Mets Morning News: Mets suffer crushing loss, Jeurys Familia’s save streak snapped

Meet the Mets

The Mets lost in heartbreaking fashion last night, as Jeurys Familia’s consecutive save streak was broken at 52. Logan Verrett started and pitched mostly fine, allowing three runs over seven innings. The Mets took the lead in the seventh inning on a Yoenis Cespedes home run, but the Cardinals managed to plate two runs in the ninth to take the win.

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The Mets begin a series against the Rockies this afternoon.

Jose Reyes said he could return from an intercostal strain as soon as Friday. Meanwhile, his injury gives an opportunity to Wilmer Flores, who has hit .340 over the course of July.

Reflecting in the Post about the Mets’ split of a doubleheader, Mike Vaccaro wondered why the Mets must torture fans as they do.

Left-handed pitcher Thomas Szapucki was featured in ESPN New York’s Farm Report. The 20-year-old was recently promoted to the Brooklyn Cyclones after an excellent start to the season with the Kingsport Mets.

Hitting coaches Kevin Long and Pat Roessler picked up on an issue in Travis d’Arnaud’s swing. His stride has been longer than usual, which has resulted in him fouling off more pitches.

Trade talks for Brewers catcher Jonathan Lucroy are reportedly heating up. The Mets had been linked to him.

FiveThirtyEight examined closers who are good at cleaning up messes of their own creations. Despite last night, Mets closer Jeurys Familia was highlighted as one the best.

The Mets will be wearing patches on their jerseys honoring Mike Piazza this weekend. The former Mets catcher was inducted into the Hall of Fame this past weekend.

Around the NL East

The Braves edged out the Twins 9-7. Freddie Freeman led with the way with a 4-for-5 night that included a home run and five RBI.

Atlanta also made a trade with the Rangers. Lucas Harrell and former Met Dario Alvarez were shipped to Texas in exchange for prospect Travis Demeritte.

Stephen Strasburg dominated the Indians, as the Nationals won 4-1. Over seven innings, he allowed just three hits and struck out seven. Daniel Murphy hit his 20th home run of the season.

The Marlins routed the Phillies 11-1. Adam Conley threw 6.2 shutout innings for Miami, while Giancarlo Stanton hit a home run. Cesar Hernandez had three hits for the Phillies. Read recaps at Fish Stripes and The Good Phight.

Around MLB

The White Sox have reportedly made starting pitcher James Shields available. It would be the second time Shields was traded this season, having been acquired from San Diego in June.

Chris Sale does not regret cutting up the White Sox throwback jerseys. He was suspended five games by the team for the incident.

The Mariners are reportedly interested in Reds outfielder Jay Bruce. Bruce has a team option for the 2017 season.

At Fangraphs, David Laurila interviewed former Mets pitching prospect Michael Fulmer. He credited the development of his changeup as one reason for his success in the majors.

At The Ringer, Zach Kram highlighted three pitchers who are throwing a higher than average number of breaking balls.

This Date in Mets History

In 1993, Mets pitcher Anthony Young recorded a win against the Marlins. This otherwise unexceptional statistic is notable because it was his first win in 465 days and 27 consecutive losses, a major league record.