Mets Morning News: Walker out of action, Robles coughs up game-winner

Meet the Mets

The Mets lost in walk-off fashion Tuesday night, taking a 3-2 defeat after Hansel Robles surrendered a ninth inning solo home run to pinch-hitter Trayce Thompson. Jacob deGrom turned in a quality start, striking out four over seven innings despite giving up two first-inning runs. The Dodgers' quartet of Alex Wood, Louis Coleman, Pedro Baez, and Kenley Jansen combined to strike out 13 batters, resulting in the end of New York's three-game winning streak.

Choose your recap: Amazin' Avenue short, Times, ESPN, Post, NJ.com, Newsday, Daily News, USA Today, L.A. Times.

Prior to giving up Thompson's game-winning home run, Robles shook off a slider from Kevin Plawecki.

Manager Terry Collins lauded deGrom's toughness through Tuesday's start; deGrom admitted he didn't have his best stuff in his no-decision outing.

Travis d'Arnaud received a plasma injection in his right shoulder and will be shut down from baseball activities for at least another week. Plawecki, who has hit well in d'Arnaud's absence, added an RBI single in Tuesday's defeat.

Neil Walker missed Tuesday's game with a bruised right shin, but is expected to return to the lineup on Wednesday against Kenta Maeda. Walker, presumably, wasn't available in emergency situations Tuesday, as utilityman Eric Campbell made just his second career appearance at second base in the bottom of the ninth inning.

Manager Terry Collins visited Dodgers broadcaster Vin Scully prior to Tuesday's game, deeming the Bronx-native "one of the finest human beings on the face of the earth."

After getting banged up on a slide into second base on Monday, Wilmer Flores suffered only "cosmetic" injuries, and was able to start on Tuesday. Flores would go 1-for-3 at the plate, and is now batting .180 on the season.

Having completed his rehab assignment, lefty Josh Edgin was optioned to Triple-A Las Vegas. Still recovering from Tommy John surgery, Edgin has suffered diminished velocity in recent outings.

Howard Megdal discussed Lucas Duda's transition from a platoon player to a "top-tier" first baseman.

David Wright has become "an all-or-nothing hitter," Jeff Sullivan of Fangraphs writes.

Ken Davidoff of the Post outlined the impact Stephen Strasburg's contract extension may have on Matt Harvey's future with the Mets.

Erik Malinowski of BP Mets compared Jeurys Familia's current pitch selection to that of his breakout 2015 campaign.

Around the NL East

The Nationals failed to gain a game in the NL East, as Nick Castellano's two-run home run propelled the Tigers to a 5-4 victory in Washington.

Once again, the strategy of intentionally walking Bryce Harper proved advantageous, as Detroit closer Francisco Rodriguez locked down his eighth save after giving Harper a free pass.

Dave Cameron of FanGraphs rated Stephen Strasburg's extension favorably, calling the deal a win-win.

The Braves dropped their fifth straight, absorbing a 3-2 loss against the Phillies. Maikel Franco totaled three hits, while starter Adam Morgan gave his team seven strong innings.

The Brewers routed Miami, receiving multi-RBI performances from Ryan Braun, Jonathan Villar, and Aaron Hill in a 10-2 win at Marlins Park.

Around the Majors

Raul Mondesi of the Royals became the ninth player this season to test positive for a performance-enhancing substance. The 20-year-old Mondesi, who won a World Series ring in 2015, will endure a 50-game suspension without pay.

The Angels traded for nine-year league veteran Brendan Ryan after losing Andrelton Simmons to a thumb injury. Simmons, who was acquired in an offseason trade with the Braves, is expected to miss at least two months of action.

After losing A.J. Pollock to a fractured right elbow, the Diamondbacks inked veteran outfielder Michael Bourn to a minor league contract.

Devin Mesoraco will miss the remainder of the 2016 season after undergoing surgery on a torn labrum on his left shoulder. When Mesoraco suffered a left hip injury last season, the Reds briefly tried playing the 27-year-old in left field.

On the heels of a six-RBI night, Jackie Bradley Jr. looks like the center fielder of Boston's future.

A former custodian, Astros catcher Evan Gattis took an unusual path to the major leagues.

Lorenzo Cain's power was on full display at Yankee Stadium on Tuesday night, slugging three home runs in a 10-7 loss.

Former MLB infielder Brandon Laird won a year's worth of free beer with this home run for the NPB's Nippon-Ham Fighters.

Yesterday at AA

Matt Harvey has displayed signs of hope for an excellent 2016 season, writes Nathan Gismot.

This Date in Mets History

On this date in 1972, the Mets traded for former New York Giant Willie Mays. A first ballot Hall of Famer, the "Say Hey Kid" concluded his major league career with the Mets, hitting 14 home runs between the 1972 and 1973 seasons.

Happy birthday to Jerry Martin and Walt Terrell!