Juan Soto Returns to Mets Amid Losing Streak

Juan Soto is back in the New York Mets' lineup, and the team desperately needs his presence. The star slugger was reinstated from the 10-day injured list just as the Mets are grappling with a daunting 12-game losing streak, heading into their matchup against the Minnesota Twins at Citi Field on Wednesday night.

Soto, who had been sidelined for 15 games due to a right calf strain, is set to bat second as the designated hitter. To make room for him on the roster, the Mets optioned third-string catcher Hayden Senger to Triple-A Syracuse following their 5-3 loss to Minnesota on Tuesday night.

The Mets, currently with a record of 7-16, have been outscored 67-22 during this losing streak, batting a mere .194 with a .284 slugging percentage. The downward spiral began with a 7-2 defeat to the Arizona Diamondbacks on April 8. Soto had exited early from a 10-3 victory against the San Francisco Giants on April 3, and while the Mets managed to win their next three games without him, they quickly fell into a tailspin.

This current losing streak marks the longest for the Mets since they lost 12 consecutive games in August 2002. The team has not experienced a 13-game losing streak since a 15-game skid in August 1982, and their franchise record stands at 17 consecutive losses, set during their inaugural season in 1962.

Soto's return is a glimmer of hope for the Mets, who are looking to break free from this troubling stretch. The team and its fans are eager to see if the talented outfielder can help turn the tide and restore some much-needed momentum as they continue their season.