Juan Soto Returns as Mets Snap 12-Game Losing Streak, But Lindor's Injury Raises Concerns

The New York Mets ended a dismal 12-game losing streak with a narrow 3-2 victory over the Minnesota Twins on April 22, 2026. This marked the team's longest losing streak since 2002, leaving them with a record of 8-16, the worst in Major League Baseball. The losing streak began on April 8, following a 7-2 loss to the Arizona Diamondbacks, and during this stretch, the Mets were outscored 67-22, batting a mere .194 with a .284 slugging percentage.

Juan Soto Returns To the New York Mets' Lineup Amid 12-game Slide

Juan Soto, the Mets' star outfielder, was activated from the injured list after missing 15 games due to a right calf strain. He returned to the lineup as the designated hitter, batting second. In his first game back, Soto went 1-for-3 with a single and a walk, contributing to the team's much-needed victory. Manager Carlos Mendoza acknowledged Soto's importance, stating, "It makes a big difference just to add his name in the lineup," while also emphasizing that the entire team needed to step up.

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Despite the positive momentum from Soto's return, the victory was overshadowed by the injury of shortstop Francisco Lindor, who exited the game in the fifth inning due to left calf tightness. Lindor had been performing well, contributing to two of the Mets' runs before his departure. He is scheduled for an MRI to assess the severity of his injury. Mendoza expressed concern, noting, "We lost Soto and we had a hard time. Now we could be potentially dealing with losing another player."

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Soto's return was met with scrutiny due to his admission that he had not communicated with teammates during the losing streak, as they were primarily on the road. His comments sparked backlash from fans and media, questioning his leadership role as one of the highest-paid players in the league. Soto defended his actions, stating, "They’ve been on the road most of the time, so I haven’t talked to them." However, several veteran players defended Soto, suggesting that it is common for injured players to maintain distance from the team during recovery.

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Mendoza reiterated the need for a collective effort to overcome the team's struggles, stating, "We cannot put all the pressure on one player." Lindor echoed this sentiment, emphasizing that the team must not rely solely on Soto to turn things around.

Heavy

The Mets face a critical juncture as they continue their series against the Twins and prepare for upcoming matchups against the Colorado Rockies and Washington Nationals. With Soto back in the lineup, there is cautious optimism, but Lindor's potential absence could significantly impact the team's performance moving forward. The Mets must navigate these challenges carefully to avoid further setbacks in their season.

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