Mets Morning News: Yo’s return to the lineup not enough to get past Braves

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The Atlanta Braves got on Noah Syndergaard early, tagging him for three runs in the first inning. That was all they would get over six innings of work, but it was enough for rookie Mike Soroka and the Braves to outlast the Mets in last night’s game. The Mets’ efforts at a late-inning comeback fell short this time. Yoenis Cespedes, back from his thumb injury, collected three hits in the loss.

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The bright side of last night’s game is that after being sidelined for a couple of days with a thumb injury that could have been much worse, Yoenis Cespedes looks no worse for wear. He amassed three hits in last night’s game, including a home run—the only blemish the Mets could manage on Mike Soroka’s record. Oh, and he nabbed a runner at the plate as well. “That guy is an animal,” Noah Syndergaard said of Cespedes.

In addition to the update on Cespedes, which was that he did not receive an MRI and would be returning to the lineup, Sandy Alderson gave a litany of injury updates in yesterday’s press conference. Kevin Plawecki’s grip strength has apparently not improved and it seems he will not meet the initial optimistic projected return of 2-3 weeks. Steven Matz, however, says his back feels “fine” and seems on track to make his start on Saturday.

Alderson also indicated that the acquisition of a catcher is probably not forthcoming, saying that “significant improvements” have not made themselves available, while “incremental improvements” are not worth sacrificing familiarity with the team’s pitching staff.

Mickey Callaway and pitching coach Dave Eiland believe Matt Harvey has gotten over his initial emotional reaction to being moved from the bullpen. Eiland says Harvey is “engaged, asking questions and working hard.”

Amed Rosario has struggled at times at the plate during his first full season in the big leagues, including last night’s bunt attempt in the ninth inning. But Rosario knows that these early hills and valleys are part of the game.

Around the National League East

The “Baby Braves” took center stage in last night’s game.

It’s getting late early—as a great baseball man once said—for the Nationals and the Dodgers, writes Eno Sarris. The Nationals did win last night, though, in a rout of the Pirates, with Bryce Harper hitting leadoff for the first time since 2013.

Despite Zach Eflin carrying a perfect game into the sixth inning, the Phillies lost to the Marlins last night 2-1 on a walk-off RBI single from Yadiel Rivera.

Around Major League Baseball

ESPN.com reviewed the best and worst for all 30 MLB teams in April. For the Mets, the good has been their relative health compared to last season. The bad has been Matt Harvey already being in the bullpen and the catching situation.

In light of Trevor Bauer’s very public Twitter beef about shoddy enforcement of baseball’s rules on pine tar, Buster Olney wrote a piece about it.

Jeff Sullivan profiles Mariners’ standout Mitch Haniger, speculating that a 8.5 degree change in launch angle on balls hit at least 95 miles per hour may be the reason for his success so far this season. This mark is second-best in baseball. It should be noted that Yoenis Cespedes finds himself fourth on this list at +6.8 degrees from last season.

The baseball world waits with bated for the arrival of young prodigy Vladimir Guerrero Jr. Jeff Passan weighs the pros and cons of calling him up now.

Nick Piecoro of AZcentral.com wrote an excellent profile on retired pitcher Dan Haren, who may very well a big reason for the Diamondbacks’ early success.

Jordan Montgomery exited last night’s game with elbow tightness. But the Yankees are not terribly concerned yet.

The Giants placed Johnny Cueto on the 10-day disabled list with right elbow inflammation.

Yesterday at Amazin’ Avenue

Steve Sypa gave us the minor league players of the week.

Lukas Vlahos brought us the daily prospect report.

Chris McShane previewed this series against the Braves.

David Capobianco provided injury updates on Yoenis Cespedes and Steven Matz.

This Date in Mets History

On this date in 1964, Al Jackson bested Reds’ ace Jim Maloney, pitching a two-hit shutout to carry the Mets to just their third win in 14 games.