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When the Mets traded away veteran outfielders such as Tommy Pham and Mark Canha just before the deadline, Rafael Ortega was a surprise call-up to Queens -- especially with him hitting just .230 at Syracuse as fans wondered why top prospect Ronnie Mauricio was held back with roster space available.

A onetime Yankee prospect, who'd seen brief MLB time with several clubs, including NL East rivals Miami and Atlanta, the Venezuela native made his Mets debut in Wednesday night's game against the Royals.

(Below)  Jonathan Arauz's 14 home runs and 14 doubles paved the way for his promotion last week from Syracuse to the "big" Mets.  After spending parts of 2020 and '21 with the Red Sox and nine games last season with the Orioles, the switch hitter might get his best shot yet to stick as the organization seemingly holds open auditions while pivoting toward 2025.

Dom Hamel is another Met prospect whose name is worth circling.   A third round 2021 pick from Dallas Baptist, he sparkled last Wednesday, thowing 6-1/3 innings of two hit shutout ball.  With the Amazin's focusing on 2025, Hamel has plenty of time to build on his improving performance in AA and stake a claim to be part of the Mets future plans.

...Now, time to hit the wayback button:
From a June 2019 game at Citi Field, Fernando Tatis Junior shows that sweet swing that paid off last Wednesday in his 100th career home run. 
While scrolling through my iPhone photos, I rediscovered a pair of gems.  It's April 16th, 2016 and Yankee Stadium is sparking under some early season sun.  The day didn't turn out too well for the home team:  the Mariners came away with a 3-2 win, as ex-Yankee  Robbie Cano singled in the tie-breaking run. 
(Below) The weather was just as nice a week later as the Yanks hosted the Rays.  Brett Gardner walked it off with bottom of the 9th homer for a 2-1 victory.




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