Carlos Mendoza and the New York Mets faced an unexpected loss in their season opener, but at least fans worldwide got to witness Juan Soto’s debut. Though limited during his first game, the Mets’ manager defended his player with vigor.
After the Mets’ 3-1 loss to the Astros, Mendoza backed Juan Soto’s performance, stating, “As a competitor, he always wants to come through. I thought he had some good at-bats today.”
Soto had only three at-bats during the game, contributing with one hit for the Mets. Additionally, he drew two walks—something anticipated given the Astros’ pitcher’s cautious approach toward him during the match.
It’s worth noting that this isn’t just Soto’s first season since leaving the Yankees; it’s also his second team since departing San Diego in 2023. That year, he had an impressive season, playing in 162 MLB games. During his time with the Yankees, he also achieved a personal best of 128 runs in a single season.
A Tough Loss for the Mets on the Road
Playing in Houston proved challenging for both Juan Soto and the Mets. Soto managed just one hit and posted a .333 batting average while facing Astros’ ace, Framber Valdez, who successfully prevented the Dominican star from causing damage to the Astros at Daikin Park. Soto struck out only once during the game.
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When is Soto’s next game with the Mets?
The Mets and Soto remain in Houston to continue their series against the Astros, with Game 2 scheduled for March 29 and the final game on March 30. After this series, they’ll travel to Miami to face the Marlins before finally returning home on April 4.
