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Meet the Mets
Steven Matz's quality start—striking out six over seven innings of two-run baseball—was spoiled by Giancarlo Stanton's two-home run game, as the Mets took a 5-2 loss against Miami. Jose Reyes started at third base and led off in his return to Flushing, receiving a warm reception. He went 0-for-4 on the night, however, as Wei-Yin Chen, Fernando Rodney, and A.J. Ramos limited the Mets to four hits.
Choose your recap: Amazin' Avenue short and long, MLB.com, ESPN, New York Post, NJ.com, Newsday, Daily News, New York Times, USA Today, Faith and Fear in Flushing, Sun Sentinel, Miami Herald.
David Wright's chances of returning this season look slim, as the Mets' captain was transferred to the 60-day disabled list to free up a 40-man roster spot for the returning Jose Reyes. Matt Reynolds was the team's active roster casualty for Reyes; the 25-year-old infielder was optioned to Triple-A Las Vegas.
The 2016 National League All-Stars, managed by Terry Collins, will feature three Mets: Yoenis Cespedes, Noah Syndergaard, and Jeurys Familia.
Mike Puma of the New York Post lauded Steven Matz's gutsy effort in Tuesday's defeat.
Las Vegas 51s slugger Travis Taijeron will participate in this year's Triple-A Home Run Derby.
Ted Berg of USA Today discussed Jose Reyes's return to the Mets. Leading in to his first game back, Mike Vorkunov asked whether there's a right way for sports leagues to discipline players who commit domestic violence.
The Mets currently have a 60.2 percent chance of making the playoffs this season, compared to just a 20.1 percent chance at this point last season.
Around the NL East
The Phillies notched a 5-1 victory over Atlanta, as rookie starter Zach Eflin threw an improbable complete game.
In Deadspin's Funbag column, Drew Magary made the case for abandoning the Braves and jumping ship to become a Mets fan.
He may have surrendered a pinch-hit home run to Alejandro De Aza, but newly-acquired All-Star Fernando Rodney has pitched very well in 2016.
The Marlins may have lost Justin Bour for a prolonged stretch. The power-hitting first baseman returned to Miami on Tuesday after suffering a right lower leg/ankle injury.
The Nationals looked sloppy in their second-straight loss, coming up short against the 37-46 Brewers.
After getting off to a torrid start at the plate this season, second baseman Daniel Murphy missed out on being an All-Star starter by 88 votes.
Around the Majors
The Pirates have now won six in a row, emerging from a sub-.500 start through the season's first 81 games.
Dave Cameron of FanGraphs suggested the Red Sox acquire another hitter, naming Ryan Braun as a potential fit.
Steven Souza Jr. of the Rays was taught an "embarrassing" lesson by manager Kevin Cash in a 13-5 loss on Tuesday. After failing to run out a seemingly routine fly ball—that was misplayed into a triple—the outfielder was benched for showing a lack of hustle.
Infielder Jung-ho Kang is under investigation for sexual assault. Pittsburgh team president Frank Coonelly advised staff and players not to comment on the matter, noting the severe nature of the investigation.
Yesterday at Amazin' Avenue
Chris McShane outlined the reasons not to bat Jose Reyes out of the leadoff spot.
Position players and pitchers were analyzed in Week 13 of the player meter.
Matt Varvaro broke down Matt Harvey's mechanical issues.
Ketul Shah explained how bone spurs affect pitchers.
This Date in Mets History
On this date in 1962, Rod Kanehl became the first player in franchise history to hit a grand slam, giving the Mets a 10-1 in their 79th game. And happy birthday to Lance Johnson and Willie Randolph!