The New York Mets finally halted a prolonged slump on Wednesday, defeating the Minnesota Twins 3-2 at Citi Field and ending a 12-game losing run that dated back to early April. The win marked their first since April 7 and coincided with Juan Soto’s return to the lineup after being sidelined.
Manager Carlos Mendoza acknowledged the relief that came with the result, emphasizing that the team can now shift its focus back to playing rather than dwelling on the losing streak. The stretch had been the club’s longest since 2002, adding historical weight to the struggles.
Despite the positive outcome, the victory did not come without complications. Shortstop Francisco Lindor was forced out of the game after the fourth inning due to tightness in his left calf, creating uncertainty about his availability moving forward.
The Mets now face the possibility of dealing with another key absence, something Mendoza admitted could further challenge a team already navigating injuries and inconsistency.
Lindor’s injury overshadows progress
Lindor’s issue arose as he crossed home plate after advancing from first base on a double by Francisco Alvarez. He appeared to pull up during the play, prompting concern from the dugout and medical staff.
The team later confirmed the discomfort in his calf, and he is scheduled to undergo an MRI to determine the extent of the problem. The situation is particularly notable given Soto had recently missed 17 days with a similar Grade 1 calf strain.
Mendoza reflected on how Soto’s absence had impacted the team during the losing stretch and suggested that losing another major contributor could complicate matters further.
The uncertainty surrounding Lindor now casts a shadow over what would otherwise have been a morale-boosting win.
Late rally secures narrow win
New York established an early advantage, scoring in the first inning and regaining the lead in the fourth after the Twins had equalized. Minnesota responded each time, eventually tying the game at 2-2.
The decisive moment came in the eighth inning when Mark Vientos delivered a soft two-out single into right field, allowing Brett Baty to score from second base and break the deadlock.
Earlier in the game, Vientos had been thrown out at home after missing a stop signal from third base coach Tim Leiper, making his later contribution a form of redemption.
On the pitching side, Luke Weaver handled the final innings, recording the last four outs to secure the victory. He was chosen over Devin Williams, who had struggled in his previous outing, and ultimately earned the win rather than a save.
Soto returns amid team struggles
Soto rejoined the lineup as the designated hitter and finished 1-for-3 with a single and a walk. However, his return was not without missteps, as he was picked off first base during a critical moment in the eighth inning with the score tied.
Before the game, Soto mentioned that he had not been in contact with teammates during his time on the injured list, noting that the team had spent much of that period on the road.
According to several veteran players, this kind of separation is typical, as injured players often complete rehabilitation assignments away from the active roster, especially during extended trips.
While his presence provided a boost, the Mets still find themselves at 8-16, holding the worst record in the National League. Historically, teams enduring a 12-game losing streak have not gone on to reach the postseason, though the modern playoff format differs from earlier eras.
Meanwhile, the Philadelphia Phillies now carry the longest active losing streak in baseball at eight games after their defeat to the Chicago Cubs, leaving both NL East rivals searching for stability early in the season.