Mets Morning News: Bullpen, bombs bail out Bartolo

Meet the Mets

The Mets came back from three- and two-run deficits to top the Nationals in a Citi Field slug-fest, 9-7. Though Bartolo Colon got knocked around for six earned runs in 4.2 innings, the lineup countered with home runs from Travis d'Arnaud, Jose Reyes, Asdrubal Cabrera, and Wilmer Flores. Curtis Granderson collected three hits—two doubles—to go with two walks. Five relief pitchers combined to hold Washington to one run over 4.1 innings.

Choose your recap: Amazin' Avenue short and long, MLB.com, ESPN, Times, Post, Daily News, Newsday, NJ.com.

A controversial play in the ninth worked in the Mets' favor when Jayson Werth was called for an illegal slide that was ruled an automatic double play. Nats president and GM Mike Rizzo got into a shouting match with the umpiring crew after the game.

After crushing two homers in the team's Wednesday victory over the Marlins, Flores came off the bench to hit a three-run bomb on Thursday to put the Mets ahead for good. BP Mets examined the infielder's potential as the team's third baseman of the future.

Speaking of hot Mets infielders, Amed Rosario continues to rake since his promotion to Double-A Binghamton. In addition to his fantastic glove and promising bat, the 20-year-old shortstop has impressed with his leadership abilities.

The Mets aren't ready to provide a return date for Zack Wheeler, but GM Sandy Alderson said it's "unlikely" he'll debut in the next 30 days.

Between the delay of Wheeler's arrival and an injury to Matt Harvey, Alderson is exploring trade avenues to improve the rotation.

Around the NL East

Nick Markakis doubled his season home run total with two dingers against the Cubs in a 4-3 victory.

Like the Mets, the Marlins are also taking stock of the starting pitcher market for a playoff push.

Phillies spot starter Adam Morgan got rocked on the road by the Rockies, who topped the Phils 11-2.

Read Federal Baseball's recap of the Nats' loss to the Mets here.

Around the Majors

The MLB announced the contestants for the 2016 Home Run Derby.

Grant Brisbee has some suggestions regarding how to improve the event.

Over at Fangraphs, Jeff Sullivan wrote about the evolution of Mike Trout.

Also at Fangraphs, Eric Longenhagen provided a scouting report for the latest Pirates pitching phenom, Tyler Glasnow.

Yesterday at AA

Linda Surovich covered Harvey's injury. Alderson thinks surgery for the ace is inevitable.

There's a new Noah Syndergaard T-shirt in town, and you need it.

In light of his rave reviews and spectacular numbers, Rosario was named to the MLB Futures Game.

This Date in Mets History

A pair of Mets played in All-Star Games 17 years apart: John Stearns took his only All-Star Game at-bat (despite making the team four times) in 1980, and Bobby Jones made his lone appearance in 1997.