Mets Morning News: Duda departs and Flexen flops

Meet the Mets

A big trade, and a routine loss. The Mets shipped Lucas Duda to the Rays, then sent Chris Flexen to the mound for his MLB debut. The Padres got to him early, and after the Mets fell into a 7-1 hole, a comeback effort came up short. Next stop, Seattle.

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

Curtis Granderson was among the many Mets players and fans who didn’t take the news of Duda’s departure too well.

But for all we know, he could be the next to go. Mets fans should expect at least one more trade before the deadline passes.

The trade paves the way for Dominic Smith’s call-up, here’s what Met fans should expect.

Chris Flexen didn’t play that well, but he says he still enjoyed his MLB debut.

Another struggling starter for the Mets has been Steven Matz; his manager says it’s because he’s trying too hard.

The hot corner has been more of a hot seat for the Mets lately.

Around the NL East

It was a record-setting home run barrage in Washington as the Nationals blew out the Brewers.

Derek Dietrich helped lead the Marlins to a win over the Reds.

The Phillies had the day off, but sent reliever Pat Neshek to the Rockies, just in time for him to carve up the Mets next week.

The Braves had the day off, didn’t trade anyone, but are the subject of plenty of rumors.

Around the Majors

Last night’s Yankees walk-off proved to be a bit took much for Aaron Judge. The young phenom chipped his tooth in the celebration.

The Rangers seem pretty intent on trading Yu Darvish.

K-Rod may have a few K less in his bank account after a lawsuit from his former landlord.

Hall of Fame weekend is officially here. Here’s a guide if you’re lucky enough to be going.

Yesterday at Amazin’ Avenue

As we say farewell to Lucas Duda, Jonathan Maseng took a closer look at the newest Met, Drew Smith.

Nicholas Brosnan recapped all the reaction to the trade.

Steve Sypa took a close look at Chris Flexen’s challenging path to the big leagues.

Matt Varvaro offered us a look back at some of the best brawls in Mets history.

This Date in Mets History

It’s a big anniversary for Mets trades too. Some players of note who went too and from the Mets on past July 28ths: Carlos Beltran, Zack Wheeler, Paul Wilson, and Bubba Trammell.