Mets Morning News: Lucas Duda is the hero Gotham needs right now

Meet the Mets

The Mets had an off day on Monday, but fear not! Baseball is back tonight, as Jon Niese takes on Trevor Cahill and the Braves at Citi Field. Tonight's game is a 7:10pm contest, and a preview can be found here.

The Mets got some injury news regarding Travis d'Arnaud and Jerry Blevins, and it's not good for one, and better than expected for the other.

Howie Kussoy writes that there's an immense amount of optimism around Kevin Plawecki and what he brings to the Mets.

The Player's Tribune's New York City Bureau Chief, a strapping gentleman named Matt Harvey, talked about his relationship with his fastball, and what Bartolo Colon has taught him.

Dave Cameron writes that the Mets, projected to be a mid-tier team, have helped their chances of being a contender by going on a big winning streak.

Sandy Alderson said that David Wright is still "on schedule" in his recovery.

Joel Sherman writes that Lucas Duda is well on his way to stardom, and it's because of work ethic and attitude.

Our friend Ted Berg writes that we've lost focus on the truly great thing Bartolo Colon has been doing, and that's pitching well.

Ben Duronio at RotoGraphs writes about Kevin Plawecki's fantasy value.

Around the NL East

Our friends at The Good Phight shared all of the wonderful missed bunts by the Phillies this week.

Scott Coleman says that he has guarded optimism for the 2015 Braves.

Around the Majors

Reds manager Bryan Price went on an all-time classic rant, after a journalist reported one of his players was seen in the St. Louis airport.

The Cubs are bringing up Addison Russell, one of their top prospects.

Rob Neyer says that the Yankees should embrace Alex Rodriguez. I think that would take the fun out of it for those of us on team #MetsFans4ARod.

ESPN released their latest power rankings, and the Mets are cruising towards the top.

Michael Baumann writes about the guilty pleasure of enjoying fights in baseball.

Russell Carlton discusses whether or not the pitcher batting eighth is a wise choice.

Yesterday at AA

Chris McShane broke out the Player Performance Meters for this week. Pitchers can be found here, and position players here.

Matt Varvaro thinks that Terry Collins is correct in the way that he's handled the lineup, so far.

Steve Sypa previewed Hansen Robles, as he's set to join the Mets. Jeffrey Paternostro previewed Kevin Plawecki, as well.

Owen Condon stopped by Sandy Alderson's book signing at the Yogi Berra Museum.

Colby Conetta thinks that the Mets hot start may not just be dumb luck.

Jeffrey Paternostro, Aaron Yorke, and Steve Sypa discussed who would be the Cheech to their Chong (and, of course, discussed other relevant Mets topics) on this week's podcast, which can be found here.

If you see a great addition to Mets Morning News, send an email to our tips address, tips@grission.com, and we'll try to add it in!