As one of the best hitters in the majors, outfielder Juan Soto would be sorely missed in any lineup. That has proved particularly true with the New York Mets.
Soto had missed approximately two weeks early in the season due to a strained right calf. The Mets won the first three of those games from April 5 through April 7, then lost their next 12 in a row between April 8 through April 21.
Soto missed time again in May, sitting out the Mets games on May 24 and 25 due to an illness. The Mets lost both. Then came Wednesday’s doubleheader debacle, which Soto was held out of due to back tightness. The Mets lost both, with the nightcap being lost in particularly embarrassing fashion.
Mets need a healthy Juan Soto if they want to salvage this season
In total, the Mets have lost their last 16 consecutive games without Soto in the lineup. When Soto has been healthy, the Mets have a 31-30 record. While being one game over .500 would not put the Mets in a playoff berth, the season would feel a lot different.
Soto has put together another impressive season. He entered Thursday with a .299/.395/.570 batting line in his 259 plate appearances, hitting 17 homers and leading the National League with a .965 OPS. While any team would want that production, it has made a tremendous difference on the Mets season.
Soto is healthy and is in the Mets lineup for their game against the Cubs, batting third. If the Mets win, it will only underscore what they are with and without his presence.