As of August 22nd, the Mets are currently 4.0 games ahead of the Braves in the NL East and 12 games above the 3rd team, the Phillies. Considering the Mets just lost three games out of their four-game series with the Braves, things are looking good for the Mets at the minute. Looking across the whole National League, it is only the Dodgers who currently have a better record than the Mets in the whole of the MLB.
While it may seem the Phillies are out of the race for the NL East, there is still plenty of time. The Phillies would need to go on quite the winning streak though and hope that the Mets and Braves lose quite a few games along the way, which isn’t looking too likely. The Braves alone are 9-1 in their last ten games and their one loss was to the Mets in the four-game series they just played.
The Mets and Phillies faced off this past weekend and it was a big series for the race in the NL East. The Mets won 3 out of the 4, and have hopefully put the Phillies a bit too far behind them to still consider them as a forerunner for the NL East champion. However, if the Phillies can pull some magic out of their hat in the rest of the season, they could stand a chance.
Brett Baty
Right about now, I am betting the Mets had wished they called up their Number 2 prospect, Brett Baty a bit earlier. While ultimately, the Mets lost their series to Brave, Baty was called up in game 3 and hit a homerun in his first Major League at-bat. Baty is one of only five Mets to have accomplished this feat and the only one to do so since Mike Jacobs went yard in his first at-bat in 2005.
Odds On Mets Winning NL East
The race for the NL East is a tight one and this weekend could be a big factor in who will clinch the division. The Mets are -375 favorites to win the NL East over at BetOnline.ag but this isn’t going to stop the Phillies and Braves from putting up a good fight.
Expect the Mets to do their best to show up this weekend so they can get a few more games ahead of the #2 and #3 spots in the NL East. While the odds are in their favor, it never hurts to be as many games ahead as possible and clinch that #1 division spot.
How Can The Mets Ensure Success
They will need their bullpen to step up and get the job done! After Carlos Carrasco left Monday’s game due to tightness in his left, he could be out for a little while. However, all hope is not lost as David Peterson and Trevor Williams are ready to step up. Williams went 20 innings without allowing an earned run while Peterson has won 6 of the last 14 games he started for the Mets. Between the two of them, they have shown time and time again they are ready to step up when called upon.
The Mets have also just claimed Yolmer Sánchez off waivers from the Boston Red Sox so it will be interesting to see what he will bring to the infield when he gets his chance.
Moving Forward
As mentioned, the Mets will be looking to extend their lead over the Phillies this weekend. This weekend is a pivotal point in the season for the Mets. The Mets will want to get as many games ahead as possible as while they are facing the Pirates soon, they will also be playing the Yankees and Dodgers, both of which are going to be hard series.
The Mets also have another series of 3 games against the Braves to play in early October. Considering they just lost 3-1 in their last series to the Braves, it will be nice for them to have a bit of a cushion and hopefully, be a good few games ahead of the Braves by the time October comes around. However, October is quickly approaching so the Mets will need to make sure they stay on top of their game.
Final Words
There is no denying the Mets have some tough games coming up as we reach the end of the season. However, if they can manage to stay healthy, they have a good shot, at least of winning the NL East. While we are sure they are still aiming for the World Series, which isn’t out of reach just yet, one would also imagine that they are just looking to win the NL East at this time. With so many games being played in Baseball, it is hard to tell so early on just what will happen.
If the likes of Baty, Peterson, Williams, and others can continue to play their parts, as well as they, have been, the Mets are going to finish strong. While anything can happen in professional sports, look for the Mets to rely heavily on a few of their players to help guide them through the rest of the season.
As mentioned, the next task at hand for them is the Phillies so let’s see how that goes before we start making any drastic predictions on the Mets just yet! As mentioned, this is a big series for them and they really could do with winning all three games to put them a few more games ahead and give them a tiny bit of breathing room for a few weeks. Considering the Mets took their last series 2-1 and kept the Phillies scoreless in both games they won, look for them to make a massive statement this weekend!
