Juan Soto is cementing his role as the centerpiece of the New York Mets' offense, showcasing an impressive performance that led to a thrilling 7-6 victory against the Orioles. The slugger, despite being left off the All-Star roster this year, has maintained a relentless focus, earning National League Player of the Month honors and boasting a .322 average in June with 11 home runs. His disciplined approach at the plate is exemplified by a remarkable 72 walks this season.

Soto's contributions were pivotal during the Mets' recent Subway Series against the Yankees, where his efforts helped the team secure two out of three games. Manager Carlos Mendoza publicly supported Soto, emphasizing his All-Star caliber, hinting at a promising trajectory for both Soto and the Mets, whose confidence is visibly rising as they aim for postseason contention.

Thunderstorms have disrupted the Mets' schedule, postponing their game against the Baltimore Orioles. This comes at a critical time as the team tries to manage a pitching roster impacted by injuries. David Peterson is set to pitch in a Thursday doubleheader, but won’t see action again until after the All-Star break. Manager Carlos Mendoza indicated that the team is working on solutions to keep starters active during their upcoming series in Kansas City. Meanwhile, the Mets are expected to welcome back two key pitchers, Kodai Senga and Sean Manaea, this weekend, which could alleviate some of their pitching concerns.

Juan Soto, one of the highest-paid players in MLB at over $100 million this season, was surprisingly left off this year’s All-Star roster. Despite his stellar June performance—hitting .322 with a league-leading 1.196 OPS and 11 home runs—he did not earn the $100,000 bonus that comes with an All-Star selection. Teammates Francisco Lindor, Pete Alonso, and Edwin Diaz are advocating for him, citing his deserving numbers.

Soto's early season struggles may have weighed heavily in the voting process, despite significant improvements by mid-May. While fan voting primarily drives All-Star selections, the input from players and officials can influence the decision. Soto remains optimistic about potentially making the roster as a replacement, especially with Ronald Acuña Jr.'s recent back issues. Manager Carlos Mendoza also expressed frustration over Soto's omission, reaffirming that he is an All-Star in the team's eyes.

The New York Mets have surged to the top of the NL East after winning five of their last seven games, showcasing their resilience as they approach the All-Star break. The team's latest victory over the Baltimore Orioles exemplifies their recent form, tying them with the Philadelphia Phillies for first place in the division.

The Mets are about to receive a significant boost with the anticipated return of pitcher Kodai Senga, who has been sidelined due to a hamstring injury. Manager Carlos Mendoza has provided updates that Senga is on track to return as early as Friday against the Kansas City Royals, which could further enhance the Mets' chances of maintaining their momentum as the season progresses.

Senga demonstrated his potential this season with an impressive ERA of 1.47 and a solid SO/BB ratio of 2.26 prior to his injury. His performance will be crucial for the Mets as they look to solidify their position in a competitive NL East.

The MLB slate features 11 games tonight, starting at 7:05 PM ET. Weather conditions could pose challenges for games in Baltimore, Cincinnati, New York, and Boston, so keeping an eye on forecasts is vital for lineup decisions. Pitching options are limited, with Kris Bubic ($10,000) being a favorable choice against the struggling Pirates. Dylan Cease ($9,300) has the highest strikeout rate, but faces a tough opponent in the Diamondbacks.

Mid-tier pitchers like David Festa ($8,000) and Kumar Rocker ($7,500) offer potential, while Cade Horton ($6,500) stands out as a budget option. On the hitting side, target players like Pete Alonso ($5,000) against Tomoyuki Sugano, who has struggled recently. Stacking opportunities arise in games like Atlanta vs. Oakland and Boston vs. Colorado, especially with favorable matchups against weak pitchers.