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The New York Mets suffered losses of 15-3 and 6-2 to the rival Philadelphia Phillies over the weekend to fall to 34-43 amid what continues to be a disappointing campaign.
While speaking with reporters following the Mets' four-run defeat on Sunday evening, star outfielder Juan Soto suggested that he is not panicking about the state of the last-place club as of the early days of summer.
"There isnt any worry right now," Soto insisted, per Abbey Mastracco of the New York Daily News.
"Were just playing baseball.
[Weve] just got to [start] playing better and try to execute." There is no sign that the Mets will start playing better with any consistency, even if shortstop Francisco Lindor returns to the lineup this week from the calf injury that has kept him out of action since April 22.
The Mets' offense has often failed to "get the big hit," as manager Carlos Mendoza recently put it, since New York ended April 7 with a record of 7-4.
It hasn't just been an offensive problem for the Mets, however.
According to Tim Britton of The Athletic, only the Colorado Rockies have allowed more runs in the first three innings of games than the Mets (a 5.49 ERA for the first third of contests this season).
"Its really tough to give up the lead right away," Soto acknowledged about the Mets routinely having to try to rally from behind during games.
"Weve got to play better baseball." On Sunday, David Peterson made his first start for the Mets since May 26.
He gave up five runs, four earned, over the first two innings en route to falling to 3-6.
"I wouldnt say that theres a concern because I dont think thats where our focus should be; I think our focus should be on continuing to come to the ballpark with a good attitude and continuing to put good work in," Peterson said after his latest defeat.
"We obviously have not put ourselves in a situation that we want to be in, but its not for a lack of effort, and its not for a lack of commitment." The Mets next open a four-game home series versus the Chicago Cubs (40-37) on Monday night.
At this rate, it's fair to wonder how many more losses the Mets can endure before team owner Steve Cohen decides that it's time to start selling certain players ahead of the Aug.
3 trade deadline.
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