Mets' 2 Unheralded Heroes Lift Team to Win Over Giants

Catcher Luis Torrens and outfielder Jared Young step up with key contributions in the absence of injured stars Juan Soto and Brett Baty.

Apr. 6, 2026 at 3:51pm by Ben Kaplan

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A fragmented, geometric painting depicting a baseball game between the New York Mets and San Francisco Giants, with the players and field broken down into sharp, overlapping shapes and planes of vibrant blue, orange, black, and white.A cubist interpretation of the Mets' come-from-behind victory over the Giants, with unsung heroes stepping up in the absence of injured stars.San Francisco Today

Despite missing star players Juan Soto and Brett Baty due to injuries, the New York Mets were able to earn a 5-2 win over the San Francisco Giants on Sunday. Leading the way were catcher Luis Torrens and outfielder Jared Young, who weren't in the initial lineup plans but each played a crucial role in the victory.

Why it matters

The Mets have gotten off to a slow start offensively this season, with key bats like Marcus Semien and Bo Bichette struggling. The contributions from Torrens and Young show the team has depth and the ability to win even when their top players are sidelined, which will be important as the Mets look to turn things around and compete in the NL East.

The details

Torrens, who was told he might see playing time before the game, hit a go-ahead two-run double in the eighth inning to give the Mets a 3-2 lead they would not relinquish. Young, who started in left field, went 3-for-3 on the day before being pinch-hit for by Torrens.

  • The Mets were already without Juan Soto, who is dealing with a calf strain, when Brett Baty was scratched from the lineup pregame due to a thumb injury.

The players

Luis Torrens

A catcher for the New York Mets who came through with a clutch two-run double in the eighth inning to give his team the lead.

Jared Young

An outfielder for the New York Mets who started in left field and went 3-for-3 on the day, playing a key role in the team's victory.

Juan Soto

A star outfielder for the New York Mets who was sidelined with a calf strain.

Brett Baty

A young infielder for the New York Mets who was scratched from the lineup pregame due to a thumb injury.

Marcus Semien

An infielder for the New York Mets who has gotten off to a slow start offensively this season.

Bo Bichette

An infielder for the New York Mets who has also struggled at the plate early in the 2026 season.

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What they’re saying

“I was prepared even before the game. And he told me that there might be a situation where I come in.”

— Luis Torrens, Catcher

“I really appreciate to be told that earlier on in the game, or even before the game, just because I'm able to prepare myself the way that I know that I can prepare myself.”

— Luis Torrens, Catcher

What’s next

The Mets will look to continue their winning ways when they take on the Arizona Diamondbacks in their upcoming series.

The takeaway

The Mets' ability to get key contributions from unexpected sources like Torrens and Young, even with their top players sidelined, shows the team has the depth and resilience to overcome early-season adversity and compete in the NL East.