Mets Morning News: Vargas, Harvey hit hard

Meet the Mets

In his second start, Jason Vargas got pounded in the first inning once again, surrendering three runs to the Braves before allowing three more in the fifth frame of an 11-0 defeat. The offseason acquisition finished with six earned through 4.2 innings, giving up 11 hits and a pair of walks. Matt Harvey then came on in relief and was even worse, coughing up five runs over two innings. Julio Teheran held the Mets hitless until the seventh inning, when Asdrubal Cabrera cracked a double for one of three Mets hits on the day.

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

Once again, Harvey seemed oddly optimistic after an abysmal outing.

The Daily News’ John Harper called on the Mets to end their relationship with the former ace.

Manager Mickey Callaway told reporters he expects Michael Conforto and Amed Rosario to play their ways out of their slumps in the majors.

Mets prospect Walter Rasquin, a 22-year-old outfielder and second baseman in Single-A, was suspended 50 games for testing positive for methamphetamine.

Around the National League East

If you really hate yourself, check out Talking Chop’s recap of yesterday’s beatdown.

Fish Stripes called on the Marlins to take the closer role from Brad Ziegler and hand it to Kyle Barraclough.

The Good Phight wondered if Aaron Nola’s career will ever surpass that of former Phillies ace Cole Hamels.

The Nationals completed a four-game sweep of the Pirates with a 3-1 victory behind 5.2 shutout innings from Jeremy Hellickson.

Around Major League Baseball

Reflect on the Hall of Fame career of Ichiro Suzuki by scrolling through some of his most memorable moments and weighing in on whether or not he has more hits than Pete Rose.

Fangraphs examined just how dominant James Paxton was in his last start, in which he struck out 16 across seven innings, throwing 80 of his 105 pitches for strikes.

Yesterday at Amazin’ Avenue

The Mets added former Phillies third baseman and left fielder Cody Asche on a minor league deal.

The Mets got good news from an MRI of Jacob deGrom’s elbow after he left his last start early with pain in his arm.

This Date in Mets History

In 1969, the Mets used just two pitchers to sweep the Cubs in a doubleheader. Tom Seaver struck out seven in a complete-game 3-2 victory. Then, forced out of the bullpen and into an emergency start, Tug McGraw tossed a complete game of his own, striking out one more than Seaver for another 3-2 win.