Mets Morning News: Kelly Johnson plays hero against Marlins, Neil Walker to have surgery

Meet the Mets

The Mets beat the Marlins 5-2. Bartolo Colon started and was solid, allowing just two runs over seven innings. Wilmer Flores got the offense started in the second inning with a two-run home run off Miami starter Jake Esch. Kelly Johnson later came through with a clutch bases-loaded double in the eighth to give the Mets the lead. The Mets finish their series with the Marlins today.

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The Mets announced that second baseman Neil Walker is dealing with a herniated disc in his back. After the game it was announced that he would undergo surgery, thus ending his season.

The Mets acquired relief pitcher Fernando Salas from the Angels. In exchange, they sent minor league pitcher Erik Manoah to Anaheim.

Mike Petriello discussed the exceptionally high spin rate of Seth Lugo’s curveball. In his Tuesday night start, he set a record for the highest measured spin for a curveball, as recorded by Statcast.

Closer Jeurys Familia set the Mets’ single-season record for saves with 44. The record was held jointly by himself and Armando Benitez.

Prospect Gavin Cecchini has been taking reps at second base. Having played shortstop throughout his minor league career, he will reportedly play some second in the Arizona Fall League.

First base prospect Dominic Smith was profiled for the ESPN New York Farm Report. At Double-A, Smith is hitting .301 with 14 home runs.

Noah Syndergaard does not care for the wave at games, as stated in a tweet after Tuesday night’s game.

Terry Collins’s faith in Curtis Granderson was rewarded when he hit two home runs off the bench against the Marlins on Tuesday.

At BP Mets, Sara Novic discussed the recent success of shortstop Asdrubal Cabrera, along with the history of the name “Asdrubal.”

The Mets welcomed the Little League World Series champions from Maine-Endwell, New York before last night’s game.

Around the NL East

Read a recap of last night’s game from the Marlins’ perspective at Fish Stripes.

The Nationals edged out the Phillies by a score of 2-1. Gio Gonzalez struck out four over six innings, while his counterpart Adam Morgan allowed just two runs over 6.2 innings. Jayson Werth and Freddy Galvis hit home runs for their respective teams. Read recaps at Federal Baseball and The Good Phight.

The Braves beat the Padres 8-1. Matt Wisler was excellent, striking out 10 over six innings while allowing one run. Adonis Garcia had three hits and drove in a run for Atlanta.

Around MLB

The Mets are now 1.5 games behind the Cardinals in the Wild Card race after St. Louis lost to the Brewers. The Giants maintained their lead in the first Wild Card spot with a win over the Diamondbacks.

Yasiel Puig will not be traded this season. The outfielder was claimed on waivers, but the time allotted to complete a trade expired.

The Dodgers scratched Rich Hill from his scheduled start. He is still dealing with a residual blister issue that has affected him since before the trade deadline.

The Orioles and Diamondbacks agreed to a trade that would send Michael Bourn to Baltimore. The Orioles also acquired Drew Stubbs via waivers.

Jonathan Papelbon is reportedly unlikely to sign with a team before the end of the season. He was released by the Nationals a few weeks ago with a 4.37 ERA.

Red Sox prospect Yoan Moncada is being called up to the majors. Moncada entered the season as a the #3 prospect for Baseball America.

This Date in Mets History

In 1975, Tom Seaver struck out ten Pirates hitters and became the first pitcher to record eight straight seasons of at least 200 strikeouts. His record would ultimately end at nine seasons.