Mets Morning News: Mets fall to Yankees again, Travis d’Arnaud plays the infield

Meet the Mets

The third game of the Subway Series was a back and forth affair until Didi Gregorius broke it open with a two-out hit double the bases loaded in the seventh. Considering Travis d’Arnaud was playing the infield and Robert Gsellman was making his first start back from the disabled list, this game was actually a lot better than it could have been. Unfortunately it once again came down to the bullpens, and the Yankees have won that battle every time.

Choose your recap: Amazin Avenue short and long, Bergen Record, Daily News, Faith and Fear in Flushing, MLB.com, Newsday, NJ.com, Post

Sandy Alderson was not particularly happy with Robert Gsellman before the game, but afterward the righty was contrite for the remarks he made.

Terry Collins was displeased with a missed strike-three call that heavily impacted the game.

Both Dominic Smith and Amed Rosario are here to stay and they can offer a glimpse into the future.

Smith is trying to learn all he can from his idol Aaron Hicks.

The top of these two organizations set the tone for these teams, and that could be exactly where the problem lies for the Mets.

David Wright is still hoping to return sometime this season, but the Mets have to face a future where they can no longer count on the captain to man third base. It is unclear what Wright has to offer on the field, but his presence is certainly missed in the clubhouse.

Wright did let Travis d’Arnaud borrow his glove when the catcher had to make an emergency debut at third base, which led to a hilarious box score.

Terry Collins’s strategy to move d’Arnaud around the infield left an impression on Joe Girardi.

Steven Matz is hoping his mechanical issues are behind him when he takes the mound in the series finale against the Yankees.

Matt Harvey’s latest rehab outing went much better than the first and he is pleased with the progress he made.

Around the NL East

The Braves did not have a good night against the Rockies in Colorado.

Giancarlo Stanton did not hit a home run, but the Marlins won anyway. Miami might be willing to deal their powerful slugger but several factors might prevent that from happening before the season ends.

The Phillies were shut out by Clayton Richards and the Padres.

Nationals’ outfielder Brian Goodwin was placed on the DL, and old friend Alejandro De Aza was called up to take his place. Tanner Roark was good, but the Angels were better in a Washington loss.

Around the Majors

Former All-Star pitcher Jered Weaver officially announced his retirement after struggling all season with the Padres.

Padres’ first baseman Wil Myers stole three bases in a single inning against the Phillies.

The Astros and Tigers are still discussing a possible trade that involves Justin Verlander.

Mookie Betts led the Red Sox to victory over the Cardinals with a walk-off double.

Neil Walker is settling in nicely with the Brewers, and his home run was one of five hit by the Brew Crew in a win over the Pirates.

Yesterday at AA

Jonathan Maseng covered d’Arnaud’s debut at third.

Aaron Yorke wrote about Sandy Alderson’s discussion of the Mets’ payroll and the revelation that they were over budget.

This Date in Mets History

On August 17, 1973 Willie Mays hit the final home run of his career in a 2-1 loss against the Reds.