The Mets were shut out by the Padres on Monday after being swept out of Milwaukee, capping off a stretch where they have won just three games out of their last twelve, dropping from first place in the division to third. Unlike the start of the season, though, the stumbling block has not been an ineffective bullpen or imploding starting pitchers. Instead, it’s the suddenly-silent bats that have averaged just over two runs per game in that time.
What happened to the squad that burst out of the gate with clutch hits and MVP candidates? Well, like so many things about the Mets, there’s no simple answer.