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Juan Soto opens up about slow start to first season with Mets
While New York Mets star outfielder Juan Soto seemed on the verge of getting hot at the plate coming off impressive performances over the weekend, he went 0-for-4 with a strikeout in New York's 5-4 win over the Philadelphia Phillies on Monday night.
Following that victory, Soto spoke openly about the start to his Mets tenure that hasn't quite gone to his liking, even though the team began Tuesday at 16-7.
"I’m still getting into a rhythm and working on getting my timing," Soto told Manny Gomez of NJ Advance Media for NJ.com. "I’m still not at the point where I want to be, but I’ve been feeling better little by little every day."
Soto received a standing ovation from fans at Citi Field ahead of his at-bat in the bottom of the fifth inning of Friday's home game against the St. Louis Cardinals. He then drove home a total of five runs through Sunday en route to helping the Mets complete a four-game sweep.
In the bottom of the third inning of Monday's win, Soto initially thought he had crushed a three-run home run into the second deck in right field. However, umpires correctly overturned the call after replays showed the shot went wide of the foul pole.
Soto ended Monday's action slashing .244/.370/.415 with three homers and 12 RBI on the season. Such production is disappointing considering the Mets gave him a 15-year, $765M contract that could exceed $800M this past offseason, but the club nevertheless continues to tally positive results despite his struggles.
Specifically, the Mets entered Tuesday in the middle of a five-game winning streak. Thus far, the Amazins have gone 10-1 at home and have opened a three-game lead in the NL East.
Per Alex Smith of SNY, Mets president of baseball operations David Stearns said ahead of Monday's victory that Citi Field crowds have "shown the ability to make this an uncomfortable place for opposing players." Perhaps that energy will give Soto a needed spark during Tuesday's home game versus the 13-10 Phillies.
"I can do better than what I’ve done so far," Soto added during his chat with Gomez. "But at the end of the day, the numbers will speak for themselves. We’ll see how things play out in the end."
More must-reads:
- Mets stay hot despite Juan Soto's continued struggles
- Watch: Twins' Byron Buxton saves game with stunning game-winning catch
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Brewers officially have a legit MVP candidate
On Tuesday night, the Milwaukee Brewers extended their winning streak to 11 games, and a key part of the team's momentum is a player who is in the National League MVP race. The red-hot Brewers entered Tuesday night facing one of the biggest threats to their winning streak, Pittsburgh Pirates ace Paul Skenes. Milwaukee torched Skenes for two home runs and four earned runs in 4.0 innings pitched. Brewers first baseman Andrew Vaughn added extra damage in the sixth inning with a three-run home run that increased Milwaukee's lead to 12-0. Per Bob Nightengale of USA Today, Vaughn is in the NL MVP race after his home run on Tuesday night. "Andrew Vaughn suddenly in top 10 NL MVP discussion with another 3-run HR, giving him 32 RBI since joining the Brewers," Nightengale posted on X. "He is the gift that keeps on giving from the White Sox. They are about to go 24-4 since his arrival." Vaughn has helped the Brewers overrun and then take a commanding lead on the Chicago Cubs in the NL Central. Following their 14-0 win Tuesday night, the Brewers extended their lead to 7.5 games over the Cubs for first place. Vaughn is turning out to be a steal for the Brewers, as Milwaukee only gave up veteran pitcher Aaron Civale and cash considerations for the first baseman on June 13. While Vaughn might have a case to be in the top 10, he has much work before he becomes a legitimate contender for the NL MVP. Per FanDuel, Los Angeles Dodgers star slugger Shohei Ohtani leads the race with -20000 odds. Philadelphia Phillies left fielder Kyle Schwarber is second with +1800 odds. Those two players have been more consistent this season, whereas Vaughn has come on strong since leaving Chicago.
Jets QB Justin Fields had 'alarming' practice against Giants
New York Jets quarterback Justin Fields found out he has a long way to go following his performance at Tuesday's joint practice with the New York Giants. Per Connor Hughes of SNY TV, Fields started hot at the practice before struggling during the move-the-ball period. "Very interesting practice for #Jets QB Justin Fields," Hughes posted on X. "He finished 7 of 12 with a TD. 5 of 5 to start practice. Then 0 for 4. Finished 2 of 3 with the really impressive TD to Jeremy Ruckert in red zone (starter 18 yard line). "The offensive performance was a bit alarming in move-the-ball period of practice. Fields Co. had three attempts to get down field. They didn’t gain a first down. Only gained yards twice (two short Breece Hall runs). Three sacks. That needs to be fixed. #Giants defense toyed with NYJ during that period." Some Jets fans online thought Hughes was using hyperbole to characterize the practice, but he doubled down on his judgment of the offense. Fields looked strong on his first and only drive in the Jets' 30-10 win over the Green Bay Packers on Saturday night. He went 3-of-4 passing for 42 yards and rushed two times for 14 yards and a touchdown. However, the Giants defense at the joint practice is a much better unit than the short-handed one the Packers trotted out for the first preseason game. Fields' issues seen with the Chicago Bears and Pittsburgh Steelers, with holding the ball too long and not being able to pass consistently downfield, were a factor against the Giants. Following Saturday's game, Jets head coach Aaron Glenn said Fields was getting better but had a lot to improve on. Tuesday's practice was a humbling reminder that Fields needs to become a consistent passer if the Jets are going to move the ball on good defenses in the regular season.
Oregon suspends former five-star WR recruit indefinitely
Oregon wide receiver Jurrion Dickey has struggled to live up to expectations in his first two seasons with the Ducks, and he is now in a terrible position heading into 2025 as well. Dickey has been suspended indefinitely by Oregon, head coach Dan Lanning announced on Tuesday. Lanning also suggested that Dickey may not play for the Ducks again. "We have two team rules; that’s respectful, be on time,” Lanning said, via James Crepea of The Oregonian. “There’s some pieces of that where I felt like he needed a break from us and we needed a break from that so we could focus on what’s in front of us right now. "Wishing him nothing but the best, as far as success and want to see him get back to where he can be a contributor somewhere; that might be here that might be somewhere else.” Dickey was a five-star recruit and rated as one of the top wide receivers in the country when he came out of Menlo-Atherton High School in Atherton, California in 2023. He suffered an injury his senior year in high school and redshirted as a freshman at Oregon. Dickey has two catches for 14 years during his time with the Ducks. Oregon went 13-1 in Lanning's third season with the program last season. The Ducks lost to eventual national champion Ohio State in the College Football Playoff quarterfinals.
Browns may not be prepared for one thing with Shedeur Sanders
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