Brett Baty sparked a late charge with his 15th homer to slice a 5-1 deficit, and Jeff McNeil delivered two more RBIs as the Mets clawed within a run in Washington. Kodai Senga showed flashes of his top-end stuff but still coughed up five runs, and New York couldn’t finish the comeback after loading the bases in the sixth. Washington’s offense struck early with Soto and Bell and rode a mix of bullpen work and timely hitting to hold on for a 5-4 win. The Mets, meanwhile, kept fighting in a season defined by steps forward and relapses, ending with a hard-luck loss that left their pulse visible but their record still short of consistent dominance.

The Mets leaned on Baty’s lefty power and McNeil’s hot bat, while Senga remained the enigmatic piece whose early-season brilliance hasn’t fully translated to a string of dominant starts. Washington countered with Soto’s big moment and Bell’s RBI production, plus a steady contribution from a developing lineup that teased a brighter future. It was a game of small margins: bases loaded in the sixth, a flyout that didn’t chase McNeil home, and a few defensive plays that could have swung momentum. The Mex of the night centered on the Mets’ resilience and the Nationals’ ability to capitalize when it mattered most.

Mark Vientos returned to the Mets lineup with regularity, delivering a hot bat as he went 3-for-7 with two homers across the last two games. Mendoza stressed that the club needs him, citing his power from last season and his role as a core contributor, even as the Mets juggle three other young infielders in and out for defense and matchup reasons.

Core Jackson was drafted by the New York Yankees in the fifth round after a background review that became a national talking point. The Utah shortstop faced a serious incident in 2021 at Nebraska, where he, then 17, drew a swastika on a Jewish student’s dormitory door. He described the moment as a blackout and said he regrets it deeply. Nebraska’s disciplinary steps included a fine, community service, and online sensitivity training, with no season suspension. Jackson later emphasized accountability and growth, and the Yankees defended their process, noting a comprehensive background check approved by ownership.

Jackson signed for well under slot value and has moved quickly through the minors, debuting at High-A Hudson Valley. The club’s stance reflects a willingness to bank on remorse and development, particularly given his athletic tools: arm strength, power, and overall athleticism. The tie to Diamondbacks prospect Jacob Steinmetz and the decision to disclose the incident to every MLB team before the 2024 draft added a layer of accountability to the narrative. Jackson’s 2024 DUI charge while at Utah, later reduced after community service and rehab, underscores the ongoing scrutiny of his off-field trajectory. In New York, where the Jewish community is sizable, the pick remains polarizing, but Jackson frames his journey as forgiveness and progress in service of a new platform.

Kyle Tucker’s 38-game cliff dive at Wrigley Field is the centerpiece here. Once a driver of power, speed and defensive versatility, Tucker has scuffled to a .189 clip with only four extra-base hits while pulling grounders to the second baseman at alarming frequency. Counsell labeled it a mental reset as Tucker showed visible frustration, from bat-heating slams to a half-hearted dash on a routine ball. The piece frames this as more than a slump: it’s a mechanical and confidence collapse that could redefine his upcoming free agency if it drags on.

Tucker’s profile remains elite—league-average power, running and exceptional outfield defense. Over the last five years, only a handful logged more WAR than him, underscoring his all-around value. The analysis ties his current struggles to swing flaws: a steeper attack angle, less core connection, an upright finish and a tendency to roll the top wrist, all of which sap bat speed and pull-side thump. With a mental and mechanical reset, the upside remains immense and likely to outpace contract benchmarks set by peers like Corey Seager.

Historically, Tucker has learned to hit the ball in the air to the pull side, a development that coincided with a peak production stretch. Since July 1, that ability faded, and the spray charts reveal “hit deserts” in the left-field power alley and pull-side homer range. The piece closes with a note of cautious optimism: when Tucker reestablishes his rhythm and reads spin better, the re-emergence of his best skills could come quickly, and the fantasy upside will dwarf today’s frustration as the season unfolds.