Mets Announce Juan Soto Decision Amid 12-Game Losing Streak
The New York Mets are amid one of their roughest stretches in franchise history. Manager Carlos Mendoza and the Mets have lost 12 consecutive games. This is the team's longest losing streak since 2002, and is tied for the sixth-longest in the team's storied history.
New York currently holds a 7-16 record, which is the worst in all of Major League Baseball. All of the Mets' losing streak has been with star outfielder Juan Soto on the injured list. Soto, who signed a 15-year, $765 million contract with New York before the 2025 season, last played on April 3 against the San Francisco Giants.
The Mets won their first three games with Soto out of the lineup, but have lost their past 12 since.
Soto suffered a right calf strain while running the bases against the Giants on April 3. Before he went to the IL, the 27-year-old superstar was New York's hottest hitter. In eight games, he slashed .355/.412/.516 with an OPS of .928, totaling one home run and five RBIs.
In recent days, it was reported that Soto was likely going to be back in the lineup for the Mets, as he has been recovering well from his calf strain.
On Wednesday, the Mets announced that Soto was back as a designated hitter, batting second, against the Minnesota Twins.
"Juan Soto returns to the Mets' lineup today as the DH," SNY Mets wrote.
Juan Soto returns to the Mets' lineup today as the DH
— SNY Mets (@SNY_Mets) April 22, 2026
: 7:10 p.m.
: SNY
: SNY on the MLB App presented by @CarShieldpic.twitter.com/D3Ui5hBDKQ
Soto returns to New York's lineup when the team needs him most. During the Mets' losing streak, they have failed to score more than six runs in a game, and they have been shut out three times.
For an offense that has struggled mightily with Soto on the shelf, the six-time Silver Slugger will be a big help for New York. The Mets take on the Twins at 7:10 p.m. ET on Wednesday at Citi Field.
Related: Juan Soto Injury Update Leaves Mets With Decision to Make
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This story was originally published April 22, 2026 at 12:10 PM.