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.

Masataka Yoshida's recovery from offseason shoulder surgery has faced setbacks, with the Boston Red Sox manager Alex Cora indicating that Yoshida is still feeling soreness during his throwing regimen. The 31-year-old outfielder's anticipated return to Boston for evaluation is on the cards as the team prepares to kick off a homestand after a road trip. Yoshida, who had shown promise early in spring training, is currently not close to beginning a rehab assignment and needs to demonstrate he can play in the outfield, especially with Rafael Devers solidifying the designated hitter position.

His performance in the Grapefruit League included a .286 batting average with a home run and a double over 11 games, but that is now overshadowed by his ongoing health issues. The Red Sox are keeping a close eye on his recovery, as they also consider roster moves for other players making waves in the minor leagues. As the regular season approaches, the pressures to perform and the implications for the team’s lineup are mounting.

In the quest to identify undervalued and overvalued players, a closer look at recent lineup changes in Major League Baseball reveals several key trends. Cedric Mullins of the Baltimore Orioles has made a significant jump to the leadoff position, capitalizing on his early-season success against left-handed pitching with an impressive 1.258 OPS. Meanwhile, Boston's Triston Casas struggles to find playing time against lefties, consistently yielding to Romy Gonzalez, yet his power surge may signal a turnaround.

For the New York Yankees, Trent Grisham's unexpected rise in performance has seen him batting leadoff and showcasing a remarkable barrel rate, while Oswaldo Cabrera continues to navigate a platoon situation. The Tampa Bay Rays have welcomed Chandler Simpson, who is making an impact with his speed and solid hitting, whereas the Toronto Blue Jays are seeing George Springer return to form, batting cleanup after a tough previous season. Teams are adjusting their lineups dynamically, reflecting strategic shifts that can greatly affect fantasy projections.

With Daulton Varsho nearing a return, the Toronto Blue Jays face a strategic challenge in the outfield as they adjust their lineup. Varsho, recovering from a torn rotator cuff, is set to reclaim the center field position, pushing George Springer to a regular role in right field. However, the left field position remains uncertain, with several candidates competing for the role. Alan Roden, Nathan Lukes, Myles Straw, and Addison Barger are in contention, with Roden struggling significantly this season after a promising spring training.

Lukes, favored by the coaching staff, has seen more playing time but also faces challenges with a low batting average. Straw has been more productive but might shift to left field upon Varsho's return. The potential upside of Barger could make him a candidate for regular play, despite his lack of experience in left field. The Jays rank poorly in left field production, which may compel them to rethink their current strategy as they prepare for the upcoming series against the Boston Red Sox.

The Toronto Blue Jays displayed tenacity in a thrilling comeback against the New York Yankees, overcoming a 2-1 deficit with a decisive ninth-inning rally to secure a 4-2 victory. Alejandro Kirk's two-run double, following a single from George Springer and a hit-by-pitch on Andrés Giménez, was the highlight of the inning as it fueled a late-game surge. This victory not only snapped a five-game losing streak but also brought the Jays' season record to .500 at 13-13.

Vladimir Guerrero Jr. sparked excitement earlier in the game with a towering home run, his second of the season, which marked his 15th career homer at Yankee Stadium. José Berríos was instrumental on the mound, pitching 5 1/3 scoreless innings while navigating through numerous baserunners, showcasing his ability to handle high-pressure situations effectively. The Yankees, despite their efforts, struggled with runners in scoring position, leaving 11 on base throughout the game.