The New York Mets are in a tight race atop the National League East with the Philadelphia Phillies. That is influencing the decision-making of one of their stars.

Pete Alonso is one of the most familiar faces in the Home Run Derby, but he will not be participating in this year's event. The New York Mets' first baseman revealed his decision to take a break from the Derby on Sunday.

Jeff McNeil hit a go-ahead, two-run homer off Luke Weaver in the seventh inning, leading the New York Mets over the Yankees 6-5 on Friday in a Subway Series opener between teams that faded badly after strong starts.

The Queens edition of the Subway Series between the New York Mets and the New York Yankees included all the off-field gimmicks and silly jokes that were absent back in May when this matchup took place in the corporate setting of Yankee Stadium.