Following a successful bullpen session on Monday, Holmes reported no physical setbacks, prompting Mendoza to slot the veteran into the rotation for the finale against the Dodgers. It is a timely reinforcement for a Mets squad currently spiraling through a grueling seven-game losing streak.

Sitting at a dismal 7-11—a ‘convenience store’ record the front office surely didn’t envision—the franchise is desperate for a stopper. The pressure is mounting as superstar Juan Soto remains sidelined with an injury that could keep him out through the end of the month.

Despite a promising showing from two-way prospect Nolan McLean, who impressed in his outing against the Dodgers, the Mets have struggled to play complete games. Defensive lapses and inconsistent execution have plagued the club, with recent opponents like the Athletics exposing New York’s late-inning vulnerabilities.

The Holmes factor

While McLean’s upside is a bright spot, Holmes brings a veteran presence to a rotation in need of stability. The right-hander has been sharp in limited action this season, pitching to a stellar 1.50 ERA over 18.0 innings across three appearances.

His peripheral numbers are equally encouraging, having surrendered just one home run and 12 hits thus far. Holmes provides the Mets with a much-needed sense of security on the mound; however, his arm can only do so much for a stagnant offense that continues to leave runners stranded.

Offensive woes beyond Soto’s absence

While Soto’s absence creates a massive void in the heart of the order, his injury doesn’t fully account for the lack of production from the team’s healthy veterans. Several key contributors have yet to find their rhythm during this recent slide.

High-profile names like Francisco Lindor and Marcus Semien have underwhelmed, with both hovering just above the .200 mark. Meanwhile, Jorge Polanco’s transition to first base has been hampered by lingering Achilles tendinitis, leaving his performance well below the organization’s expectations.

The Mets must find a spark, and quickly. After a massive offseason spending spree, the fan base is growing restless, and the expectation of a deep postseason run is beginning to clash with the reality of a bottom-tier start in the NL East.

After the game, McLean reflected on the moment and the experience of facing top-level competition. “Maybe a little bit. I try to treat every start the same. But growing up a baseball fan and getting to watch some of these guys on TV as I’m growing up, it’s really cool to get to go compete against them,” he said, according to SNY.

McLean backed up those words with his best outing so far, throwing seven innings while allowing just two hits and one earned run, along with eight strikeouts. Still, the Mets’ offense struggled again, leaving him without the result his performance deserved, even as manager Carlos Mendoza sent a message while the team’s slump continues to deepen.

McLean shines in duel with Yoshinobu Yamamoto

Facing Yoshinobu Yamamoto, McLean held his own in a tight pitchers’ duel. Both starters kept the game tied through seven innings, showing strong command and composure throughout.

The game shifted late, when Kyle Tucker delivered a go-ahead RBI single in the eighth inning. That proved to be the difference, as New York once again struggled to generate offense beyond an early run.

Mets’ struggles continue despite promising signs

The Mets managed just one run, coming from a leadoff home run by Francisco Lindor, and failed to build any consistent pressure at the plate. The loss extended their losing streak and added to the growing frustration around the team.

Even so, McLean’s performance offers a positive takeaway. His control, confidence, and ability to compete against a strong lineup suggest he can become a reliable piece in the rotation. If the offense begins to respond, outings like this could soon lead to better results.

The right-hander believes the key to turning things around lies in simplifying his mechanics and trusting that his natural stuff is good enough: “I have to continue to be more aggressive and in attack mode and not try to pitch defensively,” Weaver said on April 13.

Weaver hopes to stop reacting to negative results and start dictating the pace of the game again. He noted that stacking up stressful situations has made it difficult to maintain his usual intensity, “I think there is pressure I am putting on myself to try to perform for the team, to try to make impact and really I just want to win.”

Weaver situation with the Mets

Weaver’s 2026 MLB season with the New York Mets has been a rough one so far. Through 6.2 innings pitched, he owns an 8.10 ERA, a mark that is far from the strong form he once showed with the New York Yankees. In seven appearances, Weaver has struggled to find consistency.

Last season with the Yankees, Weaver looked completely locked in, posting a 0.00 ERA over 9.0 innings across seven outings. At the time, it was clear he had elite command and confidence with his former club. With the Mets, however, he has not been able to replicate that same level.

There is also some question about whether his current role is impacting his performance. Weaver is not the primary closer, that job belongs to Devin Williams, while he operates as a high-leverage setup man alongside Craig Kimbrel, helping bridge the gap to the ninth inning.

“These types of stretches are going to happen. It’s tough when it happens early in the season, it’s tough when it’s happening when we’re just not winning ballgames and the microscope is going to be right there on our offense,” Semien told reporters in a video shared by SNY.

So far this MLB season, Semien has also struggled at the plate. He’s hitting just .197 with 12 hits in 61 at-bats, along with one home run and six RBIs, ranking seventh among his teammates in production.

Mets off to a rough start

As of April 14, the Mets sit at the bottom of the NL East with a 7-10 record, trailing even the Washington Nationals. Meanwhile, the Atlanta Braves lead the division at 10-7, followed by the Miami Marlins at 9-8 after a strong start.

Semien’s comments reflect a clear reality: the Mets’ offensive production has been far too limited. Players like Francisco Lindor have yet to hit their first home run of the season, and the team continues to wait for Juan Soto to return from injury.

Things have only gotten worse during their series against the Los Angeles Dodgers. After dropping the opener, the Mets are now in the middle of a six-game losing streak, their longest of the 2026 season and the second-longest under manager Carlos Mendoza, behind an eight-game skid in 2025.

“You’re going to go through stretches where it’s hard. Right now, we’re in the middle of that stretch. You’ve got to just ride the storm and keep going,” manager Carlos Mendoza said postgame, via SNY, acknowledging both the frustration and the need for patience.

The numbers reflect the concern. The Mets managed just two hits in the loss and have now gone 20 consecutive innings without scoring a run. They’ve also been shut out in three of their last four games, a stretch that has exposed ongoing problems with consistency at the plate, even as sentiments like those in Freddy Peralta insisted NY Mets will bounce back continue to surface inside the clubhouse.

Offensive struggles define Mets’ early-season slide

New York’s inability to generate offense has been the defining issue during this skid. Even in games where pitching has kept things close, the lack of timely hitting has prevented the team from gaining momentum.

The recent sweep by the Athletics only added to the pressure, as the Mets continue to fall behind in a competitive division. Opportunities have been limited, but when they have come, the team has struggled to capitalize.

Mendoza calls for resilience as pressure builds

Despite the results, Mendoza has remained focused on maintaining composure inside the clubhouse. His message centers on staying disciplined and pushing through a difficult stretch rather than overreacting.

The challenge now is translating that mindset into results on the field. With the season still in its early stages, the Mets have time to recover, but the urgency is growing as losses continue to pile up.

It hasn’t happened ever before that they’ve been through bad times simultaneously. The Yankees‘ bad days are not due to pitching, because actually, their pitching has been great as they have just a 2.60 team ERA, which is the second-best in the MLB.

As for the Mets, they’ve scored 13 runs in their last six games, so that’s not cutting it. Not having outfielder Juan Soto has really taken a toll on this roster. Thankfully for them, Soto is cleared to return for the team’s next homestand. Bo Bichette also has injury concerns.

What’s the worst Yankees losing streak ever?

The Bronx Bombers are one of the biggest MLB teams in history. Still, they haven’t been able to escape bad streaks. Their longest skid was a 13-game period back in the early days of 1913. In 1908, they had 12 games straight without a win, but they were known as the Highlanders back in the day.

In a more modern time, in 1982 and 2023, the Yankees lost nine games in a row. In a silver lining kind of way, the Yankees have an MLB record of not losing 10 or more games in a row for over 110 years.

What’s the worst Mets losing streak?

Contrary to the Yankees, the Mets have a history of bad streaks. It’s just not the most fortunate team in the MLB. In 1962, they had a 17-game skid. That same season, they had a 40-120 record.

In 1963 and 1982, the Mets had 15-game losing streaks. Both the Mets and Yankees had high expectations coming into this year, so while it’s very early on, the fact is they need to bounce back quite rapidly.

According to Will Sammon of The Athletic, the promotion also triggers a significant payday for the veteran. “Pham agreed to a minor-league deal on Opening Day that includes a $2.25 million base salary if he reached the majors,” Sammon reported, detailing the incentives behind the surprising reunion.

The Mets are currently mired in an offensive slump, leading to high expectations for Pham’s arrival. The front office is banking on his veteran presence and recent production; last season with the Pittsburgh Pirates, Pham tallied 44 runs and 96 hits over 392 at-bats, the kind of steady output New York desperately needs in the heart of the order.

With superstar Juan Soto sidelined by injury and Francisco Lindor mired in a self-described slump, the Mets are acting with urgency. By adding Pham, the club is moving quickly to stabilize the lineup and turn its regular-season momentum around before the deficit grows too large.

The potential impact of Pham’s return

After a brief five-game tune-up in Low-A ball this month, Pham returns to the big leagues following his 2025 campaign in Pittsburgh. Beyond his journeyman status—having suited up for 10 different MLB franchises—Pham brings a proven track record and a reputation for high-intensity play that has defined his 12-year career.

Generating runs has become the primary concern in Flushing, as the team’s scoring has dipped to a meager 3.38 runs per game since Soto hit the shelf. Pham’s career average of 85 runs per 162 games is a testament to his ability to get on base and navigate the basepaths, a skill set he has refined since his debut with the St. Louis Cardinals.

Mets fans fondly remember Pham’s 2023 campaign, where he emerged as a clubhouse leader and a fan favorite. Despite playing just 79 games in his first stint with the team, he made them count, slashing 10 home runs and driving in 36 RBIs while keeping his strikeout rate at a disciplined level.

Projecting the former Pirates production in Queens

Beyond his career milestones, Pham is coming off a productive 2025 season with the Pirates that offers plenty of reason for optimism. Here is a closer look at his statistical output from his time in Pittsburgh last year:

“We are way better than this. We have a great team, we believe in each other. I know that we’re going to do better. We love each other, we’re going to keep pushing hard to be better and win some games,” Peralta told reporters in a video shared by SNY on X.

Peralta hasn’t been the sharpest arm in the rotation, but he’s off to a good start, posting a 3.86 ERA with 25 strikeouts and a 1-1 record. He’s looked more controlled throughout April, with his only real trouble coming against Arizona, where he allowed three earned runs, though the Mets still pulled out a 4-3 win.

Can the Mets bounce back?

The Mets’ situation isn’t dire. Despite sitting at the bottom of the NL East, the season is still young with more than 140 games left to play. At this same point last year, they were 11-5, a much stronger start, but it still wasn’t enough to carry them into the MLB postseason.

Peralta is part of a rotation that has had some early struggles in 2026, but the pitching staff isn’t entirely to blame. Offensive production has also been an issue, with Francisco Lindor struggling at the plate and Juan Soto still sidelined with an injury.

April could be key for a turnaround, especially with a schedule that includes plenty of home games. However, the Mets have already stumbled early, winning just one of their first six at home. A tough road stretch against the Los Angeles Dodgers and Chicago Cubs awaits before they return home on April 21 to face the Minnesota Twins, Colorado Rockies, and Washington Nationals.

The report came from Will Sammon on X: “Free agent right-hander Max Kranick is set to throw for teams on Friday afternoon at Ascent Athlete in Philadelphia, The Athletic has learned.” His last MLB appearance came on June 15, when the Mets lost 9-0 to the Tampa Bay Rays.

Kranick originally made his MLB debut with the Pittsburgh Pirates, where he appeared in just 11 games. The team experimented with him as a starter in nine of those outings, but the role didn’t stick. He finished the 2021 season with a 6.28 ERA and a 2-3 record.

What does Kranick bring to the table?

Kranick isn’t just a reliever who logged 24 games with the Mets in 2025, posting a 3-2 record across 37 innings, he’s also a pitcher with nine seasons of minor league experience and a career 4.69 ERA at that level. That background could make him an appealing, experienced arm for an MLB team looking for depth.

He also comes at a low cost. As a pitcher who has earned the league minimum, Kranick represents a low-risk option for teams willing to take a chance on a young right-hander who showed promise in limited action last season.

It’s also worth noting that in July of last year, Mets manager Carlos Mendoza announced that Kranick would need Tommy John surgery. He had already been placed on the injured list in June 2025, was released in November, and is now officially a free agent.

The report comes from Pat Ragazzo of Sports Illustrated: “Scouts I’ve spoken with that have watched Mets‘ Bo Bichette run the bases don’t think he looks fully healthy. Bichette sprained the PCL in his left knee last September and appears to still be nursing the injury.”

According to Ragazzo, Bichette may have arrived in New York without fully recovering from the injury he suffered while with the Toronto Blue Jays, which limited him late last MLB season, although he only missed 23 games last year.

How many injuries has Bichette had in his career?

From 2016 through 2026, Bichette has dealt with roughly 10 injuries, ranging from minor issues to more serious setbacks. One of the most impactful came in 2024, when a calf strain sidelined him for 52 games. That same year, he also suffered a finger fracture, making it a particularly injury-plagued season.

Scouts’ concerns about his current condition add another layer of uncertainty. “He didn’t go first-to-third the other day,” one NL scout told Ragazzo. “Couldn’t beat out a ball that got away from Jeff McNeil either.”

For now, these are external evaluations from scouts not affiliated with the Mets. The team itself remains largely healthy, with the most notable absence being Juan Soto, who hasn’t played since April 3 and remains the biggest concern on the roster.

“It’s a different year, and we were one at-bat away from turning it around today. We started putting together better plate appearances as the game went on, but we just didn’t finish the job,“ Lindor told reporters following another frustrating loss to the Oakland Athletics.

Lindor emphasized that neither he nor the clubhouse is dwelling on the past. “It’s a different year; you’ve got to see it through a completely different lens. This is not the same team, and even if it were, it’s a new season,“ Lindor noted.

Manager Carlos Mendoza also addressed his star’s slow start, acknowledging the uncharacteristic stretch. The slump has created a sense of unease regarding Lindor’s production, a player who has served as the undisputed heartbeat of the franchise throughout his tenure in Queens.

Analyzing Lindor’s early-season slide

Beyond the surface-level box score, Lindor’s approach at the plate has shifted in ways that have raised red flags across the league and among the Mets‘ faithful.

A primary factor looming over his performance is the recovery of his hamate bone, which he fractured prior to the 2026 campaign. This specific injury is notorious in baseball circles for sapping a hitter’s “pop” and grip strength for several months following a return to action.

Compounding his offensive woes are uncharacteristic lapses in the field and a lack of discipline at the dish. During the April 11 loss to the Athletics, Lindor was caught out of position on a ball that should have been routine. Furthermore, since Juan Soto landed on the IL with a calf injury on April 4, Lindor has remarkably failed to draw a single walk.

A power outage in Queens

The most glaring indicators of Lindor’s struggles are his home run and RBI totals, both of which currently sit at zero. This lack of middle-of-the-order production has left a massive void in the Mets’ lineup as the team sputters through a difficult opening stretch of the 2026 season.