Mets Morning News: Amazins "close" to Nats, Papelbon grabs his nads

Meet the Mets

Jon Niese was nice, but his performance was not enough to best the Nationals on Sunday. Wilson Ramos hit a two-run home run in the seventh inning, and the Mets were shut out by Jordan Zimmermann and company. Washington won 3-0 to eliminate the Mets from National League East title contention.

Recap Parade: Amazin' Avenue, MLB.com, ESPN NY, New York Post, Daily News, Newsday

Sunday's game was another frustrating one for Niese.

Dana Eveland is being shut down for the rest of the season due to elbow inflammation.

Vic Black is getting an MRI done on his right shoulder today. Hopefully the test doesn't show anything too serious.

Media to Mets: Become young and talented like the Nationals, but do it without rebuilding. We hate rebuilding! By the way, the Nats had six straight losing seasons of their own before finally breaking out and winning 98 games in 2012.

The Mets should use the rest of the season to try out Juan Lagares in the leadoff spot.

Around the NL East

After blowing the lead for Philadelphia, Jonathan Papelbon was ejected for a poorly timed junk grab. The Phillies lost to the Marlins, 5-4.

The Braves were crushed by the Rangers and now stand four games out of a playoff spot.

Around the Majors

Josh Harrison started an around-the-horn triple play for the Pirates during their win over the Cubs on Sunday.

Kelly Johnson showed up one of his many former clubs when he recorded a walk-off knock against the Yankees last night.

The Tigers came from behind to defeat the Indians and widen their lead in the American League Central.

One of Cuba's top pitchers has defected from his native country. Yasmany Hernandez plans on signing with a major league team this winter.

Coors Field sports a new standing room section that could change the way future ballparks are built.

Yesterday at AA

Certified performance enhancement specialist Bill Rom stopped by to analyze David Wright's shoulder injury.

Steve Sypa reminded us to be on the lookout for Steven Matz in the near future.

On this date in 1963, the first ever Banner Day was held at the Polo Grounds.