The outcome of the game was drearily familiar for the Mets, but Carlos Beltran‘s return from the disabled list after a nearly three-month absence Tuesday night was a highlight of the 4-2 loss to the Marlins at Citi Field.

Colleague George Willis writes that, despite their deficit in the standings, all the players coming back from injury means the Mets will play meaningful September games after all.

In the notes, John Maine threw a bullpen session Tuesday and is expected to make his first start since early June on Sunday in the nightcap of a doubleheader at Philadelphia.