Returning Vets Help Right the Ship

Three key veterans return: Ryan Church, Alex Cora and Brian Schneider

Since coming off the DL, Brian Schneider is 4 for 11 with 2 doubles, 2 runs and 2 walks.

Alex Cora is 2 for 9 with 2 walks, and his steady presence on defense is always welcome.

Ryan Church came back today and had two hits, including a double, and scored a run.

The Mets, for all of their injury challenges, are getting healthier.

With today's win they are 2.5 games back of the Phillies, and just a half game back in the wildcard--in other words, they are maintaining.

Sure it was only two of 3 from the Nats, but once again the Mets demonstrated some resiliency.

The rest of June will be tough--very tough. The Mets head home for 3 against the Phils, then it's into Yankee stadium for 3, followed by 3 on the road at Baltimore, then a 10 game homestand against TB, the Cards, and the Yanks, then back on the road to Milwaukee.

These 21 games will be amongst the most difficult on the season. Thankfully 13 are home, and only 8 on the road. The Mets are one of the best home teams in baseball, with a 17-9 home record.

Thankfully the vets are returning...they were missed.