Mets Morning News: Seeing red

Meet the Mets

Kevin Plawecki pitched in this game. Need we say more? Chris Flexen got crunched for five runs in the first inning, and the Reds eventually broke through for nine more and left the Mets in the dust 14-4. They’ll try to turn things around tonight in the middle game of the series in Cincinnati.

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After a fire sale of veterans left the Mets clubhouse seemingly in flux, skipper-for-now Terry Collins has received praise in helping to develop and manage the younger players.

The Mets are sending a skilled contingent to the Arizona Fall League, including Luis Guillorme and Tomas Nido.

We are still waiting on an update for Michael Conforto, who was set to receive a second opinion on his shoulder yesterday.

Jose Reyes started in left field last night for the first time in 17 years. Collins cited Reyes’ need for increased versatility and Cincinatti’s small outfield as factors when making the decision.

It’s tough to know what the future holds for David Wright, but if this is the end of his career, Bob Klapisch thinks that he deserved better.

Around the NL East

The Marlins blew their fair share of chances in a loss at Washington, but Giancarlo Stanton kept on raking and tied the record for most home runs in August.

Meanwhile for the Nationals, it was a nice win and key return for shortstop Trea Turner.

The Braves were rained out, but made plenty of news between Freddie Freeman’s ailing wrist and a potential shakeup in the organization.

The Phillies were rained out (they were playing the Braves), but fans are getting excited for a September call-up.

Around the Majors

The Astros struggled mightily in a home game at Tropicana Field, which was relocated following the devastating flooding in Houston.

Red Sox ace Chris Sale set the record for quickest to hit the 1,500 strikeout mark.

Royals starter Danny Duffy was arrested for DUI after he was found passed out in a Burger King drive-through.

Trade interest in Tigers starter Justin Verlander is reportedly heating up.

The Blue Jays released outfielder Nori Aoki.

You probably knew home runs have been up this year. You probably didn’t realize how wonky those numbers actually are.

Japanese two-way super prospect Shohei Otani returned to play this week. Otani is sure to be the prize jewel of the offseason, and although many teams will pursue him, there are rules to acquiring a player from a Japanese club.

Royals pitcher Danny Duffy was arrested for DUI on Sunday night.

Yesterday at Amazin’ Avenue

Aaron Yorke previewed the series in Cincinnati, which so far has turned out to be much better in theory than in practice.

We at Amazin’ Avenue, and all over SB Nation, want you to know how you can help those affected by Hurricane Harvey.

This Date in Mets History

The Mets could really use an offensive outburst similar to the one they had 18 years ago today. They hung 17 runs on the Astros on this date in 1999, including a 6-for-6, three home run performance from Edgardo Alfonzo.