Mets face 10-day sprint to salvage a sputtering season

The New York Mets sit at 7-15 and are in danger of sinking further after a rough stretch; they face a pivotal 10-game homestand against the Twins, Rockies and Nationals and need to go 6-3 to avoid slipping toward an 84-win pace. The team must see improved production across the lineup and stronger pitching to reverse the early-season malaise, or risk a deeper hole despite historic caveats about quick comebacks.