Mets Morning News: Thor’s back as Mets top Nationals

Meet the Mets

Noah Syndergaard returned to the Mets on Friday, and true superheroic form, helped lead the team to victory over the Nationals. The Mets scored most of their runs in the first inning, giving Syndergaard some breathing room to work with. He didn’t have his best stuff, but managed to give up only one run in five innings.

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

The Mets are trying out Jeff McNeil at multiple positions ahead of a possible call-up from Las Vegas.

Dominic Smith says going back down to Triple-A won’t help his development.

Todd Frazier told Jacob deGrom that he has the right to vent at the Mets’ hitters, but deGrom prefers not to blame them.

Ken Davidoff says Syndergaard’s winning return proves the team shouldn’t trade him.

Should the Mets consider Kim Ng for their GM position?

Around the National League East

The Diamondbacks topped the Braves in a low-scoring pitcher’s duel.

The Phillies blanked the Marlins.

The Athletic had a long profile on Aaron Nola and his family.

The Phillies have upped their offer for Manny Machado.

Around Major League Baseball

Aroldis Chapman will sit out the All-Star Game to heal up.

Chase Utley will retire at the end of the season.

Matt Harvey continues to pitch well as the trade deadline approaches.

Dave Roberts’ mother Eiko threw out the first pitch for Japan night at Dodger Stadium.

Yesterday at Amazin’ Avenue

Thomas Henderson brought you the daily prospect report.

Joe Sokolowski was back with another edition of “This Week in Mets Quotes.”

David Capobianco covered the Mets’ bizarre refusal to bench or release Jose Reyes.

This Date in Mets History

Bobby Valentine picked up his 1,000th career win on this date in 2001 when the Mets shutout the Red Sox.