Mets Morning News: Nationals’ ace drives Mets deeper into the hole

Meet the Mets

The Nationals don’t have the world’s greatest bullpen, and to beat them, you generally need to chase their starter from the field. Max Scherzer was in no mood to leave early last night though, and the Mets lost 7-2 as Scherzer pitched eight innings of dominant baseball. The Mets, who had gained some ground on the Nationals, now find themselves 10.5 games out of first after losing two straight to their division rivals.

Choose your recap: Amazin’ Avenue short and long, Times, Post, Daily News, Newsday, MLB.com, NJ.com, Bergen County Record.

Brand Nimmo and Matt Reynolds were called up to fill the roster spots of Matt Harvey and Juan Lagares.

Rafael Montero might be rewarded with a spot start next week following his strong showing in Thursday’s game.

The New York Times published a really touching story about how Sandy Alderson helped a Cubs fan who’s a cancer survivor meet some of her heroes at the Mets-Cubs game.

The Mets made a few minor league roster moves.

The Mets released Desmond Jennings. Jennings had been with the Las Vegas 51s and wasn’t hitting well.

Around the NL East

The Braves played the Marlins and lost 5-0. Even The Freeze was not immune to the down night.

The Braves paid their top draft pick, Kyle Wright, the highest signing bonus doled out since 2011—a cool $7 million.

The Phillies lost a close one to the Diamondbacks.

The Nationals signed Edwin Jackson to try and help bolster their bullpen.

Around MLB

The Cubs placed Ben Zobrist on the 10-day DL with wrist inflammation.

Alex Wood remains unbeaten after the Dodgers took down the Reds 3-1.

Joe Maddon was ejected from the Cubs-Pirates game after arguing with the umpires over a home run call in the top of the first inning.

Victor Martinez was diagnosed with an irregular heartbeat after being hospitalized following Thursday’s Tigers game.

MLB has somehow still not ruled on Hunter Strickland’s appeal of his suspension from the Bryce Harper fight that took place nearly three weeks ago.

Yesterday at AA

Joe Sokolowski brought you another edition of “This Week in Mets Quotes.”

Daniel Convery handled the Daily Prospect Report.

This Date in Mets History

The controversial late-night firing of Willie Randolph took place on this date back in 2008.