Overview
- The 12-4 defeat at Wrigley Field on Friday extended the Mets’ slide to nine games and dropped them to 7-13.
- Juan Soto remains on the injured list with a right calf strain, has begun running and live batting practice, and is targeting a return during Tuesday’s homestand, while Jorge Polanco’s left Achilles bursitis was reevaluated Friday with a potential IL move.
- Team president David Stearns backed manager Carlos Mendoza and said the slump stems from cold bats and higher chase rates, not a lack of urgency.
- The Cubs’ staff is shorthanded, with Cade Horton and Porter Hodge out for the season and closer Daniel Palencia placed on the 15-day injured list, and Jed Hoyer said he is searching for pitching help.
- Historical odds are steep, as only nine MLB teams that lost nine straight have still reached the playoffs, according to MLB.com’s Anthony DiComo.