The New York Mets are going through one of the darkest stretches of their season, with 13 losses in their last 16 games and an offense that has lost its way. However, amid this bleak outlook, the organization has received news that could represent a turning point: the imminent return of two key players who were out injured.Left-handed pitcher Sean Manaea and outfielder Jesse Winker began their minor league rehab assignments this week. Both were sidelined from the start of the season by physical ailments, but their return not only promises to bolster the roster, it could also revitalize a team that fell apart in June with a 12-15 record.
Manaea and Winker, the hidden cards in the Mets’ resurgence
Sean Manaea already had a standout performance at Triple-A before a slight setback in his recovery, but on Tuesday he reappeared with Double-A Binghamton hoping to rejoin the big league team soon. The left-hander has not pitched in the majors this year, but in his last rehab start he retired 15 consecutive batters and showed clear signs of being ready.
Jesse Winker, meanwhile, suffered an oblique injury in May when he attempted a throw to the plate and is now also playing with Binghamton. Re-signed for one year and $8 million before this season, the veteran has played in just 24 games but maintains a decent offensive line (.239 AVG, .739 OPS). His experience and leadership in the clubhouse could be as valuable as his bat.
Deep crisis and urgent reaction in the Mets
The Mets are coming off a disastrous weekend in Pittsburgh, where they were swept by a Pirates team with one of the weakest offenses in the league. The overall score of the series (30-4) exposed all the team’s shortcomings, from the rotation to the defense. Not even the stellar offense could cope with an opponent without its best arms on the mound.
After the humiliation, a players-only meeting was held in search of unity. Francisco Lindor, one of the leaders of the group, was clear: “We were outplayed in every aspect. But this is part of adversity. We’re going to get through this together”. His optimism is shared by manager Carlos Mendoza who, despite the pressure, maintains his faith in the squad.
With the National League East still within reach and players like Juan Soto on fire at the plate, the Mets have not said their last word. The reactivation of Manaea and Winker comes as a sporting and emotional lifeline. In a season marked by inconsistency, New York is betting that the return of its lost pieces will be the boost it needs to change its story.
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