Mets Morning News: Mets shut out as Giants even series

Meet the Mets

The Mets offense was quiet all night, managing just two hits against Giants' starter Matt Cain over his six innings pitched. Meanwhile, Bartolo Colon started for the Mets and allowed three runs, two of which were earned, over the course of six innings. These two factors led to the Mets being blanked by a score of 3-0.

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

Jenrry Mejia returned to the Mets bullpen after an 80-game suspension for violating MLB's PED policy. He did not apologize for his actions, and insisted on moving forward. Logan Verrett was optioned in order to make room on the roster.

Michael Cuddyer sat out last night's game due to his knee acting up. He previously missed four games before returning for Monday and Sunday.

Despite early optimism regarding his elbow, there is no update on the status of Travis d'Arnaud's elbow. He is still wearing a brace for the left elbow strain.

The Mets landed two players on Baseball America's midseason prospect list. Michael Conforto checked in at 14, while Brandon Nimmo was listed at 48.

The Mets are one of many teams interested in trading for the A's Ben Zobrist. However, Oakland has pulled back from dealing him as they decide whether they are still in contention or not.

One year removed from setting a record for hitting futility, the Mets' pitchers are one of the best groups in the National League this year. They currently rank second in hits and first in RBI.

Around the NL East

The Phillies defeated the Dodgers by a score of 7-2. Jeff Francoeur provided the offense with two hits including his sixth home run of the year.

The Marlins lost to the Red Sox 4-3. Dan Haren departed the game with a lead, but the Marlins' bullpen ultimately coughed it up for the team's third consecutive loss.

The Nationals were blanked by the Reds 5-0. Johnny Cueto dominated the Nationals lineup, while Max Scherzer had a rare poor start in which he failed to make it out of the fifth inning.

The Braves defeated the Brewers 4-3. Manny Banuelos started for the Braves and pitched well, allowing just a home run to Jonathan Lucroy in his second career start.

Around MLB

Two key players are ready to return to the Yankees lineup. Closer Andrew Miller has come back from a forearm injury, while Jacoby Ellsbury has had his sprained knee heal.

Justin Morneau was moved to the 60-day disabled list with a concussion that has kept him out since May. In a corresponding move, the Rockies claimed former Met Gonzalez Germen off of waivers and optioned him to Triple-A.

Major League Baseball is being sued by a former scout. The lawsuit alleges minimum wage violations and collusion to keep salaries low and limit job opportunities.

The Grantland baseball staff discussed ten intriguing story lines for the second half. Among them, was the Mets maddening situation of having top-notch pitching, but little offense to accompany it.

Yesterday at AA

Jeffrey Paternostro wrote a scouting report on infield prospect Luis Carpio. The 17-year-old is currently playing for the rookie league Kingsport Mets.

Jason Mast wondered if Bartolo Colon is running out of gas. After last night's start, Colon is sporting a 4.55 ERA.

Wilmer Flores is settling in at second base, wrote Ben Margolin.

This Date in Mets History

In 1980, catcher John Stearns made his All Star Game debut. Pitcher Bobby Jones also made his All Star Game debut on this date, albeit 17 years later.