File photo /TheNYExtra.com
The Mets lost a tough one in Philly 2-1 as Edwin Diaz gave up a walk off RBI single to JT Realmuto giving the Phils the series and either putting the Mets 1 game behind the Braves for that final wild card spot or leaving the 2 teams in a flat footed tie depending on Atlanta’s game with the Dodgers later tonight.
But the bigger issue could be the health status of Francisco Lindor who was in the starting lineup but had to leave the game due to back discomfort he once again felt during this contest. The team plans to assess the situation once they come home for a three game series versus the Nationals. Lindor wants to play but with the start and stop running that every shortstop in this sport, must execute it leaves the Mets in a tough spot.
At 81-68 the Mets must still win a fair share of games to get a playoff spot. We all watch the out of town scoreboard but this Met squad must focus on the matter at hand—winning games. A 3-3 road trip in Toronto & Philly is not the end of the world but they must play better at home as I would think a 5-2 mark in these last 7 home games of the year is a necessity.
The Met starting pitching has been good in recent weeks but the offense needs to find some runs and if Lindor misses some time, that could be hard to do. But what this team must tell themselves is it is very much in their hands. 13 games remaining and 9-4 gives you 90 wins which I think would claim a playoff berth. That means 2 of 3 vs. Nats, 3 of 4 versus the Phils, and 4-2 in the last 6 games on the road in Atlanta and Milwaukee. That is all very possible but without sounding like a cliche machine, you do that a step at a time.
And in second half of the season, this team has met challenges head on so I firmly expect that will be how they approach this journey to the playoffs. Despite losing 2 of 3 here in Philly, I fully expect to see the focus being there in the season’s final 13 games.
