Mets Morning News: Second half, same story

Meet the Mets

It was a dreary second half start for the Mets, with things looking a lot like the first half — shaky starting pitching, relievers giving up runs, and a fairly sturdy offense able to bang out early leads, but unable to hit its way out of very deep holes. Jason Vargas had one of his worst outings of the year, the Marlins scored 8 runs, and the Mets only scored 4. Chalk another one up in the loss column.

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

The Mets designated Wilmer Font for assignment as part of a series of roster moves.

Brodie Van Wagenen assessed the state of the team in comments to reporters.

Kevin Kernan was not a fan of Van Wagenen’s comments.

Jed Lowrie is looking less and less likely to play this season after having his rehab shut down again.

The Mets are leaning against dealing Syndergaard or deGrom.

In a sad bit of news, Dwight Gooden was apparently pulled over and arrested last month when he was found with two zip-lock bags of suspected cocaine. He could face five years in prison.

Former Mets player Kirk Nieuwenhuis has retired.

Mets clubhouse manager Kevin Kierst apparently has a massive baseball memorabilia collection.

The Mets released Matt Kemp.

Around the National League East

Dallas Keuchel pitched another good game for the Braves, who beat the Padres 5-3.

The Nationals shutout the Phillies.

Around Major League Baseball

The Angels honored Tyler Skaggs before their game on Friday, and then did the truly remarkable and pitched a combined no-hitter.

Luis Severino is still over a month away from returning.

Zack Cozart will be lost for the season following a decision to undergo another arthroscopic procedure on his shoulder.

FiveThirtyEight had seven burning questions for MLB’s second half.

Yesterday at Amazin’ Avenue

Thomas Henderson handled the Daily Prospect Report.

Mets fans continue to have low confidence in the team.

Lukas Vlahos says trading Noah Syndergaard would be hugely risky for the Mets.

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

Vasilis Drimalitis previewed the Mets/Marlins series.

Maggie Wiggin sang the praises of Jeff McNeil.

Kenneth Lavin had player performance meters for the top Mets prospects.

This Date in Mets History

Mike Piazza his his 300th home run on this date in 2001.