Despite this skid, the Mets still sit atop the National League East, owning a 2.5 game lead over the Philadelphia Phillies. As the Mets look to turn things around, they could use increased production from one player in particular.

Shane Baz combined with three relievers on a five-hitter, and the Tampa Bay Rays beat New York 9-0 to complete the first three-game series sweep of the Mets this season

NEW YORK — Mets infielder Brett Baty exited Sunday’s game against the Tampa Bay Rays. In the moment, with the Mets trailing 6-0, it looked like Mets manager Carlos Mendoza was trying to spark something, pinch-hitting Ronny Mauricio in Baty’s place.

Their 9-0 loss to the Rays at Citi Field epitomized a series that saw cracks -- in some cases, for the first time all year -- surface in various corners of the roster. The sweep itself was not overly damaging for the Mets, who still lead the National League East by 2 1/2 games and hold the best record in the NL.

The New York Mets announced a minor transaction on Sunday to get a much-needed fresh arm in their bullpen ahead of the series finale with the Tampa Bay Rays. Th

Mets third baseman Mark Vientos will start his injury rehab in AAA on Tuesday, according to Carlos Mendoza. “He's playing Tuesday for Syracuse,” Mendoza said of Vientos, referencing the AAA Syracuse Mets.

David Peterson pitched a six-hitter for the first nine-inning complete game of his professional career, and the New York Mets beat the Washington Nationals 5-0 for their fifth straight win.

On Thursday, Stratton became the latest celebrity to uncork a wild first pitch while participating in the ceremonial event. Stratton took to the mound prior to the game between the New York Mets and the Washington Nationals on June 12.