The New York Mets are currently navigating a challenging period marked by a significant losing streak and ongoing player health concerns, as highlighted by a recent 3-2 defeat against Atlanta at Citi Field. This loss extended their slide to nine losses in their last ten games, including an 0-4 record against Atlanta, a team that has historically been a "thorn in the Mets' side." Manager Carlos Mendoza expressed frustration, noting the team's reliance on top hitters and the struggles of the bottom of the lineup to create scoring opportunities. Ineffective starting pitching has also contributed, with the team frequently playing from behind, making at-bats more challenging.

Key players are working their way back from injuries, though their returns are not without complications. Third baseman/designated hitter Mark Vientos, recovering from a June 2 right hamstring strain, was eligible to come off the injured list on Monday but is not yet deemed ready by the Mets. Manager Mendoza indicated Vientos would play at least two more minor-league games for Triple-A Syracuse, including nine innings at third base and a stint as designated hitter, to build up volume. Vientos had struggled with a .230/.298/.380 slash line and six home runs before his injury, and the team is prioritizing his timing despite listening to his feedback.

In a more positive development, righthander Kodai Senga appears to be ahead of schedule in his recovery from a strained right hamstring suffered on June 12. Senga, who was the Mets' most effective pitcher before his injury with a 7-3 record and a 1.47 ERA, played catch from the bullpen mound with "decent intensity." Mendoza views this as a positive sign, noting Senga's ability to keep his arm going even after the injury. Senga himself believes a minor-league rehab assignment might be on the horizon if his progression continues smoothly.

The Mets also made several roster adjustments. Infielder Luisangel Acuna and righthander Tyler Zuber were optioned to Triple-A Syracuse, with the organization keen for Acuna to get everyday at-bats, as he had primarily been used as a pinch-runner and defensive replacement. In terms of additions, the Mets signed lefthanded reliever Richard Lovelady to a major league contract, bolstering their bullpen with a second lefty option. Additionally, Travis Jankowski was moved to the active roster, while Jose Siri was transferred to the 60-day injured list.

The return of Travis Jankowski to the Mets' clubhouse was met with visible enthusiasm, particularly from Pete Alonso. Jankowski, a fan favorite and a positive clubhouse presence, spent half of the 2022 season with the Mets and was part of the 2023 World Series-winning Rangers. His journey back to the Mets organization on a minor league contract on June 10, after stints with multiple teams, highlights his appreciation for New York and the Mets. Jankowski's role is primarily as a pinch-runner, leveraging his 104 career steals, and as a pinch-hitter defensive replacement in the outfield.

Jankowski's path to professional baseball is unique; despite over ten Division I football scholarship offers, he accepted the sole baseball scholarship to Stony Brook University. His high school coach's advice to pursue baseball, emphasizing the physical demands of college football and the clearer path to a professional athlete career in baseball, proved pivotal. A fortuitous moment at a Rays' Tropicana Field showcase, where Stony Brook associate head coach Joe Pennucci (now head coach at East Tennessee State) noticed his hustle backing up a lost fly ball and throwing out a runner at third, led to the scholarship offer. Jankowski's time at Stony Brook, where he led the nation in hits, runs, and triples in his junior year, profoundly shaped him, instilling a "toughness" he learned from his Long Island and New York teammates that has remained part of his makeup.

During their recent game against Atlanta, the Mets' offense struggled, failing to capitalize on opportunities. Juan Soto provided the only offense with his 17th home run in the sixth inning. In the eighth, with runners at the corners, Soto faced lefty Dylan Lee in an eight-pitch battle, ultimately striking out swinging on a full-count slider, a moment manager Mendoza characterized as a missed chance to push runs across. While the Mets' bullpen provided 4 1/3 scoreless innings, giving the team a chance, the starting pitching from Paul Blackburn, who allowed three runs on ten baserunners over 4 2/3 innings, continued the trend of early deficits. As the team faces an "ups and downs" season, the focus remains on overcoming struggles and finding ways to generate consistent offense and pitching performances.