of the game with a 6-1 lead after allowing two of the first three batters to single in the eighth.

The Mets' bullpen, which entered Monday's game with a league-best 1.51 ERA, allowed five runs, four hits and three walks in 1 2/3 innings as New York fell to 12-3.

Jacob deGrom allowed two runs (one earned) through six innings, after which Jerry Blevins, Robert Gsellman, Hansel Robles, and Seth Lugo combined to pitch three scoreless innings and strike out six, in Thursday's win against the Nationals.

Robles pitched well Wednesday against the Phillies, which was his first appearance of the season after being promoted from Triple-A to replace the injured Anthony Swarzak. Nevertheless, I panicked when he entered Thursday to start the eighth inning, even with the Mets leading, 8-2.

Forgive me, but it's been a difficult last 18 months with Hansel, so much so that I have very little faith that he can get his career back on track. He looked terrible in spring training, necessitating being left off the Opening Day roster. However, here he is. In a medium-leverage spot Wednesday, he pitched well enough to inspire manager Mickey Callaway to see what Robles could do in a low-leverage spot while going back-to-back days. And though he did let up a double, he struck out three of the four batters he faced and kept the majority of his pitches in the strike zone. So, color me impressed and intrigued...

The Mets may want to bolster their pitching staff even more this season, as they have been discussing the addition of free-agent reliever Greg Holland, per NorthJersey.com's Matt Ehalt. 

However, it now appears a deal for Holland is unlikely, but the door isn't entirely shut on the idea.

Matt Harvey worked through a rough third inning to turn in a solid start as the Mets lost to the Marlins, 7-6 on Thursday afternoon in Port St. Lucie.

To see the full box score, click here!

Things you should know about today's game...

SNY mic'd up Brandon Nimmo during batting practice as he faced Robert Gsellman and Jerry Blevins, and hit his first-ever Spring Training BP home run -- much to the faux-chagrin of Blevins.

LHP Steven Matz struggled in his second spring training start, but Todd Frazier and Jay Bruce each homered for the Mets in a 7-3 loss to the Nationals in Port St. Lucie on Sunday.

Danny Abriano, SNY.tv | Twitter | The Mets are expected to have an eight-man bullpen for the majority of this season, and Hansel Robles should not be guaranteed a spot in the Opening Day version of it.

This isn't a reaction to the four runs Robles allowed to the Astros in one inning of work on Monday afternoon (including a first-pitch homer). Rather, it's a reaction to the 4.92 ERA (5.13 FIP) he posted in 2017 as his walks continued to tick up (a career-high 4/6 per 9) and his strikeouts continued to trend down (a career-low 9.5 per 9).

And yes, I cringed a bit when Robles began his famous "point" on the home run he allowed on Monday before stopping himself...

The Mets scored five runs in the first two innings and padded to their lead with a five-run fifth inning to beat the Marlins, 10-3, in Port St. Lucie on Sunday. >> To see the full box score, click here!

Mets LH reliever Jerry Blevins discussed what the dynamic will be like with former pitching coach Mickey Callaway as manager.

"We'll feel that out," Blevins said Wednesday night on Mets Hot Stove on SNY. "Your pitching coach is always your guy you go to. You kind of don't want to go over anyone's head. But Mickey is so approachable and he's such an easy guy to talk to -- I'm sure a casual conversation, we'll be able to talk about pitching. But for the most part, I talk to Ricky (Bones) in the bullpen, and then Dave is the top guy. And if we need to go anywhere else, we will."

Blevins, who reiterated his belief that the team's closer by committee philosophy will work, said that he wouldn't have to change his routine. However, he noted that AJ Ramos is adjusting his routine since it used to revolve around being ready for the ninth inning.

Mets manager Mickey Callaway announced the starting pitchers and relievers for the first three Grapefruit League games.

Zack Wheeler will start on Friday against the Braves at 1:10 p.m. on SNY, with Hansel Robles, Chris Flexen, Paul Sewald, Corey Oswalt, Jacob Rhame, Tyler Bashlor, Jamie Callahan, and Drew Smith also scheduled to pitch.

Seth Lugo will start on Saturday against the Cardinals at 1:10 p.m. on WPIX, with Kevin McGowan, Marcos Molina, P.J. Conlon, Corey Taylor, and Gerson Bautista also scheduled to pitch.

In the wake of a NY Daily News report that the Mets planned to open the season with RHP Zack Wheeler in the bullpen, manager Mickey Callaway said Wednesday that Wheeler is "definitely a starting pitcher."

"For us to be the best possible team we can be, we have to have him be a starter," Callaway added. "And he's gonna go out there and do everything he can to win this competition that we have going on."

Wheeler will start the Mets' Grapefruit League opener on Friday.

Danny Abriano, SNY.tv | Twitter | Wheeler has spent the better part of three years working his way back from Tommy John surgery, so his frustration last week was somewhat understandable -- even though the optics were bad. And regardless of what Callaway said on Wednesday, Wheeler is simply the most logical choice to move to the bullpen...

Today's sights and sounds from Port St. Lucie. We'll be updating throughout the day, with the most recent updates at the top...

Click below to see

Mets manager Mickey Callaway reiterated Tuesday that he does not plan to have a designated closer this season, instead choosing to deploy his relievers in the situations that put them and the team in the best position to succeed.

"I don't know who's going to come up (for the opposing team) in the ninth inning," Callaway added, explaining that the idea of choosing the closer in advance "seems kind of silly."

However, Callaway knows he has a challenge ahead of him...

Mets LHP Jerry Blevins, like his bullpen-mates, is on board with new manager Mickey Callaway's idea of not having a designated closer.

"As long as our manager and our pitching coach are honest and open about what we need to do -- which they have been -- we'll be ready," Blevins said.

"We've had some talks inside and he's spoken to the media about. ... putting us in the bullpen in the best chance to succeed. ...whether it's getting guys up and not putting them in. Whether it's them not being prepared in a certain inning. I think we're trying to avoid all those things."

Though he holds the franchise record for most saves in a single-season, Mets reliever Jeurys Familia said he doesn't mind pitching in any inning late in the game.

"It doesn't matter to me," Familia told the New York Post's Kevin Kernan about if he cares if he comes in the game in the seventh, eighth or ninth innings. "I'm just trying to win the game."

New Mets manager Mickey Callaway used a closer by committee when he served as Indians pitching coach, a strategy that saw him bring in Andrew Miller as early as the sixth inning seven times last season. Miller was only used in the ninth inning eight times, while Bryan Shaw made 13 such appearances and Cody Allen recorded 30 saves for Cleveland.

Familia understands Callaway may deploy a similar tactic with New York's bullpen, which also features AJ Ramos, Jerry Blevins and Anthony Swarzak. And Familia said he is on board with Callaway.

Michelle Ioannou, MetsBlog | Twitter | It may have been a weekend of football, but here I am to bring you some offseason Mets happenings. I mean, obviously I enjoyed a weekend of football as well, but this is not the place for me to vocalize my football opinions. You can follow me on Twitter for that!

Anyways, back to the Mets.

Noah Syndergaard (who celebrated the end of football season) and Jerry Blevins look like they'll be the bromance of the season. Also, any excuse for a Seinfeld reference, right? Helllllllo, Jerry!

Earlier this offseason at the MLB Winter Meetings, new Mets manager Mickey Callaway explained that he doesn't intend to designate any one pitcher as the team's 'closer.'

"I think that we're going to pitch guys when it makes sense," Callaway explained in December. "I'm going to pitch guys to their strengths and they're going to face the batters they should be facing." Callaway expanded on that philosophy earlier this week.

"We wouldn't name Wilmer Flores as our Wednesday infielder and then start him even if we're playing against Corey Kluber," Callaway explained, according to NY Post columnist Ken Davidoff. "So, why name a closer and put him in a situation where he doesn't fit?"

Mets LHP Jerry Blevins is comfortable with manager Mickey Callaway's plan to use relieving pitchers in different situations -- even if he will sometimes be called upon to close games.

There are exactly two weeks until Mets pitchers and catchers are required to report to Port St. Lucie, Fla., for the official start of Spring Training.

Meanwhile, there are dozens of impact free agents available on the open market and trades that can still be made as the Mets continue their search for a second baseman or third baseman and at least two pitchers willing to accept minor-league deals...

What's on second?

There was a lot said by Mets GM Sandy Alderson and COO Jeff Wilpon Tuesday when they discussed with reporters the team's payroll and spending during a private lunch at Citi Field.

Here is Part 2 of my reaction to specific noteworthy quotes, which come by way of articles in the New York Post, Daily News, Newsday and MLB.com. CLICK HERE to read Part 1...

Have the Mets done enough to win in 2018?

Mets LH reliever Jerry Blevins was among a panel of current players who discussed MLB's new pace of play initiatives with Ken Rosenthal of The Athletic.

The player's union rejected the league's proposal for changes last week, and it is expected that MLB Commissioner Rob Manfred will implement the changes unilaterally before the season.

Among them are a 20-second pitch clock and tighter restrictions on mound visits.

Michelle Ioannou, MetsBlog | Twitter | 

Happy Monday, Mets fans! Moves have actually been made, and whether or not you like both of them, things are at least happening, right? I for one am happy to have Jay Bruce back, and I'll just leave it at that for now and continue on to report this past week's off the field news.

There was a reunion of former Mets players in White Plains on Saturday -- just look at this iconic trio below...

Mets RH reliever AJ Ramos is embracing new manager Mickey Callaway's strategy of likely not having a set closer in 2018.

"It's a good thing that I have five pitches and can pretty much pitch anywhere," Ramos said on SNY's Mets Hot Stove on Thursday night.
"For me, I want to win. And whatever I can do to help the team win, is what I want to do. And I'm a versatile guy. I've shown I can close, I've shown that I can pitch in the sixth or seventh innings, I've shown that I can throw multiple innings."

Callaway said during the Winter Meetings last month that his focus was on matchups and utilizing his relievers properly during high-leverage situations