Mets Morning News: Another classic Coors Field pitcher's duel

Meet the Mets

The Mets took a 14-9 victory over the Rockies on Saturday. Opposing pitcher Chris Rusin, only eleven days removed from a one-run outing against the Amazin’s, was pummeled for 11 earned runs over 2+ innings. Juan Uribe hit his fifth home run as a Met, eight (!) hitters in the starting lineup posted multi-hit nights, and Jon Niese managed to pick up his eighth win despite giving up seven earned runs. Perhaps flying under the radar was Colorado’s bullpen performance. The Rockies’ relievers, after taking a beating from Gary and Keith on SNY the first two games of this series, held the Mets scoreless throughout the game’s last 4.2 innings.

Choose your recap: Amazin' Avenue, Daily News, Record, MLB.com, Post, Newsday, Times, ESPN, Faith and Fear.

The 7 Line Army was featured heavily in the Denver Post’s recap of Saturday’s game.

After some speculation, Lucas Duda was officially placed on the 15-day disabled list with a stiff back. Left-handed pitcher Dario Alvarez was called up from Triple-A Las Vegas to take his roster spot.

Michael Conforto, once again, appears to have avoided a demotion with Duda’s injury. Conforto was initially optioned to Triple-A on August 1st to clear a roster spot for Yoenis Cespedes, only to be recalled the night day after an injury to Kirk Nieuwenhuis.

Steven Matz’s rehab schedule continues to progress nicely, as he’ll make his next start on Wednesday for Double-A Binghamton.

The Mets acquired Eric Young Jr. from the Atlanta Braves for cash considerations. Young stole 46 bases for the Mets in 2013, and has managed a .317 wOBA this season in Triple-A Gwinnett. Look for his contract to be purchased once rosters expand in September.

David Wright has completed his rehab assignment, following an 0-for-4 game at Class-A St. Lucie. The Mets will need to free up a roster spot to activate Wright, with signs pointing toward Logan Verrett being optioned after his spot start on Sunday.

Around the NL East

The Nationals didn’t lose any ground to the Mets tonight, taking a 6-1 victory over the Brewers.

The Phillies stunned the Marlins late in the game, earning a 4-2 win thanks to back-to-back home runs from Aaron Altherr and Darin Ruf in the ninth inning. Darnell Sweeney, acquired in last week’s Chase Utley deal, contributed his first major league homer as well.

The Braves took a 9-7 loss to the Cubs at Wrigley Field, despite home runs from Nick Swisher on both sides of the plate.

The Braves are discussing when to promote Hector Oliveira from Triple-A. The 30-year-old has finished his rehab assignment and will likely play everyday as the Braves finish their season.

Around MLB

After an injury to a fan at Comerica Park caused by a foul ball, Justin Verlander spoke out as an advocate for fan safety at MLB games.

Former Mariners closer Fernando Rodney was designated for assignment. Rodney, unseated for the closing job by Carson Smith, leads the majors with six blown saves this year.

Mike Leake was successful in his return from the DL for the Giants.

John Sickels breaks down Miguel Sano’s odds of becoming a future major league star.

Former Met Ike Davis is out for the season with a torn labrum. Davis has had a season to forget with Oakland, producing a .121 ISO.

Yesterday at AA

Owen Condon looked at why the six-man rotation is perfect for the Mets. He also argues for the Mets' pursuing former closer Francisco Rodriguez. Michael McCarty checked in on how the Mets' deadline acquisitions are doing, as well as how players they missed out on have fared. Kevin Palermo thinks the Mets already have their seventh-inning guy in Sean Gilmartin.

This date in Mets history

On August 23, 2009, Angel Pagan hit an inside-the-park home run against the Phillies, but the Mets lost the game when Jeff Francoeur hit into an unassisted triple play in the ninth inning. Julio Franco turns 57 today, Ed Hearn turns 55.