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.

Max Muncy and Aaron Judge have rejoined their respective teams, the Los Angeles Dodgers and New York Yankees, providing much-needed boosts as the season nears its end. Their returns come at a critical juncture, with teams eyeing playoff positions amid a competitive landscape.

The Houston Astros await the return of Yordan Álvarez, whose power bat could seamlessly integrate into their lineup, bolstering a team already strong on the mound. Meanwhile, the Chicago Cubs look to the returns of Javier Assad and Jameson Taillon to strengthen their rotation after a lackluster pitching performance this season.

In the AL East, the Toronto Blue Jays hope for Shane Bieber's resurgence after surgery, aiming to solidify their rotation alongside established stars. The Philadelphia Phillies are also eager for Alec Bohm and Aaron Nola to return, as both have been pivotal to the team's success. The Texas Rangers expect Jake Burger and Evan Carter to deliver much-needed offensive firepower as they seek a playoff spot.

The New York Mets began the season as contenders, buoyed by a remarkable pitching staff that led MLB in ERA until late June. However, injuries to key pitchers like Kodai Senga, Tylor Megill, and others have forced the team to scramble for depth, relying on lesser-known prospects and minor leaguers for innings. Despite the pressure to promote top pitching prospects like Nolan McLean and Brandon Sproat, the Mets' management, led by David Stearns, is cautious. Stearns emphasizes the importance of allowing young pitchers the space to develop properly before thrusting them into high-pressure situations.

A silver lining is on the horizon, with expected returns of Sean Manaea and Senga before the All-Star break, which could stabilize the rotation. In the meantime, prospects like Blade Tidwell are more likely to be given opportunities than top-tier talent, highlighting the Mets' commitment to long-term development over short-term gains. This cautious approach signals a strategic shift in the franchise's management philosophy, focusing on sustainable growth rather than immediate fixes.

Sean Manaea's recovery from an oblique strain is facing a minor setback as the New York Mets pitcher deals with a loose body in his left elbow. Manager Carlos Mendoza confirmed that Manaea has been sidelined from throwing for 48 to 72 hours following an MRI that revealed the issue after he experienced soreness during a rehab appearance. A cortisone shot was administered to alleviate inflammation, and while the team is hopeful for his return by mid-next week, they have not ruled out the possibility of surgery after the season.

Manaea expressed relief that the injury isn't severe, calling it a 'good-case scenario,' despite acknowledging the frustration of delays. In previous rehab outings, he posted a 6.00 ERA in four starts but showed improvement in his last outing, allowing just one run in 5.1 innings. The Mets' rotation is currently short-handed with injuries to Kodai Senga and Tylor Megill, making Manaea's healthy return crucial for the team's performance.