As the All-Star break approaches, two underperforming Major League Baseball teams, the New York Mets and the Chicago Cubs, are set to clash in a four-game series, each desperately seeking to ignite their season. Both clubs are keen to gather significant momentum, aiming to turn their fortunes around before the mid-season pause. The series kicks off amidst rescheduling due to weather, highlighting the urgency and challenges faced by these teams.
The Mets are currently grappling with a recent downturn, having dropped seven of their last twelve contests. This slump has intensified their desire for a strong showing against the Cubs. Adding to their challenges, the initial game of the series was postponed due to inclement weather in New York, pushing the start of this crucial encounter back a day. The teams are now scheduled for a single game on Tuesday, followed by a split doubleheader on Wednesday, and concluding with the series finale on Thursday.
On the other side, the Chicago Cubs have also experienced a tough stretch, with a 13-25 record since their promising 27-12 start to the season. Similar to the Mets, their schedule was also affected by weather, as their recent game against the Blue Jays was rained out, granting them back-to-back days off. This break could either refresh the team or disrupt any rhythm they were hoping to establish. Both teams recognize the importance of these upcoming games, as the All-Star break offers a chance to reset, but entering it with positive momentum could significantly influence the second half of their campaigns.
Individually, some players are shining despite their team's struggles. For the Mets, outfielder Juan Soto has been exceptional, maintaining a remarkable on-base streak of 13 consecutive games. During this period, the four-time All-Star has posted an impressive .386 batting average, slugging four home runs and driving in nine runs. The potential return of shortstop Francisco Lindor, who has been sidelined since April 22 with a calf strain, also offers a glimmer of hope for the Mets' lineup. Lindor is expected to play his third rehab game on Tuesday and could rejoin the team as early as Wednesday, a development that manager Carlos Mendoza views as a potential boost: "We'll reassess after the (rehab) game and see what's next for him."
The pitching matchups are set to feature right-handers Edward Cabrera for Chicago and Kodai Senga for New York. Cabrera (4-4, 5.21 ERA) is cleared to start despite experiencing right hand cramping in his last outing, which forced an early exit. He reassured fans, "It was just a cramp that I felt. I was scared, but it was just a cramp." Senga (0-5, 9.00 ERA), returning from an injured list stint due to lumbar spine inflammation, has had a challenging season so far. He allowed four runs in his last start and struggled against the Cubs earlier in the season, giving up seven runs. Senga will face a formidable challenge in Cubs center fielder Pete Crow-Armstrong, who has been named NL Player of the Week twice this month, boasting a .437 batting average, nine homers, and 14 RBIs in June. Cubs manager Craig Counsell praised his young star, noting, "His production has just been excellent. His production is taking a big step forward, and that's meaningful for us."
Both the New York Mets and Chicago Cubs are at a crucial juncture in their seasons. As they prepare for their four-game series, the urgency to perform well before the All-Star break is palpable. Each team is looking to capitalize on individual performances, overcome recent struggles, and find the winning formula that will propel them forward in the challenging weeks to come. This series represents a significant opportunity for either club to establish a much-needed upward trajectory and reshape the narrative of their current campaign.
