Mets Morning News: Bartolo leaves early, bullpen was splendid, Mets win!

Meet the Mets

A Whit Merrifield comebacker ended Bartolo Colon's night after just four pitches, but 3.2 innings of one-run relief from Hansel Robles helped keep the Mets afloat in a 2-1 victory over the Kansas City Royals. Jeurys Familia struck out two in a successful bid for his 23rd save, while Asdrubal Cabrera and Yoenis Cespedes launched solo home runs.

Choose your recap: Amazin' Avenue short and long, MLB.com, ESPN, New York Post, NJ.com, Newsday, Daily News, New York Times, Kansas City Star, Faith and Fear in Flushing.

The Mets and Royals will play the final game of their two-game series this afternoon, as Noah Syndergaard and Danny Duffy will square off at 1:10 PM EDT.

Before Tuesday's victory, the Mets executed several roster moves. The team recalled Sean Gilmartin from Triple-A Las Vegas, placing Jim Henderson on the 15-day disabled list in a corresponding move. Additionally, Travis d'Arnaud's activation from the DL resulted in Kevin Plawecki's demotion to Triple-A.

The Mets are internally weighing the option of signing Cuban free agent Yuliesky Gourriel to play third base in David Wright's absence. Fellow countryman Yoenis Cespedes has stumped for the Mets to acquire Gourriel, though there will be several teams vying for his services.

The Mets were said to have "considered the possibility" of bringing Jose Reyes back to Queens. The former Rockies shortstop will become a free agent after clearing waivers on Saturday. For what it's worth, Mets GM Sandy Alderson spoke about "talent and character" in recruiting players from outside of the organization.

Zack Wheeler experienced discomfort in his right elbow during his rehab assignment. The right-hander will fly back to New York today to meet with team doctors at the Hospital for Special Surgery.

2016 Mets draft picks Justin Dunn and Blake Tiberi were in attendance at Citi Field on Tuesday after signing contracts with the organization.

Keith Hernandez took a break from color commentary on Tuesday to flip burgers at Keith's Grill.

A Jose Reyes reunion wouldn't be worth the headache, writes Joe Giglio of NJ.com.

Danny Valencia of the Oakland A's is "exactly what the Mets are looking for," writes Dave Cameron of FanGraphs.

Around the NL East

The Mets gained some ground in the NL East standings, as Tanner Roark and the Nationals came up short in a 3-2 loss to the Dodgers.

Miami squandered a late lead, taking a 3-2 loss to the Braves despite seven shutout innings from Jose Fernandez. Utilityman Jace Peterson came up with a pair of timely hits for Atlanta: a two-run home run in the eighth inning, followed by a go-ahead single in the 10th.

Kurt Suzuki drove in six runs in Minnesota's 14-10 win over the Phillies. Philadelphia starter Aaron Nola has now pitched fewer than four innings in three straight starts.

Around the Majors

Adam Wainwright improved his lifetime record at Wrigley Field to 10-1 in St. Louis's 4-3 victory over the Cubs. Matt Holliday and Matt Carpenter helped the cause with home runs.

Jeff Sullivan of FanGraphs analyzed Adrian Gonzalez's power outage in 2016.

Chris Sale rebounded from his recent funk by picking up his 12th win in a 3-1 victory over the Red Sox.

Bark at the Park night at Comerica Park was a resounding success.

Yesterday at AA

Astromets recapped his night watching the Columbia Fireflies (the Mets' Single-A affiliate) take on the Rome Braves.

Chris McShane updated the 2016 Mets Draft Pick Tracker.

Steve Schreiber shared highlights from Gary, Keith, and Ron in Week 10 of This Week in SNY!

This Date in Mets History

On this date in 1987, Tom Seaver retired, ending his career after amassing 301 victories between the Mets, Reds, White Sox, and Red Sox. Some would say his career achievements are worthy of a statue at Citi Field!

Happy birthday to Willie Harris, Ron Hodges, and Darrell Ceciliani!