Mets Morning News: Nats blank Mets after two rain delays, Granderson departs with calf injury

Meet the Mets

A rain delay limited Matt Harvey to 3 2/3 innings in a 5-0 loss to the Nationals, pushing the Mets five games behind Washington in the NL East. What's more, Curtis Granderson departed the game early with right calf stiffness. The ailing Mets have now dropped three straight, and will look to avoid a sweep when Logan Verrett takes on Max Scherzer at 7:05 PM EDT.

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

Steven Matz will have his next start pushed back a day, pitching on Thursday against the Cubs. Diagnosed with bone spurs in his pitching elbow, Matz will hope to avoid in-season surgery.

Dominic Smith and Dilson Herrera will represent the Mets in the 2016 Futures Game at Petco Park. As pointed out by Rich Resch, Herrera played in the 2013 Futures Game while a member of the Pirates organization.

The Daily News reported a bone spur in Noah Syndergaard's pitching elbow only for the right-hander to refute the rumor, instead citing "wear and tear." This has led to a bit of a rift between Thor and the Mets' beat writers.

Terry Collins hinted that Curtis Granderson may sit out the team's series finale in Washington on Wednesday, not wanting to take chances on an apparent calf injury.

Now 0-9 with a fielding error since rejoining the organization, the Mets won't rush Jose Reyes back to the big leagues. The former NL batting champion has played for the Brooklyn Cyclones and Binghamton Mets over the last week. Interestingly, GM Sandy Alderson noted that Reyes' position flexibility may allow the team to pursue Yulieski Gurriel in free agency.

In a pair of minor league transactions, the Mets released infielder Danny Muno to vacate a roster spot for T.J. Rivera, who had been on the disabled list. Additionally, the team signed right-handed pitcher Tyler Herron out of the American Association. A 2005 first round draft pick, Herron pitched to a 0.80 ERA for the Fargo-Moorhead RedHawks.

Around the NL East

A rain delay may have shortened Lucas Giolito's major league debut, but the highly touted prospect still impressed with a one-hit outing over four innings. Eric Longenhagen of FanGraphs scouted Giolito, deeming the right-hander "the best pitching prospect in baseball."

The Phillies rallied in the ninth inning to earn a 4-3 victory over Arizona, as Jeanmar Gomez slammed the door for his 21st save.

A disastrous seven-run fifth inning sunk Miami in a loss to the Tigers. Prior to Tuesday's loss, the Marlins called up a familiar NL East face; promoting former Braves starter Jo-Jo Reyes from Triple-A New Orleans.

Arodys Vizacaino coughed up three runs in Atlanta's 5-3 loss to the Indians. Former teammates Juan Uribe and A.J. Pierzynski had some good-natured fun in their reunion.

Around the Majors

Joe Maddon was in top form on Tuesday, using pitchers Travis Wood, Spencer Patton, and Pedro Strop in the outfield during the Cubs' marathon victory over the Reds. Maddon's eccentric managing is a sight to behold.

It's been a year to forget in Cincinnati; the Reds have a chance to break the single-season record for home runs allowed.

The Diamondbacks will hope for a quick return from Zack Greinke; the right-hander departed Tuesday's game with oblique tightness.

Julio Urias, who endured a difficult major league debut against the Mets, earned his first major league victory against the Brewers with six innings of two-run baseball.

Melvin Upton scorched a 465-foot long ball and robbed a home run on defense in San Diego's 11-7 loss to the Orioles.

The Rockies' ground crew had their work cut out for them in Tuesday's match-up against Colorado.

This Date in Mets History

On this date in 1969, Tom Seaver tossed a complete game against the Pirates, becoming the winningest pitcher in Mets history. "Tom Terrific" still holds that honor 47 years later, ranking above Dwight Gooden (157 wins) and Jerry Koosman (140 wins) in the organization's all-time win column.

Happy birthday to Larry Stahl and Bob Shaw!