In a dramatic turnaround, Mark Vientos ignited the Mets' struggling offense with a pivotal eighth-inning, three-run double against the Kansas City Royals, propelling New York to a 7-3 victory at Kauffman Stadium. Vientos, who had been struggling since returning from the injured list with a .133 batting average, finally found his rhythm just when the Mets needed it most. Manager Carlos Mendoza praised Vientos, emphasizing his importance to the team's success.

The Mets, who had faced considerable challenges in their offensive production, managed to stay close thanks to a solid performance by pitcher Kodai Senga, who returned from injury and threw four scoreless innings. The Royals took a brief lead after a two-run homer by Bobby Witt Jr. in the seventh, but Vientos' timely hit changed the tide. This victory is crucial for the Mets as they aim to reclaim momentum heading into the All-Star break.

The New York Mets received a significant boost as they activated two key pitchers, Kodai Senga and Sean Manaea, from the injured list for their series against the Kansas City Royals. Senga, who had missed time due to a hamstring strain, has been a reliable ace with a stellar ERA and a winning record when on the mound. Manager Carlos Mendoza acknowledged the importance of having both pitchers back as the Mets aim to finish the season strong. The return of Manaea, who faced elbow issues, is equally anticipated, given his impactful role in the previous season.

In the absence of these pitchers, the Mets struggled, particularly in a recent series against the Baltimore Orioles, where they lost both games with bulk relievers filling in. With the All-Star break approaching, the Mets hope to regain their footing in the NL East race, currently trailing the Philadelphia Phillies. The management is cautious with Senga's pitch count but remains optimistic about both pitchers' contributions.

As the New York Mets visit the Kansas City Royals, both teams find themselves in pivotal moments of the season. The Mets, at 53-41, recently suffered two defeats in a doubleheader against the Orioles, placing them 1.5 games behind the division-leading Phillies in the National League East. Conversely, the Royals, sitting at 46-48, are riding a four-game winning streak after sweeping the Pirates, yet they remain 13 games behind the Tigers in the American League Central.

The matchup features Mets' pitcher Kodai Senga, boasting a stellar 1.47 ERA, facing Royals' Michael Wacha, who has struggled with a 3.83 ERA. The Mets come into this game with mixed trends, having won 16 out of their last 28 games following a loss. Betting lines favor the Mets as slight favorites at -141 on the moneyline, with the total set at 9 runs.

The New York Mets are facing a pitching dilemma as their early-season success fades. Once boasting a strong rotation, injuries have left the back half struggling, prompting speculation on potential trades. With the return of Kodai Senga and Sean Manaea, the Mets need one more reliable starter to solidify their playoff ambitions. Analysts suggest Merrill Kelly of the Arizona Diamondbacks could be the answer, given his impressive stats and postseason experience.

Bringing Kelly aboard would not only enhance the Mets' rotation alongside David Peterson and the returning Senga, but it also presents a strategic move as they seek to make a deep playoff run. However, the availability of Kelly is uncertain, as he may be sought after by multiple teams, and the Mets must weigh the cost of giving up prospects like Blade Tidwell for a rental.

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.