Mandatory Credit: John Hefti-USA TODAY Sports

Good morning, Mets fans!

After yet another loss on Monday night, the Mets will look to get out of their funk on Tuesday for another late-night bout with the Giants at Oracle Park. They’ve dropped four straight and find themselves 3.5 games out of first place with a .500 record for the first time since May 6.

New York will send righty Marcus Stroman (8-11, 2.79 ERA) while right-hander Logan Webb (6-3, 2.96 ERA) gets the nod for San Francisco. First pitch is set for 9:45 p.m. EST, will be broadcast on WCBS 880 and WQBU 92.7 and can be seen on SNY.

Let’s get into this morning’s briefing.

Latest Mets News

Javier Báez was seen fielding ground balls at second base prior to Monday night’s game in San Francisco. The recent pickup was put on New York’s 10-day IL on Saturday due to back spasms.

Latest MLB News

Per Ken Rosenthal of The Athletic, the Padres are close to signing Cubs righty Jake Arrieta with a finalized deal expected soon. Arrieta is pitching a 6.88 ERA this season with a 5-11 record on the mound.

The Dodgers have claimed right-hander Evan Phillips off waivers, according to Ken Rosenthal of The Athletic. Phillips recently completed a three-inning save for the Rays last Friday in his only appearance for the team. Tampa Bay designed the righty for assignment on Saturday.

The Rays have signed reliever David Robertson to a major league deal, according to Marc Topkin of the Tampa Bay Times. The righty will start playing in Triple-A before making the jump to the majors.

Marquee Sports Network, the Cubs’ local RSN station, will broadcast 12 of Chicago’s minor league games. This comes as the Cubs are investing their future in young prospects.

Baseball America released its Midseason MLB Organization Farm System rankings on Monday.

Latest on MMO

Rich Sparago previews the Mets’ series with the Giants at Oracle Park.

Alex Horowitz writes on what the Mets can learn from the Pirates in facing San Francisco pitcher Kevin Gausman.

Patrick Glynn evaluates the ups and downs of the New York’s bitter series against Los Angeles.

Matt Musico goes over three areas where pitcher Aaron Loup has excelled for the Mets.

Michael Mayer takes a look at Jose Butto’s recent dominance with Double-A Binghamton.

On This Date in Mets History

1973: 42-year-old Willie Mays hits the 660th and final home run of his career in a 2-1 loss to the Reds at Shea Stadium.  The outfielder played 21 seasons with the Giants before spending his last two seasons with the Mets. Mays is currently sixth in home runs hit all-time.

Birthdays: Mike O’Connor (41) and Skip Lockwood (75).

Let’s go Mets!