Today's NY Back Pages and Mets Headlines: 4/21/2026

Good Morning.  Happy Birthday Jesse Orosco, Chris Donnels, Jeff Keppinger, and Ronny Paulino.

Section Links: Mets Links, Minor League Links, MLB Links, and This Day in Mets History 

Mets Links: 

Mets return home for 9 games against the Minnesota Twins (11-11, 5-5 in their last ten games), Colorado Rockies (9-14, 3-7 in their last ten games) and the Washington Nationals (10-13, 5-5 in the last ten).

This week's scheduled pitchers: vs. Minnesota

• Tue., April 21 RHP Simeon Woods Richardson (0-3, 6.10) vs. RHP Nolan McLean (1-1, 2.28) 7:10 p.m. ET (SNY, Audacy 880 AM, 92.3 FM HD2)
• Wed., April 22 RHP TBD vs. RHP Clay Holmes (2-2, 1.96) 7:10 p.m. ET (SNY, Audacy 880 AM, 92.3 FM HD2)
• Thu., April 23 RHP Joe Ryan (2-2, 3.29) vs. TBA 7:10 p.m. ET (SNY, Audacy 880 AM, 92.3 FM HD2)

MLB.com: Mets turn to young ace McLean to halt slide. "After going 5-1 with a 2.06 ERA in eight starts last season, McLean is starring again with a 2.28 ERA through four starts. In 12 career starts, McLean has given up two runs or fewer in 11. He was electric in his most recent outing, when he went toe-to-toe with Dodgers ace Yoshinobu Yamamoto, allowing just two hits and one run over seven innings."

Mets.com: When might Soto be back for struggling Mets? “Yes, he’s still on track,” manager Carlos Mendoza said Sunday. “Not sure which day, but as of right now, the plan is for him to start playing for us at some point in the next homestand.”

Newsday: Mets' offense has been the worst in baseball during their 11-game losing streak. "Over [the streak], the Mets rank last in MLB in runs scored (19), RBIs (18), on-base percentage (.239), slugging percentage (.289), OPS (.528) and wRC+ (51), according to FanGraphs. They also rank toward the bottom of MLB in batting average (.200, fourth worst), homers (seven, tied for third worst), walks (18, second worst) and walk percentage (4.7%, second worst) since April 8."

Newsday: What WFAN and ESPN Radio hosts are saying about the Mets' 11-game losing streak. Evan Roberts, WFAN - “They’ve got to fire the manager. Sorry. I’m a bad guy. I’m a jerk. I’m calling for someone’s job . . . You can’t fire the GM. You can’t release every player. So I’m sorry. That’s what they need to do . . . It’s not all his fault. But as you sit here and the Titanic is sinking, fire is everywhere, you have to do something.”

Searching for Soto:

• When might Soto be back for struggling Mets? (MLB.com)
• Can Juan Soto save sinking Mets? Return expected amid losing streak (The Record
• Mets Superstar Sends Juan Soto Message After Brutal Cubs Loss (Forbes) 
• Return Of Dynamic Soto, Lindor Hitting Could Fuel New York Mets’ Surge (Forbes)

 

Pressure on Carlos Mendoza:

• David Lennon: Mets' nosedive puts Carlos Mendoza on the hot seat despite David Stearns' backing (Newsday)
• Cubs host tells Carlos Mendoza to ‘update that LinkedIn’ after watching disastrous Mets weekend (NYP)
• Mets back Carlos Mendoza during brutal 11-game losing streak: ‘Everyone has a part in this’ (Daily News)
• If Mets fire Carlos Mendoza, here are three potential replacements (NJ.com)
• There’s only one person who can save Mets’ Carlos Mendoza from getting fired (NJ.com)
• The Mets, Phillies and Astros have deeper problems than their managers. That doesn’t mean they’re safe (The Athletic)
• Mets' Carlos Mendoza, 2 Others Labeled Early Hot Seat Candidates by Insider (SI.com)

 

Other Mets News & Analysis:

• Mets turn to young ace McLean to halt slide (MLB.com)
• What WFAN and ESPN Radio hosts are saying about the Mets' 11-game losing streak (Newsday)
• Mets' offense has been the worst in baseball during their 11-game losing streak (Newsday)
• The 11 possible Mets miscalculations that have sent season horribly awry (NYP)
• MLB scouts paint dreary picture with Mets in need of turnaround: ‘Played with some fire’ (NYP)
• The ‘added clutter’ that could be contributing to Bo Bichette’s slow Mets start (NYP)
• This Week in Mets: The Mets have 10 days to save their season (The Athletic)
• Identifying the main reasons for the Mets’ messy start to the season (The Athletic)
• Are the Mets already toast? Reasons for hope despite an 11-game losing streak (CBS Sports) 
• Five Things That Have Gone Wrong for the Mets During Their 11-Game Losing Streak (SI.com)
• SI:AM | Mets’ Long Losing Streak Is Their Worst in Decades (SI.com)
• Cubs Announcer Couldn't Believe Mets' Decision That Resulted in 11th Straight Loss (SI.com)
• Mets Make Epic Error Pitching to Cubs' Nico Hoerner in Extra Innings (SI.com)
• Mamdani curse? Mets drop 10 straight games after NYC mayor hugs Mr., Mrs. Met (NYP)

New York Post: 

• The ‘added clutter’ that could be contributing to Bo Bichette’s slow Mets start “There’s the stress of a new position, plus a new environment in New York,’’ one AL scout said. “That’s a lot of added clutter in your head.”
• MLB scouts paint dreary picture with Mets in need of turnaround: ‘Played with some fire’ "Whether it’s using players at positions they’re not used to — or never played before — or the loss of proven hitters like Pete Alonso, there were plenty of people who didn’t think this experiment would work."
• Jon Heyman: The 11 possible Mets miscalculations that have sent season horribly awry Here's a few of the things that Jon Heyman says the Mets miscalculated: "New York is adjustment, but it can be dealt with and overcome", "Anyone can play 1B better than Pete Alonso", "Semien will regain some semblance of his great hitting form:, "Rookie Carson Benge is ready for the big leagues".
• Mamdani curse? Mets drop 10 straight games after NYC mayor hugs Mr., Mrs. Met "The New York Mets have lost 10 straight games since Mayor Zohran Mamdani hugged mascot Mr. Met during a Citi Field photo opp — and now fuming fans are blaming Hizzoner for squeezing the mojo out of the Amazins."
• Cubs host tells Carlos Mendoza to ‘update that LinkedIn’ after watching disastrous Mets weekend
• Paid big bucks for Padres? You might get Dodgers wins — or Mets losses

SNY.tv:

• Mets vs. Twins: 5 things to watch and series predictions | April 21-23 "The word "reeling" is being used here in a relative sense given the Mets' losing streak, but Minnesota has lost four games in a row after starting the season strong."

Metsmerized Online

• Checking in on Scott, Tong and Wenninger in Syracuse
• Peterson-Myers Pitching Plan a Sign of Things to Come?
• Is It Time to Move on From Carlos Mendoza?
• Mets Minors Recap: Elian Peña’s Strong Start Continues

Amazin' Avenue

• Mets Morning News: Did You Ever Feel Like Nothing Good Was Ever Gonna Happen to You? Yeah. And Nothing Did. So What?
• Mets Daily Prospect Report, 4/20/26: St. Lucie Mets > New York Mets

Rising Apple Feed

• ESPN misses wide-right on likeliest NY Mets trade chip if they’re deadline buyers
• Free agent NY Mets wanted nothing to do with already looks like a bust
• Promising NY Mets prospect finally heating up, looking like a solution
• NY Mets Monday Morning GM: 3 David Stearns decisions no one can rigthfully defend
• Why the NY Mets firing Carlos Mendoza mid-year would be unique times two

Mets360

• Awaiting for results for the Mets' long-term vision

kinerskorner.com

• Minor League Mondays: Jonah Tong Trying To Earn Next Shot In Mets' Rotation

Mack's Mets

• Tom Brennan - Look at the Bright Side
• John From Albany: 40 Years Ago - Knight's Late Homer Ties it, Carter Walks it off, 4/21/1986

Minor League Baseball:

Syracuse: 

• The Syracuse Mets are in Worcester to play the Wo-Sox at 6:05.  Starting Pitcher TBD. 

Binghamton Rumble Ponies: 

• Binghamton starts a home series against the Erie Sea Wolves at 6:07.  Starting Pitcher to be announced.

Brooklyn Cyclones: 

• Brooklyn travels to Wappingers Falls, NY to face the Yankees' Hudson Valley Renegades at 6:35.  Probable pitchers are to be determined.

St. Lucie Mets: 

• St. Lucie begins a six-game homestand against the Palm Beach Cardinals. First pitch is 6:10 p.m.  Starting pitcher TBD.

For the complete Mets Minor League statistics click here.

MLB and NL East Links:

MLB.com:

• 107.5 mph liner transforms into knuckleball, is somehow caught by J-Rod
• 'Just had a feeling': Roberts flips Miggy and Muncy in order -- and they go off for 3 homers
• The best division in baseball right now was probably not on your bingo card
• Blue Jays bus to Anaheim, then shake off rust in series-opening win
• The Phillies had a fourth outfielder at Wrigley, although it had feathers
• Rea deals behind plethora of defensive gems in Cubs' 6th straight win
• Ohtani's on-base streak reaches 52; second place on Dodgers' list up next
• After friendly pregame exchange, Elly robs Caminero with 'insane' diving play
• Stewart's 8th HR -- and surprise steal of 3rd! -- spark Reds to 4th straight win
• X-rays negative for Acuña (hand) as Braves roll after another injury scare
• ESPN is the New Home of MLB.TV. Learn More
• Basallo's game-tying and go-ahead knocks send O's to wild win in 12 innings
• Yankees, Red Sox set to renew rivalry for first time in '26
• Edwin Díaz (elbow) set for surgery for loose bodies; Dodgers hope for second-half return
• MLB+ is the new hub for MLB Network and live game audio all season long
• Mets turn to young ace McLean to halt slide
• Cortes' big night leads A's to comeback win in Seattle
• Right hamstring tightness likely sending Gray to IL (source)
• Former Ohio substitute teacher makes first appearance in front of hometown crowd
• Astros snap lengthy road losing streak, but deal with another injury
• Grayson Rodriguez faces live hitters as he nears return: 'It's a big step'
• Edwards becomes X-factor in first career start batting cleanup
• Spirited rivalries highlight 5 series to watch this week
• New team in Top 5 leads NL Central surge in Power Rankings
• Heads-up steal sparks Red Sox offense in Patriots' Day win

AP Sports Via the Winnipeg Free Press

• Carlos Cortes goes 4 for 5 with a homer and the Athletics beat the Mariners 6-4
• Cease strikes out 12 in 5 innings, Guerrero homers as Blue Jays beat Angels 5-2
• Leody Taveras hits first career grand slam and Orioles hold on for wild 7-5 win over Royals in 12
• Muncy, Rushing both homer twice as Dodgers rout Rockies 12-3 behind Wrobleski to split 4-game set
• Ceddanne Rafaela’s tie-breaking two-run single helps Red Sox to 8-6 Patriots’ Day win over Tigers
• Rea and Swanson help the Cubs beat the slumping Phillies 5-1 for their 6th straight win
• Agustín Ramírez homers and Marlins halt Cardinals’ winning streak with 5-3 victory
• Bryce Elder strikes out 6 in 6 2/3 and the Braves win 6th straight with 9-4 victory over Nationals
• Rookie Sal Stewart hits his 8th homer as Reds top Rays 6-1 for 4th straight win
• Isaac Paredes’ first 2 home runs of season power slumping Astros to 9-2 victory over Guardians

MLB Trade Rumors

• Edwin Díaz To Undergo Surgery For Loose Bodies In Elbow
• Diamondbacks Outright Luken Baker
• Edwin Uceta Diagnosed With Subscapularis Strain
• Astros Outright J.P. France
• 6 Potential Breakout Arms To Watch In 2026
• Mariners Place Brendan Donovan On IL, Select Will Wilson
• Red Sox To Place Sonny Gray On Injured List
• Royals Place Jonathan India On IL With Shoulder Subluxation
• Tyler Wade Granted Release By Rangers
• Rays Select Trevor Martin
• Astros Select Braden Shewmake
• Trade Rumors Front Office Subscriber Chat Transcript
• Cubs Re-Sign Dylan Carlson To Minor League Deal
• Twins Place Mick Abel On Injured List
• Braves Notes: Fuentes, Kim, Roster Decisions

www.espn.com - MLB

• Dodgers' Diaz to have elbow surgery, miss months
• Braves' Acuna hit twice by Nationals; X-rays clean
• Counsell: MLB rule in place for Ohtani 'bizarre'
• Amid threats, Yanks' Schlittler excited to face Sox
• Jays bus from Phoenix to SoCal after plane issue

CBS Sports Headlines

• Mason Miller has top-five Cy Young odds -- here's what it would take for MLB's best closer to make a real run
• Dodgers closer Edwin Díaz to undergo elbow surgery, return timeline puts him out through All-Star break
• Can Red Sox withstand this version of Garrett Crochet? Boston's troubles start, but don't end, with the ace
• Astros vs. Guardians prediction, odds, time: 2026 MLB picks for Monday, April 20 from proven model

FanGraphs Baseball

• Effectively Wild Episode 2468: The Baseball Barometer
• Summit League Baseball Reached an Epic Peak Over the Weekend
• Ben Clemens FanGraphs Chat – 4/20/26
• FanGraphs Power Rankings: April 13–19
• Amid Houston’s Problems, Yordan Alvarez Is Launching Baseballs Again

Today in Mets History Per Ultimatemets.com: 

Born on this date:

• Greg Harts (1950)
• Randy Sterling (1951)
• Jesse Orosco (1957)
• Chris Donnels (1966)
• Jeff Keppinger (1980)
• Ronny Paulino (1981)
• Kellum Clark (2001)
• Tommy Gomez (2004)

Transactions:
New York Mets sold Brad Emaus to the Toronto Blue Jays on April 21, 2011.

National Pastime.com:

2014

Although he breaks his bat on the swing, Ike Davis becomes the first major leaguer to hit a grand slam for two different teams in April when he homers off Mike Leake, helping the Pirates defeat the Reds, 6-5, at PNC Park. Before being traded by the Mets to Pittsburgh earlier in the month, the 27 year-old first baseman went deep against another Cincinnati hurler, J.J. Hoover, for a walk-off slam in the bottom of the ninth at Citi Field.