Mets Morning News: Mets dip below .500

Meet the Mets

Outside of a Curtis Granderson home run, the Mets' offense was silent again, this time against Brewers starter Jimmy Nelson. Bartolo Colon started for the Mets and pitched six innings while allowing four runs. The Mets have now lost seven games in a row.

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The Mets are reportedly mulling a shift in their infield alignment. This could include switching Wilmer Flores to second base and Ruben Tejada to shortstop. Daniel Murphy would play third upon his return from injury.

The Mets held a team meeting before the game to try to snap out of their funk. It apparently didn't take.

After the game, Terry Collins declined to put the blame on the front office for the team's troubles. He also insisted that the Mets are not out of it yet.

Daniel Murphy began his rehab assignment as he returns from a leg injury. He went 1-for-1 with a walk in a Gulf Coast League game.

The Mets received positive news regarding closer Jeurys Familia. After being unavailable over the weekend due to a tight inner thigh muscle, Familia is ready to return to game action.

Joel Sherman wondered why Jacob deGrom is not treated like Matt Harvey, despite having similar career stats.

Around the NL East

The Phillies were blown out by the Yankees by a score of 10-2. Cole Hamels started and was tagged for five earned runs over five innings. In addition, Chase Utley was put on the disabled list with an ankle injury that has plagued him all season, so another bad day in a really bad season for Philly.

The Braves and Nationals engaged in a pitchers' duel between Jordan Zimmermann and Shelby Miller. However, the Nats were able to scratch across a run against Dana Eveland in the 11th inning. You can read recaps at Talking Chop and Federal Baseball.

The Marlins lost to the Cardinals 6-1. Mat Latos turned in seven innings in his start, but gave up five runs.

Around MLB

Ted Berg examined the success of the Rays' pitching staff this season. One reason is that they have limited the number of times batters face their starting pitchers. This has in turn resulted in the team leading the majors in relief innings.

Nori Aoki was diagnosed with a fractured fibula after being hit in the leg with a pitch and has been placed on the disabled list. Travis Ishikawa is expected to be called up to take his place.

Former number-one pick Mark Appel has been promoted to Triple-A by the Astros. Across parts of two seasons in Double-A, he has posted a 4.05 ERA.

Shane Victorino is expected to begin a rehab assignment with Boston's Triple-A club. He has been on the disabled list for the past month with a calf injury.

Yordano Ventura will make a rehab start Friday for Triple-A Omaha. He has been on the shelf with ulnar neuritis in his pitching hand.

Bryan Curtis wrote a fun piece at Grantland examining the history of politicians using baseball metaphors in speeches.

This Date in Mets History

Today is the 43rd birthday of former Mets first baseman Carlos Delgado. Happy birthday, Carlos!