Mets Morning News: Mets fall to Nationals, maintain spot in Wild Card race

Meet the Mets

Despite another good start from rookie pitcher Robert Gsellman, the Mets fell to the Nationals 1-0 yesterday afternoon. It was their last game against Washington during the regular season. Gsellman threw five-and-two-thirds scoreless innings, while striking out four before being removed in favor of Josh Smoker. Fernando Salas later allowed a solo home run to Wilson Ramos in the seventh inning. The Mets’ offense was stymied by Tanner Roark for seven innings despite his four walks. The Mets begin a series against the Twins on Friday night.

Choose your recap: Amazin’ Avenue short, MLB.com, ESPN New York, New York Post, Daily News, Newsday, NJ.com, NorthJersey.com, New York Times

Wilmer Flores will see a doctor about an ailing wrist. He hurt it in the home plate collision against the Braves that has kept him out of the lineup since Saturday.

Robert Gsellman is reportedly dealing with a torn labrum in his left shoulder. It is unclear whether he will need surgery in the offseason.

Terry Collins does not intend to reduce Jay Bruce’s playing time going forward. Bruce is hitting just .192 since being acquired by the Mets.

David Lennon discussed the slumping Bruce for Newsday. While in the Post, Mike Vaccaro points out that there are other options to take Bruce’s place, in the form of Alejandro De Aza and Michael Conforto.

In what has been a disappointing season, Travis d’Arnaud has functionally lost the starting catcher job to Rene Rivera. With neither particularly excelling at the plate, the difference has been Rivera’s ability to throw out runners.

The Mets announced their schedule for the 2017 season. They begin at home in Queens, facing the Braves.

Jon Heyman reported that David Wright’s neck is healing properly after surgery to repair a herniated disc. He could be back for spring training in 2017.

At The Ringer, Michael Baumann discussed the Mets’ success in spite of overwhelming odds this season.

Around the NL East

Read a recap of yesterday’s game from the Nationals perspective at Federal Baseball.

The Marlins beat the Braves 7-5. Jose Fernandez did not have his best stuff, allowing four runs and striking out just three over seven innings. Julio Teheran fared no better, allowing five runs over five-and-a-third innings. Marcell Ozuna had a home run and drove in four for Miami. While Nick Markakis had a home run of his own for Atlanta. Read recaps at Fish Stripes and Talking Chop.

The Phillies beat the Pirates 6-2. Jake Thompson allowed two runs over six innings for Philadelphia. Freddy Galvis and Tommy Joseph hit home runs.

Around MLB

The Mets missed a chance to gain ground in the Wild Card standings, as both the Giants and Cardinals lost on Wednesday. San Francisco lost to the Padres 3-1, as San Diego completed a sweep. While St. Louis lost 7-0 to the Cubs.

The Pirates announced that Gerrit Cole has been shut down due to elbow inflammation for the remainder of the season after pitching poorly in his return from the disabled list. To fill his spot, the team acquired Wade LeBlanc from the Mariners.

The Blue Jays will hire former Red Sox general manager Ben Cherington. He will serve as vice-president of baseball operations for Toronto.

Yankees outfielder Aaron Judge is likely done for the season. He suffered a strained right oblique during Tuesday’s game.

The Yankees reportedly will sign Billy Butler to a major league deal. He is expected to play against left-handed pitchers.

Vin Scully will not call any games during the playoffs. As a result, October 2 will be his last day broadcasting Dodgers games.

Ted Berg profiled Cleveland starting pitcher Trevor Bauer at For the Win.

At Fangraphs, Dave Cameron argued that Corey Seager should be the National League MVP. Meanwhile, Jeff Sullivan made the case for Kris Bryant.

Yesterday at AA

Timothy Finnegan broke down Noah Syndergaard’s slider from his dominant Tuesday night start against the Nationals using Statcast. He also looked at the ninth inning from the same game that saw the Mets blow a two run lead.

This Date in Mets History

In 1963, the Mets celebrated Banner Day for the first time. On that same day, the Mets lost both games in a double against the Colt .45s