Opposite dugout: Mets playing better but still battling injuries (updated)

Manager: Terry Collins (6th season)

Record: 46-38

Last 10 games: 6-4

Who to watch: CF Yoenis Cespedes (.299/.366/.581 with 21 HR, 51 RBIs), 2B Neil Walker (.259 with 15 HR, 35 RBIs), RF Curtis Granderson (15 HR, 27 RBIs), RHP Noah Syndergaard (9-2, 2.41 ERA), RHP Jeurys Familia (2.61 ERA with 30 saves)

Season series vs. Nationals: 3-6

Pitching probables:

July 7: RHP Lucas Giolito vs. RHP Bartolo Colon, 7:10 p.m., MASN
July 8: RHP Stephen Strasburg vs. RHP Noah Syndergaard, 7:10 p.m., MASN
July 9: RHP Max Scherzer vs. RHP Logan Verrett, 7:15 p.m., FOX
July 10: LHP Gio Gonzalez vs. LHP Steven Matz, 1:10, MASN

Inside the Mets:

After their last meeting, the Nationals' three-game sweep of the Mets in D.C. may have comforted any stressed Nats fans while building the pressure in that of the New York faithful. The Mets hobbled out of our nation's capital before the holiday weekend six games back of the Nats and in third place in the National League East. But things have been looking up since then.

A dreaded four-game series with the Cubs turned into a jubilant sweep of baseball's best team. The Mets outscored the Cubbies 32-11 over the sweep, which was also the base for New York winning six out of their last seven games. They are coming off winning a three-game set against the Marlins to retake second place in the East, but still remain four games behind the Nationals.

Shortstop Jose Reyes made his 2016 debut after his domestic violence suspension in his return to New York on Tuesday. He didn't reach base and struck out, but went 2-for-4 with two doubles and a run scored in yesterday's win over the Fish. Meanwhile, All-Star starting outfielder Yoenis Cespedes still leads the team with a .299/.366/.581 slash line, 21 home runs and 51 RBIs. Second baseman Neil Walker and outfielder Curtis Granderson have combined for 30 homers.

Right-hander Bartolo Colon starts the series tonight for the Mets with a 7-4 record and 2.87 ERA. He made back-to-back starts against the Nats in May, in which he gave up three runs in 4 2/3 innings in a loss at home then just one run in seven innings in a win on the road. Right-hander Noah Syndergaard and left-handed rookie Steven Matz have each been battling bone spur issues. Syndergaard, who starts Friday night, is another Mets All-Star with a 9-3 record and 2.41 ERA. He got knocked around by the Nationals last week in D.C., giving up five runs on seven hits in just three innings. But he came right back to give up just one run over seven innings in a win against the Cubs in his last start.

Matz did not get the chance to face the Nationals last week, his start pushed back due to that bone spur issue, and is scheduled to start Sunday's finale. He did, however, face the Cubs and gave up three runs on seven hits in 5 1/3 innings of a no-decision in a Mets win. But then Matz took the loss to the Marlins after just giving up two runs on six hits in seven innings. The Mets starter for Saturday was scheduled to be Matt Harvey, but the right-hander was placed on the 15-day disabled list on Wednesday with shoulder discomfort, another blow to the Mets roster and rotation heading into the break.

Update: Right-hander Logan Verrett will start on Saturday in place of Harvey, who has now reportedly been diagnosed with "symptoms consistent with thoracic outlet syndrome" and is considering season-ending surgery, according to MLB.com. Harvey may choose a non-surgical injection, but is currently weighing his options. Verrett has made appearances in four games (one start) against the Nationals this season, going 0-1 with a 2.08 ERA. The 26-year-old took the loss in the only start after giving up two earned runs on four hits in five innings on June 29.