New York Mets

Matt Harvey, the one they call the "Dark Knight of Gotham," has become a riddle in need of a solution.

For the New York Mets, that should involve taking him off the mound. At least for a little while.

Yoenis Cespedes has been many things in his brief but eventful New York Mets tenure: trade-deadline savior, key lineup cog, National League champion.

A shade under two months into the 2016 season, we can officially add MVP candidate to the list.

NEW YORK — The tone in the afternoon was serious as the New York Mets discussed what they're going to do with a pitcher who was once their biggest asset but is now their biggest concern.

The tone Friday night was much lighter thanks to another Mets pitcher who is quickly becoming a valuable asset.

New York Mets starting pitcher Matt Harvey had a Thursday night to forget. Against the Washington Nationals, he was pulled after 2.2 innings. He allowed nine runs—six earned—on eight hits with a pair of walks. 

It was a record-setting night for the fourth-year pitcher, as ESPN.com's Adam Rubin pointed out:  

It's only May, and we're already running out of adjectives to describe New York Mets right-hander Noah Syndergaard.

Dominant, nasty, transcendent, filthy, scintillating—they've all been used. Once you've named a guy after a Norse god/Marvel superhero, where is there to go?

How about this: best pitcher in the ace-rich National League East.

David Wright's injury woes are back, as the New York Mets third baseman is dealing with a back injury that will force him to miss at least one game. 

Continue for updates. 

Wright Scratched after Back "Flared Up"

Tuesday, May 17

Newsday's Marc Carig relayed the update.

New York Mets pitcher Noah Syndergaard had an enjoyable night at the plate in Wednesday's 4-3 win over the Los Angeles Dodgers and joined Walt Terrell (1983) as the only pitchers in Mets franchise history to hit multiple home runs in a game, per ESPN Stats & Info.

New York Mets starting pitcher Steven Matz's elbow has "flared up," and he will miss his next start Saturday against the Colorado Rockies, Adam Rubin of ESPN.com reported Wednesday. 

Continue for updates.

The New York Mets had every reason to plan on Matt Harvey being one of baseball's best pitchers this season. When healthy, he generally hasn't known how to be anything else.

But now the Mets should find themselves inching back toward the drawing board. And not just so they can change the section marked "2016 Plans."

Yoenis Cespedes gets the attention, as he should. But the New York Mets' 12-run third inning got going Friday night when Michael Conforto doubled home the game's first run.

Cespedes' recent power surge has made the Mets look unbeatable. But the Mets' surge really began when manager Terry Collins put a 23-year-old kid into the third spot in the batting order.