Mets Morning News: Mets lose fourth in a row; Ron Darling has thyroid cancer

Meet the Mets

After getting swept by the Brewers, the Mets rolled into San Diego hoping for a change of pace against the Padres. Instead, the found a connect four of the wrong kind, in a game that saw rookie Chris Paddack shut them out for their fourth straight loss. Jacob deGrom pitched well, giving up just two runs in seven innings of work, but like much of last year, that wasn’t enough for a win.

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

Ron Darling announced that he’s been diagnosed with thyroid cancer. Darling said the cancer is treatable, and received strong support from his broadcast partners and the Mets.

The Mets made a whole slew of roster moves, precipitated by Jason Vargas heading to the DL.

Vargas isn’t the only Mets starter hurting. Steven Matz is also likely to miss his turn in the rotation due to nerve issues.

Joel Sherman says Brodie Van Wagenen was brought in because he was viewed as a shrewd deal maker, but his moves aren’t looking so shrewd these days.

The Mets acquired reliever Wilmer Font from the Rays for cash and a player to be named later.

There appears to be some disagreement between Brandon Nimmo and Mickey Callaway over what’s causing Nimmo’s slump.

Jay Bruce has had a very weird season so far in Seattle. He has 11 home runs and 22 RBIs but is only hitting .183 at the plate.

Around the National League East

The Braves, who are also on a West Coast swing, lost to the Dodgers 5-3.

The Brewers continued their domination of the NL East with a victory over the Nationals. The Nationals also lost two players to injury in the game.

Kevin Gausman received a five game suspension for throwing at Jose Urena.

Derek Jeter’s right hand man at the Marlins, Gary Denbo, sounds like a charming human being.

Around Major League Baseball

A swarm of bees delayed the Reds/Giants game.

The Red Sox placed David Price on the DL with elbow tendinitis.

Several MLB teams have reached out to Jeopardy whiz James Holzhauer to offer him jobs.

A.J. Pollock’s staph infection is apparently very serious, and he will miss at least six more weeks battling it.

Trevor Bauer sent a friendly tweet to Tim Anderson, but wasn’t spared by the hard-hitting White Sox shortstop.

Yesterday at Amazin’ Avenue

Steve Sypa handled the Daily Prospect Report.

From Complex to Queens episode six came out.

Liam Murphy brought the early news that Vargas was likely headed to the DL, something that was confirmed later in the day.

Vasilis Drimalitis previewed the Mets/Padres series.

Allison McCague brought you player performance meters for pitchers and position players.

This Date in Mets History

Jordany Valdespin hit a home run for his first major league hit on this date in 2012. Unfortunately, his career was mostly downhill from there.