A 12 months after the Mets snuck into the playoffs and went on an sudden run to the NLCS, they’ll attempt to do the identical factor.
Though this time, there’s significantly extra strain on the high-payroll, Juan Soto-led group that’s on the verge of losing considered one of his prime seasons.
Right here’s a take a look at what’s in retailer for the Mets within the crucial closing week of the common season, in addition to for his or her major opponents:
Mets
They open a three-game collection in opposition to the Cubs at Wrigley Subject on Tuesday and end the common season with three extra in Miami.
The Cubs are up by three video games over San Diego for the highest spot within the NL wild-card race and, as of now, would host the Padres for the best-of-three wild-card matchup.
In addition they simply bought swept in a four-game collection in opposition to the Reds, one of many non-self-inflicted causes the Mets discover themselves on this unenviable place.
As for the Marlins, after falling to as many as 16 video games beneath .500 on June 11, they’re 51-39 since then and have received six in a row and 10 of 11.
In the event that they’re someway nonetheless alive within the wild-card race that closing weekend, it might make issues more durable for the Mets.
And even when Miami is out, Mets followers nonetheless have PTSD from when the Marlins helped knock the Mets out of rivalry within the closing collection of the season in each 2007 and ’08.
Reds
Surging Cincinnati has received 5 straight, going from afterthought all the best way right into a playoff spot because of having the tiebreaker over the Mets after successful the head-to-head season collection.
Up subsequent for the Reds are the Pirates, who’ve been noncompetitive of late, then the Brewers, who’ve one of the best file within the sport however could not have a lot to play for by then.
Each collection are in Cincinnati, which is extra unhealthy information for the Mets, who bought the Reds began on their latest scorching stretch, when the Amazin’s misplaced two of three in Cincy earlier this month.
Since then, the Reds have received 10 of 16 video games, whereas the Mets have dropped 11 of 16.
Diamondbacks
Arizona is one other group nobody would have been blamed for writing off not too way back.
However they’re on a 15-8 run, together with wins in six of their previous eight video games and sit only one recreation behind the Mets.
And if that’s not unhealthy sufficient, Arizona, just like the Reds, holds the tiebreaker over the Mets
It received’t be simple for the D’backs, although, as they host the Dodgers starting Tuesday and end with three video games in San Diego.
Tyrone Taylor might be again Tuesday in Chicago, which might be much-needed constructive information for the Mets, since they’ve been utilizing the struggling mixture of Cedric Mullins and Jose Siri since Taylor went down with a strained left hamstring final month.
Kodai Senga, trying to present he’s postseason worthy — ought to the Mets get there — is predicted to face reside hitters in Port St. Lucie both Tuesday or Wednesday.
The best-hander, optioned to Triple-A Syracuse to work on his mechanics, pitched poorly in his most up-to-date begin, permitting 4 runs on six hits in simply 3 ²/₃ innings.
