Mets Morning News: They coulda been a contender

Meet the Mets

The Mets were destroyed by the red-hot Braves in their series opener last night in Atlanta. It was the first game of an eleven-game road trip that could make or break their season, and so far, things are pointing very strongly toward “break.”

Choose your recap: Amazin’ Avenue short and long, Faith and Fear in Flushing, MLB.com, Daily News, Post

In relatively good news, the Mets say that Noah Syndergaard only has a low-grade hamstring strain and shouldn’t miss much time.

Pete Alonso, Jeff McNeil, and Michael Conforto aren’t faring very well in All-Star voting, but those players are definitely deserving of playing in the game regardless of how bad their team might be. You can vote here or watch Alonso and McNeil work for your votes.

Nolan Ryan had been slated to attend the Mets’ celebration of the 50th anniversary of the 1969 team, but he cannot make it now.

Around the National League East

Curtis Granderson continues to be one of the best people in sports, as further evidenced by this piece in Sports Illustrated in which he has things in perspective late in his major league career.

Phillies outfielder Odubel Herrera had his administrative leave extended through July 1 by the league following his arrest for domestic violence.

Speaking of the Phillies, their game against the Nationals was postponed last night. The Marlins lost to the Cardinals by a 5-0 score.

Around Major League Baseball

Buster Olney takes a look at the challenge of building a major league bullpen. It seems like the Yankees have figured it out to me, and a willingness to spend money on top-tier talent seems awfully useful.

Sheryl Ring has an update on Angel Hernandez’s lawsuit against MLB.