Mets Morning News: Mets settle for doubleheader split, Reyes suffers intercostal strain

Meet the Mets

The Mets settled for a split in their doubleheader with the Cardinals, stumbling to a 3-2 loss against Carlos Martinez before out-dueling Jaime Garcia in the nightcap. Noah Syndergaard and Bartolo Colon took the loss and win, respectively, while Jeurys Familia struck out two en route to his 52nd-straight save. Logan Verrett will make the start tonight in the rubber match of this series opposite Adam Wainwright.

Choose your recap, Game One: Amazin' Avenue short and long, MLB.com, NJ.com, Newsday, Daily News, New York Times, Faith and Fear in Flushing, STL Today.

Choose your recap, Game Two: Amazin' Avenue short and long, MLB.com, New York Post, NJ.com, USA Today, NorthJersey.com.

Monday night's rainout has forced Terry Collins to get creative with his starting rotation. The Mets' skipper will opt to start Bartolo Colon on short rest against the Rockies on Saturday.

Jose Reyes suffered an intercostal strain following a swing during game one of Tuesday's doubleheader. Collins wouldn't give an exact timetable for Reyes, claiming the infielder would miss "a few days." If Reyes misses a prolonged stretch, Wilmer Flores could be in line for additional playing time.

Noah Syndergaard wasn't at his sharpest over six innings against St. Louis, but the 23-year-old is healthy, per Terry Collins.

The Mets shouldn't hold their breath for a Zack Wheeler comeback, writes Erik Malinowski of BP Mets.

Yoenis Cespedes saved himself from an error with a bare-handed grab in left field.

Mets prospect Wuilmer Becerra has been shut down for the 2016 season after undergoing shoulder surgery.

Josh Smoker was promoted to the major league roster as the Mets' 26th man for the second game of Tuesday's doubleheader. The hard-throwing southpaw didn't make an appearance.

Around the NL East

The Nationals suffered a ninth-inning meltdown in a road match-up with the Cleveland Indians, as a Ryan Zimmerman throwing error would eventually lead to a walk-off 7-6 loss.

Adonis Garcia homered in the Braves' 2-0 shutout of the Twins.

Ichiro laced his 2,997th career hit in Miami's 5-0 win over the Phillies. The Mets now sit a half-game behind Miami in the NL East, and trail Washington by 4.5 games.

Around Major League Baseball

As the trade deadline approaches, Reds outfielder Jay Bruce appears likely to be on the move. The Blue Jays plucked an available outfielder off the market by acquiring Melvin Upton on Tuesday.

Paul Swydan of FanGraphs examines the possibility of Colorado choosing to compete in 2016 rather than sell at the deadline.

Nicholas Zettel of BP Milwaukee revisited the Carlos Gomez trade one year later. Wilmer Flores, Zettel notes, has maintained strong contact and plate discipline since returning from the disabled list in late May.

Francisco Liriano earned bragging rights by becoming the first pitcher to hit a home run off of Felix Hernandez on Tuesday. While King Felix has just four career hits, one is a grand slam off of Johan Santana.

This Date in Mets History

On this date in 2003, Gary "The Kid" Carter was inducted into the Hall of Fame. A beloved member of the 1986 Mets, Carter slugged 89 home runs over five seasons with the Mets.