Mets Morning News: Nationals riddle The Dark Knight in the series opener

Meet the Mets

With a chance to gain some ground on the Nationals, Matt Harvey took to the hill last night in Washington in what proved to be an ugly outing, en route to a 7-2 loss. Harvey was not sharp early, giving up five runs, and having to overcome some bad defense to even keep it close.

Choose your recap: Amazin' Avenue, MLB.com, ESPN New York, Times, Post, Daily News, Star-Ledger, Newsday

Michael Cuddyer took an oral anti-inflammatory drug, but may still make a trip to the disabled list.

Mike Vacarro said that the Mets' horrible offense is an indictment against Sandy Alderson.

Matt Harvey said he was too "jacked up" at the beginning of his start to harness his command.

Matt Harvey told reporters that he's pleased with the way his recovery is going, even if the results aren't there.

David Wright is still keeping tabs on his team, despite not being there.

Marc Carig noted that the Mets have the pieces to trade for some offense.

John Harper said that Matt Harvey failed to be an ace in a big spot.

Matt Harvey's fastball has been getting whacked, and he needs to correct that going forward.

Around the NL East

The Phillies beat the Rays 5-3 in a rematch of the 2008 World Series.

The Braves jumped on the Dodgers early, and never relinquished the lead, as they went on to win 7-5.

Rubby De La Rosa and the Diamondbacks held the Marlins in check, as they went on to win 3-1.

The Phillies may lose Chad Billingsley for the year with a flexor tendon injury.

Around the Majors

The Tigers are reportedly looking to sell, and one name on the list, Yoenis Cespedes, has been linked to the Mets in the past.

Future Hall of Fame member Randy Johnson has found his second wind in life as a photographer.

Bruce Bochy admitted that Tim Lincecum is dealing with a degenerative hip issue.

After several decades of minority coaches improving their stature in the game, baseball now has a diversity crisis that Rob Manfred has to consider.

The Indians, who were considered a sleeper at the beginning of the year, face a lot of questions going forward.

Dave Cameron looked at five players with little trade value.

Yesterday at AA

Aaron Yorke previewed the Mets' series against the Nationals.

Chris Gaine reminds us that the Mets are in the playoff hunt for the first time in seven years.

Chris Gaine also noted that Lucas Duda is setting a historic strikeout pace.

Paul Myron says it's time to end the Alex Torres experiment.

Greg Karam added Amed Rosario and Gavin Cecchini to the Midseason Top 10 list.

Matt Varvaro wants to know if you remember who the Mets with three home runs in a game are .

This Date in Mets History

On this date in Mets history, the Mets' most recent captain made his debut against the Montreal Expos.

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!