With Jesse Winker back on the injured list and Starling Marte out until after the All-Star break, the Mets need someone to step up big and provide a boost in the designated hitter role. Enter Mark Vientos.

Will the returns of Sean Manaea, Kodai Senga and Frankie Montas be enough to revitalize the Mets' slumping rotation?

For all the hurdles and recent valleys the Mets have had to contend with, they are about to embark on the second half of their season, doing so just a half-game out of first place in the National League East (55-42) behind the Philadelphia Phillies.