The New York Mets boast the top pitching staff in Major League Baseball, leading the league with a 2.60 ERA and limiting opponents to a .228 batting average. Despite their success, the team has faced challenges with injuries to key pitchers Frankie Montas and Sean Manaea. Manager Carlos Mendoza has had to adjust the lineup, including using Huascar Brazobán as an opener ahead of left-hander Brandon Waddell, who is returning to MLB after stints abroad and in the minors. Brazobán's impressive stats feature a 1.56 ERA this season and he looks to maintain momentum against the Arizona Diamondbacks.

Carlos Mendoza, the Mets manager, expressed optimism about Juan Soto's performance despite him going hitless in a recent game. Soto's hard contact, including two lineouts exceeding 100 mph, suggests he is on the verge of a breakout. His previous series against the Nationals saw him excel, hitting six times in 15 at-bats, and Mendoza believes Soto is improving his approach at the plate. The Mets' lineup has been bolstered by the returns of Jeff McNeil and Francisco Alvarez, both instrumental in their recent offensive surge.

With the Mets averaging 4.8 runs per game and showcasing depth with players like Pete Alonso and Francisco Lindor, Mendoza feels the team can maintain this momentum. He acknowledges that while their recent success is encouraging, consistency is key in Major League Baseball, emphasizing the difficulty of hitting at such high levels.

A.J. Minter's return remains uncertain as he faces a potential season-ending surgery on his lat injury. Manager Carlos Mendoza provided an update following Minter's latest MRI, indicating that further imaging is required to assess the situation. The Mets bullpen, sporting a solid 3.04 ERA, now faces the challenge of compensating for Minter's absence as he has been a key player with a 1.64 ERA and 14 strikeouts in just 11 innings.

The depth of the bullpen is being tested, but Mendoza remains optimistic, stating other pitchers will step up in Minter's place. Right-handed pitchers are also considered viable options against left-handed batters, as they have had success in matchups. The Mets have also recently re-signed Brooks Raley, who could bolster the bullpen later this season. Meanwhile, Paul Blackburn is making strides in his recovery from knee inflammation, and Brandon Nimmo is feeling better after an illness.

The New York Mets have surged to the top of the National League East with a commanding 21-9 record, bolstered by a resounding 19-5 victory over the Washington Nationals. This strong start can be attributed to a stellar pitching staff and a potent offense finally clicking into gear. However, the team has made strategic roster changes to maintain momentum as they face the Arizona Diamondbacks.

Brandon Waddell has been called up from Triple-A after a dominant performance, posting a 1.54 ERA in five games. In contrast, Kevin Herget has been sent down to Triple-A Syracuse for mechanical adjustments after a shaky outing where he allowed a run in just two innings. The Mets are banking on Waddell to reinforce their pitching depth and keep their winning streak alive as they aim for a strong finish to the early season.

The New York Mets are off to a stellar 21-9 start this season, notably bolstered by their pitching staff which boasts a league-best 2.60 ERA. However, superstar Juan Soto, signed to a jaw-dropping 15-year, $765 million deal, has struggled to find his form, hitting just .250 with three homers and 12 RBIs in 30 games. Despite this, Mets manager Carlos Mendoza remains confident, citing Soto's quality at-bats and hinting that his breakthrough is on the horizon. The team's success is also rooted in the performances of Pete Alonso and Francisco Lindor, with Alonso hitting .346 and leading the team with seven homers.

As the Mets gear up for two more matchups against the Arizona Diamondbacks, all eyes will be on Soto to see if he can find his rhythm and contribute to the team’s sustained success. The focus on Soto's performance reflects the duality of expectations versus reality in baseball, where even the highest-paid players face challenges. Manager Mendoza’s faith in Soto emphasizes the importance of patience in the sport.