Marcus Semien speaks up on Soto’s injury and his slump.

Mets offense struggles deepen without Juan Soto, as New York falls to the Dodgers 4-0 and drops six straight. The skid leaves the team 7-10 and in last place in the NL East, with nine runs scored over the current slide and just six in the past four games, three of which were shutouts.

Marcus Semien acknowledged the impact of Soto’s absence, calling him “the best left-handed hitter in the game” and emphasizing that the Mets must hold down the fort while Soto recovers from a calf strain. Despite positive signs—Soto began running again—the Mets’ offense has stalled, including a 20-inning stretch without a run entering Tuesday.

Semien, who was acquired to bring balance to the lineup, has not produced at his expected level. Through 17 games, he’s posted a .532 OPS with four of 12 hits for extra bases, one home run, and six RBIs. He warned that such early-season slumps are possible but stressed the need for the offense to tighten up as the team battles to turn the year around.

The Mets’ optimism hinges on a quick return to form from Soto and improved production from the rest of the lineup. Semien remained confident in the group’s talent and work ethic, stating that with the right effort, they can start earning wins again.

Background notes include Soto’s ongoing recovery and the contract context surrounding Semien, whose two-year, $52 million deal remains under scrutiny as the Mets aim to reverse their early-season fortunes.