Mets Morning News: Mets fall to third place after finally dropping one to the Cubs

Meet the Mets

The Mets rolled into Chicago, but there would be no sweep this time, as the Cubs chased Steven Matz in the sixth inning. It was an all-around lackluster showing for the Amazins as their bats seemed incapable of solving lefty Jon Lester.

Matz gave up four runs on eight hits in only five-plus innings of work. Matz has not pitched well against teams from Chicago this season after previously losing a game to the White Sox, and getting some strong relief from the bullpen after giving up three runs in 5.1 innings against the Cubs in June in a game the Mets went on to win 4-3.

The loss stung, as it knocked the Mets into third place behind the Marlins and Nationals.

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

After the game, Steven Matz insisted that it was control problems, and not his bone spur, that were to blame for his poor performance.

Terry Collins said that Michael Conforto may see action in center field, a position he hasn’t played since college, after Yoenis Cespedes was shifted to left field to reduce the stress on his legs.

Matt Harvey underwent surgery to fix his thoracic outlet syndrome.

Curtis Granderson has been doing amazing work to help engage inner-city youth in Chicago in baseball.

Mike Vaccaro took at look back at the Mets’ famed “9/11 game” that took place on September 21, 2001.

Around the NL East

The Braves got clobbered by the Reds.

The Nationals are looking to upgrade their bullpen as the trade deadline approaches.

The Marlins came from behind to beat the Phillies in extra innings and seize second place in the NL East from the Mets.

In a rather bizarre story, Marlins outfield Christian Yelich has denied that he’s the man featured in an apparent sex tape that was posted on Twitter.

Around MLB

Former Cardinals scouting director Chris Correa was sentenced to just under four years in prison by a federal judge yesterday for his role in the Houston Astros hacking scandal. Correa was also fined $279,037 dollars by the judge.

The Twins fired longtime GM Terry Ryan after a string of bad seasons.

Aroldis Chapman threw a 105 mph pitch during the Yankees game against the Orioles on Monday night.

Reds catcher Devin Mesoraco had season-ending hip surgery.

Trevor Bauer would really like his drone back.

Yesterday at AA

Peter Shaviro had some news items on Jacob deGrom and Yoenis Cespedes.

Aaron Yorke previewed the Mets/Cubs series.

Matt Varvaro had the Monday Morning Mind Boggler.

Steve Schreiber brought you This Week in SNY.

Lukas Vlahos had the Mets Daily Prospect Report.

This Date in Mets History

Today marks the 30th anniversary of Rick Aguilera, Ron Darling, Bob Ojeda, and Tim Teufel’s infamous night out at Cooter’s.