Juan Soto was initially listed in the New York Mets’ starting lineup for Sunday’s series finale against the Miami Marlins, but was unexpectedly scratched shortly before first pitch, leaving fans briefly concerned about a possible injury. However, Mets manager Carlos Mendoza quickly eased fears, explaining to reporters that Soto’s absence was due to an illness that has been circulating through the clubhouse.
While the update rules out any physical setback, the timing could hardly be worse for a struggling Mets offense that has failed to find consistency in recent games. New York’s lineup has cooled significantly after a brief offensive explosion earlier in the week, when they scored 16 runs including a 10-run inning in extra innings in a win over the Washington Nationals. Since then, however, the Mets have gone quiet at the plate, producing just 14 total runs over their last five games.
Their slump has been especially noticeable in the current series against Miami, where the Mets have managed only two runs across multiple games and now face the possibility of being swept. Losing Soto’s presence in the lineup only deepens the challenge.
The 27-year-old superstar has been one of the few bright spots in an otherwise disappointing season. In 37 games this year, Soto is slashing .294/.390/.559 with a .949 OPS, along with 10 home runs and 21 RBIs. Even more encouraging for Mets fans, he has been in peak form recently, posting a scorching .333/.419/.778 line over his last seven games with four home runs during that span. Over his last 15 games, he has hit six homers, signaling a clear return to elite power-hitting form.
Soto’s absence also brings back memories of earlier in the season when he missed 15 games due to a calf strain. During that stretch, the Mets struggled badly, going 3–12 and enduring a 12-game losing streak that derailed their momentum.
Overall, the 2026 campaign has been a major disappointment for the Mets despite their massive $380 million payroll, one of the highest in Major League Baseball. After showing signs of recovery during a recent 5–1 homestand, the team has once again faltered on the road, losing four of their last six games and slipping further in the standings.
Now sitting at 22–30 and in last place in the National League East, the Mets trail the division-leading Atlanta Braves by 13.5 games. With Soto sidelined for the moment and the offense already struggling, New York faces an uphill battle to salvage both the series in Miami and its broader season trajectory.
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