Mets Morning News: Mets start second half with a win

Meet the Mets

Neil Walker and Juan Lagares brought the firepower as the Mets jumped out to a good second half start in a 5-3 victory over the Phillies. Bartolo Colon, fresh from riding the All-Star game bench, threw five excellent innings before running into trouble in the sixth. The Mets’ bullpen was strong, though, and they held off the Phillies to get the win in Philadelphia.

Choose your recap: Amazin’ Avenue short, NY Post, Daily News, ESPN, MLB.com, Newsday, NJ.com, Bergen County Record, New York Times.

Logan Verrett will take the mound against Jerad Eickhoff as the series continues tonight.

Yulieski Gurriel was signed by the Astros yesterday, officially ending the Mets’ half-hearted pursuit of him.

The Mets have not ruled out bringing back Jonathon Niese.

Yoenis Cespedes is still feeling discomfort in his quadriceps, and sat out last night’s game.

Mike Piazza was once again asked about steroid use during a Hall of Fame conference call with reporters. The reporter who asked the question was Murray Chass, which prompted NBC Sports’ Craig Calcaterra to rake Chass over the coals in his column.

The Mets have had better TV viewership than the Yankees so far this season—the first time that’s ever happened since the launch of SNY.

Zack Wheeler is aiming for a mid-to-late-August return.

Around the NL East

Stephen Strasburg continued his dominance, improving to 13-0 as the Nationals beat the Pirates.

The Marlins came from behind to beat the Cardinals in an exciting game that saw the lead change five times.

The Braves lost a stinker to the Rockies, and also lost pitcher Arodys Vizcaino to injury. Braves first baseman Freddie Freeman had a cancerous mole removed from his back over the All-Star break, and was back in the Braves lineup already last night.

Around MLB

Red Sox prospect Michael Kopech threw a fastball that measured 105 mph on the radar gun.

The White Sox are calling up top pitching prospect Carson Fulmer to the big leagues.

MLB is investigating whether David Ortiz broke tampering rules with comments he made over the All-Star break.

Yesterday at Amazin’ Avenue

Aaron Yorke previewed the Mets/Phillies series.

Daniel Convery had the Mets Daily Prospect Report.

This Date in Mets History

Ten years ago the Mets tied a major league record when Carlos Beltran and Cliff Floyd hit grand slams in the same inning.