Today's NY Back Pages, Mets News and Morning Links - 8/31/2026

Good Morning.  Born today Claudell Washington. Happy Birthday to Pat Howell, and Hideo Nomo.  

Section Links: Mets Links, Minor League Links, MLB Links, and This Day in Mets History 

Mets Links: 

8/30/2026 Box Score: Houston Astros 6 New York Mets 3 Francisco Lindor#  SS 1 for 4; 1 HR; 1 run; 1 RBI; Juan Soto  DH 1 for 3; 1 HR; 1 run; 1 RBI; 1 walk; 1 K; Bo Bichette  3B 2 for 3; 1 double; 1 walk; Carson Benge*  RF 0 for 4; Jared Young*  1B 0 for 3; 2 Ks; Christopher Morel  PH 0 for 1; Luis Robert Jr.  LF 0 for 4; 2 Ks; A.J. Ewing*  CF 1 for 3; 1 double; 1 run; 1 walk; 1 SB; Marcus Semien  2B 0 for 3; 1 walk; 1 K; Luis Torrens  C 0 for 2; Brett Baty*  PH 0 for 1; 1 K; Francisco Alvarez  C 0 for 0; Zac Thornton*   5 innings; 2 runs; 2 ERs; 6 hits; 1 HR; 5 Ks; Jonathan Pintaro  (L, 2-1)(BS, 1) 1 inning; 2 runs; 2 ERs; 3 hits; 1 HR; 2 Ks; Jefry Yan*   1 inning; 2 runs; 1 ER; 1 hit; 1 walk; 1 K; Austin Warren   1 inning; no runs; 1 K; Chris Devenski   1 inning; no runs; 

AP Sports: Pinch-hitter LaMonte Wade Jr.'s go-ahead two-run homer in the sixth inning helped power the Houston Astros to a 6-3 win over the New York Mets on Sunday. With Houston trailing 3-2, Wade launched a pitch from Jonathan Pintaro (0-1) for the third pinch-hit homer of his career and his first since April 2, 2025, while with San Francisco. 

NY Post: "For most of their games since the All-Star break, the Mets bullpen had become a relative strength, a group that produced the third-lowest ERA in the majors at 2.64 after the season resumed entering play Sunday. For most of this month, Jared Young had done enough with his bat to play his way into conversations about a role for next season." 

Abbey Mastracco NY Daily News: "It was only a matter of time before the Mets‘ bullpen fell back to earth...Left-hander Zac Thornton handed a one-run lead over to Jonathan Pintaro in the top of the sixth, only for the right-hander to give up a two-run homer. Left-hander Jefry Yan struggled with his command in the seventh, loading the bases with one out, and an error by first baseman Jared Young cost two runs." 

Taryn Cooper Mets360: "Both the Houston Astros and the New York Mets had lead off home runs in their respective half-innings (Jeremy Peña for Houston, then Francisco Lindor for New York). Then there was some back-to-back action Juan Soto launched a rocket, to go ahead 2-1 in the bottom of the first." 

SNY.TV: "After a leadoff walk in the bottom half of the fifth, A.J. Ewing stole second base after getting Pecko to burn both of his mound disengagements. Diaz's throw was wide of the bag and skittered into center field, allowing Ewing to move up to third. Marcus Semien walked to put runners on the corners, but catcher Luis Torrens grounded into a double play to kill the relay while scoring Ewing to retake the lead for the Mets, 3-2."

From the Astros 6 Mets 3 Post Game Notes - 8/30/2026:

Mets: Dropped the final game of their three-game series with the Astros, 6-3...Finish their six-game homestand 2-4...Have now lost three consecutive series for the first time since they lost series to the Cubs, Phillies and Blue Jays from June 23 - July 1...Are still 14-10 (.583) over their last 24 games...Francisco Lindor and Juan Soto went back-to-back to begin the game...Was the fifth time in team history that the first two batters of the game have homered in team history (last: 10/4/22 vs. WSH (G2))...Both Jeremy Peña and Francisco Lindor led off the game with home runs...Is the first time the Mets have hit a lead-off home run and allowed one in the same game since Jonathan Villiar (NYM) and Miguel Rojas (MIA) each led off the game with a home run on September 2, 2021 vs. Miami...Per Elias.

Zac Thornton (5.0 IP, 6 H, 2 ER, 5 K, HR, HBP): Fired 5.0 innings and allowed two runs while striking out five...Issued zero walks today and has issued three or fewer walks in each of his first 11 career starts...He is only one of four pitchers in franchise history to do so (also: Masato Yoshii, Steven Matz and Tylor Megill)...Has pitched to a 2.93 ERA (20 ER/61.1 IP) through his first 11 career starts.

Francisco Lindor (1-4, HR, RBI, R): Led off the game with a solo home run to even the score at 1-1...Marked his second lead-off home run of the season (also: 4/14 at LAD) and the 33rd of his career...Recorded his 155th career home run as a Met, which moved him past Dave Kingman for the sixth-most home runs in franchise history.

A.J. Ewing (1-3, 2B, R, BB, SB): Stole second base in the fifth inning...Marked his 22nd steal of the season which moves him into a tie with Lee Mazzilli for the second-most steals by a rookie in franchise history...He now only trails Mookie Wilson's 24 steals from the 1981 season...His 22 steals are the most by any rookie in the majors this season.

Juan Soto (1-3, HR, RBI, R, BB): Gave the Mets' a 2-1 lead with a solo home run in the first inning...Marked his first home run since being activated off the Injured List.

MLB YouTube Channel: Astros 6 Mets 2 game Highlights - 8/30/26

SNY on YouTube: Andy Green, Zac Thornton talk up-and-down day in Mets loss - 8/30/26

Upcoming schedule at Tampa Bay

• Mon., Aug. 31 RHP Robert Stock (0-3, 7.40) vs. LHP Ian Seymour (9-5, 4.21) 6:40 p.m. ET (SNY, Audacy 880 AM, 92.3 FM HD26
• Tue., Sept 1 LHP Sean Manaea (4-6, 4.55) vs. RHP Freddy Peralta (6-11, 5.11) 6:40 p.m. ET (SNY, Audacy 880 AM, 92.3 FM HD26
• Wed., Sept 2 TBA vs. TBA 6:40 p.m. ET (SNY, Audacy 880 AM, 92.3 FM HD26

New York Post:

• Mets’ Carson Benge embracing surge into challenging NL Rookie of the Year race: ‘Definitely do want it’
• Mets non-commital to September Jonah Tong call-up despite near no-hitter
• NYC baseball nuts do 3 MLB games in 9 hours — here’s why they packed a change of clothes
• Mets bullpen delivers rare clunker after solid Zac Thornton outing in loss to Astros
• The $5 million question surrounding Luis Robert Jr.’s future as Mets place him on waivers

SNY.tv:

• Mets Minor League Roundup: Mitch Voit and Jefferson Rojas both homer at Double-A, while Triple-A tosses combined no-hitter
• Andy Green commends Mets rookie Zac Thornton's 'gutsy outing' in loss to Astros
• Mets drop series to Astros with 6-3 loss despite strong start from Zac Thornton
• SEE IT: Mets' Mark Vientos homers three times in rehab assignment with Triple-A Syracuse

Metsmerized

• Mets Drop Series To Astros In 6-3 Finale Loss
• What Is The Development List?
• Nolan McLean Continues To Push For Rookie Of The Year
• Mets Minors Recap: Tong Spins One-Hit Gem In Doubleheader

Amazin' Avenue

• Mets lose to Astros despite strong start from Lindor and Soto
• The Mets’ All-Stretch-Run Team

Rising Apple Feed

• NY Mets Monday Morning GM: Luis Robert Jr. trade was worth the risk
• How the NY Mets should view Jared Young to give them the best roster possible in 2027
• 3 Silver Slugger pairings NY Mets fans wish they could’ve seen
• 3 MLB playoff contenders who should take Luis Robert Jr. off the NY Mets payroll
• How 3 NY Mets players had a record-breaking season and yet none won a Silver Slugger

Mets360

• Gut Reaction: Astros 6, Mets 3 (8/30/2026)

kinerskorner.com

• From roaring to snoring, Mets drop series to Astros as offense, bullpen take a power nap
• My First Savannah Bananas Game: Baseball, Barnum and the Greatest Show I Didn’t Know I Was Missing

Mack's Mets

• Reese Kaplan -- MLB Rules and Schedules for Waivers and Rosters
• MACK - Let's Revisit - 3B - Jacob Reimer
• Tom Brennan: Tutors for Mets’ Prospects? Winless Starters? Wicked Good Slash Line

Minor League Baseball:

Syracuse: 

• Syracuse Mets Game Recap: Six Syracuse Pitchers Combine to No-Hit Lehigh Valley in 8-0 Win
• 8/30/2026 - Box Score: Syracuse Mets 8 Lehigh Valley IronPigs 0
• MorabitoRF   1 for 3; 3 runs; 1 walk; 1 Stolen Base; Vientos1B   4 for 5; 3 runs; 5 RBIs; 3 HRs; Lorusso1B   0 for 0;  MauricioSS   2 for 5; 1 run; 1 RBI; 1 double; Melendez, MLF   2 for 5; 1 run; 2 RBIs; 2 Ks;  WagamanDH   1 for 4; 1 walk; 1 K;  Amick3B   1 for 4; 1 walk; 2 Ks;  RamosCF   1 for 4; RossC   0 for 4; 1 K; Short2B   0 for 4; 3 Ks; Herget, K  1.2 innings; no runs; 1 K; Garcia, S  1.1 innings; no runs; 1 walk; 1 K; Myers(W, 3-1)  3 innings; no runs; 1 K; McDermott  1 inning; no runs; 1 walk; Jacques  1 inning; no runs; Franklin  1 inning; no runs; 
• Syracuse Mets Game Notes - 8/30/2026

Binghamton Rumble Ponies: 

• Binghamton Game Recap: Vargas Collects Four Hits, Voit and Rojas Homer as Binghamton Takes Series Finale
• 8/30/2026 Box Score: Binghamton Rumble Ponies 14 Reading Fightin Phils 5
• Voit2B   3 for 4; 3 runs; 3 RBIs; 2 walks; 1 K; 1 HR; VargasSS   4 for 6; 2 runs; 2 RBIs; 2 Ks; 1 double; 3 Stolen Bases; Rojas, J3B   3 for 6; 2 runs; 4 RBIs; 2 Ks; 1 double; 1 HR; ReimerDH   1 for 6; 1 run; 2 Ks; 1 double; SueroCF   0 for 3; 2 runs; 2 walks; 1 K; 1 Stolen base; Serrano IIIRF   2 for 5; 2 RBIs; 2 Ks; 1 double; CollinsLF   1 for 4; 1 run; 1 RBI; 1 walk; 3 Ks; 1 double; ParadaC   2 for 5; 1 run; Baylor1B   0 for 2; 2 runs; 1 RBI; 2 walks; Davis  2 innings; 1 run; 1 ER; 1 hit; 4 walks; 2 Ks; Gomez, C  1 inning; 2 runs; 2 ERs; 2 hits; 1 K; De La Cruz, F  1 inning; no runs; 1 hit; 1 walk; Girton (H, 5) 1 inning; no runs; Jenkins(W, 4-0)(BS, 1) 1 inning; 2 runs; 2 hits; 1 walk; 1 K; Conley   2 innings; no runs; 3 Ks; Rodriguez, G   1 inning; no runs; 1 walk; 1 K; 
• 8/30/2026: Binghamton Rumble Ponies Game Notes

Brooklyn Cyclones: 

• Brooklyn Cyclones Game Recap: Stafura Goes Deep Twice as Cyclones Knock Off Renegades, 5-2
• 8/30/2026 Box Score: Brooklyn Cyclones 5 Husdon Valley Renegades 2
• StafuraSS   2 for 4; 2 runs; 3 RBIs; 1 walk; 1 K; 2 Home Runs; 1 stolen base; PeñaDH   1 for 5; 2 Ks; 1 double; SnyderRF   1 for 5; 1 run; 1 K; 2 stolen bases; Henriquez, YLF   1 for 3; 1 run; 1 walk; 2 stolen bases; SpikermanCF   1 for 3; 1 RBI; 1 walk; 1 double; 1 stolen base; Houck2B   0 for 2; 2 walks; Jimenez, A3B   0 for 4; 1 K; MeggersC   0 for 4; 1 K; Paulino, E1B   0 for 3; 1 run; 1 walk; 1 K; Ware  3.1 innings; 2 runs; 2 ERs; 1 hit; 2 walks; 6 Ks; Mijares(W, 2-0)  1.2 innings; no runs; 3 hits; 1 K; Dollar(H, 3)  2 innings; no runs; 1 hit; 2 Ks; Louis(H, 3)  1 inning; no runs; 1 K; Arnaud(S, 4)  1 inning; no runs; 1 K; 

St. Lucie Mets:

• St. Lucie Mets Game Recap: St-L Mets Offense Erupts in 13-5 Win at Daytona in Road Finale
• 8/30/2026 Box Score: St. Lucie Mets 13 Daytona Tortugas 5
• OgdenSS   1 for 4; 1 run; 1 RBI; 1 walk; RobbinsCF   2 for 5; 1 run; 4 RBIs; 1 walk; 2 Ks; TaymanC   3 for 5; 2 runs; 2 RBIs; 1 K; 1 double; AloyRF   1 for 6; 1 run; 1 RBI; 1 K; 1 double; ToomeyDH   1 for 4; 1 run; 1 RBI; 1 walk; 3 Ks; Zayas1B   2 for 5; 2 runs; 3 RBIs; 1 HR; De Oleo, BLF   1 for 4; 1 run; 1 walk; 2 Ks; 1 double; Gomez, V2B   1 for 3; 2 runs; 2 walks; Rodriguez, J3B   2 for 4; 2 runs; 1 walk; 1 K; Rodriguez, C  3.1 innings; 2 runs; 2 ERs; 5 hits; 1 walk; 2 Ks; Mercedes, E(W, 3-3)  1.2 innings; 1 run; 1 ER; 1 hit; 1 walk; 2 Ks; Brito  1.1 innings; 2 runs; 1 ER; 1 hit; 3 walks; Sotillo  1.2 innings; no runs; 2 walks; Banks  1 inning; no runs; 1 hit; 1 walk; 1 K; 

For the complete Mets Minor League statistics click here.

MLB Links:

MLB Scoreboard.

MLB.com:

• Who tops Power Rankings heading into stretch run?
• Final out? Actually, an OF-assisted game-tying homer into the buffet!
• Can't stop PCA! Cubs superstar hits 5th homer in 2-game span
• Bombers bombard Boston with 16 runs to claim season series vs. Sox
• Mad Max makes more history, strikes out 10 to pass Perry for 9th all-time
• Braves keep taking care of business, walk off Rockies in 10th to win 7th straight
• No catch? Bronx finale goes sideways after Sox lose challenge
• Scorching-hot PCA leads Cubs in showdown with Brewers, plus NL East clash among top series of week
• Tatis, Stammen ejected after right fielder is called out for running inside 1st-base line
• Teoscar brings the thunder, Glasnow deals as Dodgers take series in Detroit
• 2-inch tweak helps Wheeler earn first win since July
• Marte set to return to D-backs on Monday
• Curaçao takes home 2nd LLWS title behind offensive breakout
• Gunnar blasts off with two homers, triple as Orioles sweep A's
• Burns overcomes PCA's homer and much more in electric night at Wrigley
• Injuries: Elly, Buxton, Alonso, Yankees, Cardinals, Mariners
• Judge to travel with Yanks on West Coast trip, plans to ramp up activities
• Alonso avoids serious injury after being hit on brim of helmet
• Elly (quadriceps tightness) exits early, to be evaluated Monday
• Ramírez at center of Guardians offense firing on all cylinders

Baseball – Winnipeg Free Press

• Shutout against the Dodgers shows Chris Sale is still elite at age 37 — and building a Hall case
• Rookie Sal Stewart homers for the 3rd straight game, helping the Reds beat the Cubs 7-5
• Max Scherzer passes Gaylord Perry on career strikeouts list as Blue Jays beat Mariners 7-0
• Wheeler throws 6 strong innings, Sosa hits go-ahead homer in Phillies’ 5-2 win over Angels
• Struggling Mariners put RHP Emerson Hancock on 15-day IL because of strained left adductor
• Henderson hits 2 homers, Orioles score 7 unanswered runs to rally past Athletics 8-5
• Wade’s pinch-hit homer helps first-place Astros power past Mets 6-3
• Scherzer leads rolling Blue Jays past Mariners, into pivotal series against Guardians
• Ezequiel Durán leads the way as Rangers snap 4-game skid by beating Brewers 7-4
• Glasnow goes 7 innings to lead Dodgers to 6-1 win over Tigers

MLB Trade Rumors

• Cardinals To Promote Leo Bernal
• Posey: Tony Vitello Will Return As Giants’ Manager In 2027
• Mariners To Promote Lazaro Montes
• MLBTR Chat Transcript
• Xavier Edwards Leaves Game Due To Possible Thumb Sprain
• Mitch Garver Exercises Assignment Clause In Yankees Contract
• Cardinals Release Caleb Ferguson
• Athletics Considering James Click For GM Vacancy
• Giants Place Sam Hentges On 15-Day Injured List
• Buddy Kennedy Elects Free Agency
• Angels Designate Shaun Anderson For Assignment
• Mariners Place Emerson Hancock On 15-Day IL With Adductor Strain
• Twins Place Byron Buxton On 10-Day IL With Hip Impingement
• Padres Place Luis Rengifo, Gavin Sheets on Injured List
• Cardinals Place JJ Wetherholt On 10-Day Injured List

FanGraphs Baseball

• Sunday Notes: Tristan Peters Has Been a Pleasant Surprise on the South Side

Today in Mets History: 

Born on this date:

• Tracy Stallard (1937)
• Claudell Washington (1954)
• Jon Debus (1958)
• Pat Howell (1968)
• Hideo Nomo (1968)
• Ramon Ramirez (1981)

Died on this date:

• Tom Seaver (2020)

Transactions:

New York Mets purchased Bill Graham from the Detroit Tigers on August 31, 1967.

New York Mets traded Jerry Grote to the Los Angeles Dodgers for Dan Smith and Randy Rogers on August 31, 1977.

New York Mets traded Pete Harnisch to the Milwaukee Brewers for Donny Moore on August 31, 1997.

New York Mets sold Tim Spehr to the Kansas City Royals on August 31, 1998.

New York Mets traded Jeff Francoeur to the Texas Rangers for Joaquin Arias on August 31, 2010.

New York Mets traded Erik Manoah to the Los Angeles Angels for Fernando Salas on August 31, 2016.

New York Mets traded Ryder Ryan to the Texas Rangers for Todd Frazier on August 31, 2020.

New York Mets traded Kevin Smith to the Baltimore Orioles for Miguel Castro on August 31, 2020.

New York Mets purchased Robinson Chirinos from the Texas Rangers on August 31, 2020.

National Pastime.com:

2002

Losing their 13th consecutive game at Shea Stadium, the Mets complete the worst month at home in National League history. With the 1-0 loss to Randy Wolf and the Phillies, the Amazins' join the Seattle Pilots (August-1969) and the Tigers (September-1996) as teams that have not won a home game in a calendar month with at least ten games.

Baseball Reference:

2012: In Miami, R.A. Dickey of the Mets wins his 17th with a 3 - 0 shutout.

More Links:

Mets Transaction Tracker

Mets Stats

Ex-Mets Stats

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