New York Mets reinstate Juan Soto to lineup amid 11-game losing run
Star outfielder Juan Soto will return to the New York Mets lineup on Wednesday against the Minnesota Twins after recovering from a right calf strain.
The high-profile hitter has been sidelined since April 3, when he sustained the injury during a commanding 10-3 victory over the San Francisco Giants.
That initial win sparked a four-game streak of victories for the franchise, but their fortunes have plummeted significantly in his absence.
Offensive struggles compound losing streak
Without their veteran slugger, the Mets have plunged into a dismal 11-game losing run, representing their longest barren spell since 2004.
The team has managed an MLB-worst 72 runs this season, scoring two or fewer runs in nine of the matches during their current slide.
During this 11-game period, the Queens-based outfit has been heavily outscored 62-19 and is batting a mere .145 with runners in scoring position.
“We haven’t hit,” manager Carlos Mendoza said last week.
“When you don’t hit, you can look stagnant. I don’t think we’re stagnant. I think we’re playing hard.”
A much-needed boost for New York
The returning star provides an immediate upgrade to a batting order currently ranking 29th in OPS and 28th in wRC+ across baseball.
Prior to his enforced break, the former San Diego Padres outfielder was batting an impressive .355 with one home run and five runs batted in across eight appearances.
He is currently in the second year of a landmark 15-year contract worth $765m.
Historical precedent offers a slight glimmer of hope for New York, as four teams have previously reached the postseason following a double-digit losing streak.
