The New York Mets dropped a crucial series to last-place Washington, losing 9-3 Thursday after blowing an early 3-0 lead to the Nationals. Juan Soto maintains the team is “100 percent” a playoff contender despite mounting injuries and pitching struggles threatening their postseason aspirations.

The loss extended New York’s recent collapse, falling to 16 defeats in 21 games since late July. The Mets now trail first-place Philadelphia by seven games in the NL East while clinging to a half-game lead over Cincinnati for the final wild-card spot.

Soto went hitless in his final eight at-bats against his former team, striking out five times after hitting his 31st home run Tuesday. The $765 million superstar is batting .247 in the first year of his record 15-year contract with New York.

The slugger expressed confidence in the team’s playoff chances despite their recent struggles. He acknowledged the need for improved team performance across all facets of the game.

“Since day one, we believe in each other and we believe we can make it to the playoffs,” Soto said. “We’ve just got to play better. We’ve got to play better as a team and try to win more games.”

Multiple key players are dealing with nagging injuries that have depleted manager Carlos Mendoza’s lineup options. Catcher Francisco Alvarez requires thumb surgery but will attempt to play through the injury after a brief IL stint.

Brandon Nimmo missed Thursday’s game with a stiff neck while Jeff McNeil played through shoulder soreness. Mendoza was forced to use McNeil as a pinch-hitter despite the injury being most painful when throwing.

“I’m trying to stay away from him,” Mendoza said about McNeil. “I’m trying to limit [him] on the field as well, but where we were at, I just needed to shoot him there.”
Starting Pitching Continues to Falter
The Mets’ rotation has failed to provide length outside of David Peterson’s recent contributions. Sean Manaea couldn’t escape the fifth inning Thursday and hasn’t completed six innings in eight starts this season.

Kodai Senga owns a 6.00 ERA over his last six starts while averaging fewer than five innings per appearance. The pitching struggles have created additional pressure on an already-depleted bullpen.

New York travels to Atlanta for a weekend series before hosting Philadelphia at Citi Field. The Mets face seven remaining games against the division-leading Phillies.