After a challenging start to the season, the New York Mets finally have their full lineup back as both Jeff McNeil and Francisco Alvarez have been activated from the injured list. McNeil returns from an oblique strain while Alvarez, who underwent surgery for a broken hamate bone, has been eagerly looking to test his revamped swing. Their addition comes at a pivotal time for the Mets, who are leading MLB with the best record, highlighting just how much their return is anticipated.

Manager Carlos Mendoza expressed excitement about their return, emphasizing their crucial roles in the lineup. Notably, Alvarez's ability to maintain consistency has been a concern, especially after enduring a rough 2024. The Mets are also benefiting from Luis Torrens, who has been exceptional with a .400 average in high-pressure situations. McNeil's positional flexibility will be tested further as he is expected to play in center field due to Jose Siri's injury.

The New York Mets continued their strong start to the season with a commanding 5-1 victory over the Philadelphia Phillies at Citi Field, marking their sixth consecutive win. The offense struggled early on but erupted in a pivotal seventh inning, highlighted by a two-out rally that saw Pete Alonso and Luis Torrens combine for three runs. Alonso's performance, including a double and four RBIs, ties him for the league lead in RBIs with 25, showcasing his critical role in the Mets' lineup.

Starting pitcher Griffin Canning allowed only one run over five innings while navigating through challenges, including a significant pitch count. Despite facing traffic on the base paths, he managed to keep the game close until the Mets' explosive performance in the late innings. The victory not only secured a series win against their division rivals but also placed the Mets alongside the San Diego Padres for the best record in the league at 17-7.

After a lengthy hiatus due to a stress fracture, Griffin Canning of the New York Mets has embraced a new approach to his pitching career. Reflecting on his two-year absence, Canning highlights the importance of staying present, crediting his exploration of spirituality, particularly through Eckhart Tolle's "The Power of Now." This book has profoundly influenced his mental approach on the mound.

Canning believes that the mental game is as crucial as physical talent, asserting that intuition can drive performance during crucial moments in games. He began incorporating meditation into his routine in 2023, helping him maintain composure and focus during games. This newfound mindset appears to be paying off, as he adapts his pitching strategy in real-time to outsmart opponents, specifically when facing teams like the St. Louis Cardinals.

The Minnesota Twins are sparking renewed interest among fans, even amidst a challenging season. A recent visit to Target Field revealed a surprisingly engaged crowd of nearly 20,000, significantly more than earlier games. The Twins’ performance showcased strong defense, effective pitching, and timely hitting as they built a lead against the New York Mets.

This season, the author reflects on their growing attachment to the Twins, a shift from a history of supporting struggling teams like the Atlanta Braves in the '80s. While the Twins are currently facing a tough start, it remains unclear if they are merely a bad team or one in a slump. The allure of rooting for a team against the odds remains strong, a sentiment that resonates deeply with long-time baseball fans.

The New York Mets showcased a potent offense and strong pitching to secure an 8-0 victory over the Oakland Athletics, clinching their fourth consecutive series win. This marked a significant offensive breakthrough, with all players in the lineup reaching base. Key contributors included Francisco Lindor, Brandon Nimmo, and Luis Torrens, with Kodai Senga delivering a stellar pitching performance. Senga struck out four over seven scoreless innings, marking his most extended outing of the season.

After a slow start against former Mets pitcher Luis Severino, Torrens ignited the offense with a two-RBI game, solidifying his role as a crucial player during Francisco Alvarez's absence. The Mets' bullpen, featuring A.J. Minter and Max Kranick, maintained the shutout. As they head into a series against the Minnesota Twins, the Mets appear to be gaining momentum, although concerns linger regarding Jose Siri's injury status.