July 2012 - New York Mets Wiretap

The Mets and Cubs have discussed Geovany Soto, but a deal is not likely between the two clubs, according to a source. New York is looking for a catcher and could have swung deals for Colorado's Ramon Hernandez and Boston's Kelly Shoppach, but they couldn't agree on a price.

Matt Harvey, a top draft pick in 2010, dazzled in his major league debut Thursday night, holding Arizona to three hits and striking out 11 over 5 1/3 innings in the New York Mets' 3-1 win over the D-Backs.

Mets pitcher Dillon Gee will undergo potentially season-ending surgery Friday in to fix artery damage in his right shoulder, which should prevent a recurrence of clotting, the team confirmed Thursday, according to an ESPN.com report.

Mets pitching prospect Matt Harvey will debut Thursday in a start against the Diamondbacks. Harvey, 23, is 7-5 with a 3.68 ERA for Triple-A Buffalo and has 112 strikeouts in 110 innings. Harvey was the team's first-round pick in 2010 and will replace Miguel Batista, who was designated for assignment Sunday, in the rotation.

Johan Santana has struggled since throwing a no-hitter, the first in Mets history, and now finds himself on the disabled list. New York placed him on the 15-day DL with a sprained right ankle. Santana has given up 19 earned runs in his last three starts and in the eight starts since he threw a career-high 134 pitches in a no-hitter on June 1, Santana has compiled a 6.54 ERA and allowed 11 homers in 42 2/3 innings.

Johan Santana isn't hurt, but the Mets will consider possibly pushing him back, skipping him a start or even placing him on the disabled list -- to "get some energy back in his arm." "He came out of the All-Star break, he had eight days of rest, pitched on the ninth day. He just hasn't responded. So we're gonna go in here and discuss some options and see what we come up with tomorrow," Terry Collins said. "Obviously, when you talk about options, those things will all be brought up. Do you want to skip him one start? If you put him on the DL, you're talking two starts. All those things are gonna be talked about." In three July starts, Santana is 0-3 with a 13.50 ERA. He has allowed 28 hits and 19 runs in less than 13 innings.

The Mets are more focused on adding depth to their bullpen than they are in acquiring a right-handed bat before the July 31 non-waiver trade deadline. New York has been paying close attention to Royals right-hander Jonathan Broxton, according to a source. Broxton, 28, is 1-1 with a 2.14 ERA and 22 saves in 33 appearances with Kansas City.

If the price for Ramon Hernandez is too high, the Mets have considered trading with the Red Sox for Kelly Shoppach. New York is looking for help at catcher and a trade with Boston would allow Ryan Lavarnway to make his way back to the Major Leagues.

Former Mets outfielder Lenny Dykstra has pleaded guilty to three counts stemming from a bankruptcy fraud case in Los Angeles. Dykstra entered his plea Friday in federal court to one count each of bankruptcy fraud, concealment of assets and money laundering. He faces up to 20 years in prison when he's sentenced Dec. 3.

Capping a long comeback from elbow surgery, Ben Sheets will start for the Braves on Sunday against the Mets. "Everything's working," Sheets said Thursday. "Everything's feeling great. I've been throwing the ball good. Keep making good pitches, you'll get outs."