In just over two weeks, the New York Mets have experienced a dramatic shift in fortunes, going from a commanding lead in their division to a disappointing three-game sweep by the Pittsburgh Pirates. The Mets struggled throughout the series, being outscored 30-4, including a staggering 12-1 loss after a players-only meeting that aimed to address their issues.
As a result of their performance, the Mets have dropped four spots in the USA TODAY Sports power rankings. Despite this slump, they find themselves only 1 ½ games behind the inconsistent Philadelphia Phillies in the National League East. Just weeks ago, on June 12, the Mets held a solid 5 ½-game lead, buoyed by the expectation that injured pitchers like Frankie Montas and Sean Manaea would soon return. Unfortunately, Montas’s recent outing against the Pirates saw him allow six runs, while Manaea is facing additional setbacks with an elbow injury on top of his ongoing recovery from an oblique issue. Additionally, reliable fill-in Griffin Canning has been ruled out for the rest of the year due to an Achilles injury.
Meanwhile, the updated power rankings show that the Detroit Tigers have climbed to the top spot, thanks to Tarik Skubal’s historically impressive performance, while other teams such as the Houston Astros and Philadelphia Phillies are also making significant strides.
In the context of the Mets’ current struggles, there is a glimmer of hope in the potential return of Jesse Winker, who is on a rehab assignment for his own oblique injury. His comeback could be pivotal in reviving the team’s performance.
Despite the gloomy outlook, the season is far from over, and with some key players potentially coming back from injury, there remains a possibility for the Mets to turn their season around. The recurring theme of resilience in sports suggests that teams can bounce back from tough phases, and fans will be looking to see if the Mets can capitalize on their remaining opportunities.