The New York Mets playoff hopes are teetering at the moment, as every loss leaves them closer to elimination. All of the work that the Mets did throughout August to get themselves within a game of a Wild Card spot dissipated when they were swept in back-to-back series by the Atlanta Braves and the Chicago Cubs. The series against the Cubs was the start of the Mets week, before they eventually finished strong by beating the Philalphia Phillies on the road.

Against the Phillies, Todd Frazier once again found his power stroke, delivering a team-high eight RBIs across the first two wins of the series. The Mets won both of those games, setting themselves up for a potential sweep on Sunday. Unfortunately, New York couldn’t complete the job, dropping the final game of the series 5-2, after a bullpen meltdown in the eighth inning.

Prior to that letdown, the Mets bullpen had been pitching very well as there was excellent performances by countless relievers all week. One of the biggest standouts was Edwin Diaz, who was perfect this week, giving the impression that he may have turned the corner.

Hitter of the Week – Todd Frazier

With the return of Jeff McNeil and the impending return of Brandon Nimmo, Todd Frazier came into this week looking like the odd man out of the Mets starting lineup. Despite the ire from Mets fans, Frazier started the first game of the week against the Cubs, giving ground ball pitcher Marcus Stroman a better defensive infield. The 33-year-old failed to produce a hit in the start though, and was benched in the next game in favor off McNeil.

The benching was all Frazier needed to get his bat going, as he ended up being inserted into that game in the fifth inning and went 2-for-4 with a double and two runs scored. After an 0-for-4 effort in the series finale against the Cubs, Frazier had one of his best games of the season on Friday night. Frazier hit two three-run homers, helping propel the Mets to a late victory that saw them score 11 runs in the last three innings. Frazier then went 3-for-4 in the following game, with a double, a run scored and two RBIs.

Frazier’s stats this past week: .381/.458/.762, 8 H, 5 R, 2 HR, 2 2B, 8 RBI, BB, 1.220 OPS.

Wilson Ramos could have also been named hitter of the week, as he hit .500 with 12 hits across 24 at-bats. Frazier ends up getting the nod over Ramos though, as he had led the team in RBIs and was second in runs scored as well.

Pitcher of the Week – Edwin Diaz

After watching the Mets over this past week, there were plenty of guys who deserved credit for their excellent work on the mound, particularly coming out of the bullpen. Luis Avilan, Brad Brach, Edwin Diaz, Seth Lugo, Paul Sewald and Justin Wilson combined to throw 13 2/3 innings pitched without allowing a single run.

One of the most impressive members of that bullpen this week was Edwin Diaz. Diaz sports an awful 5.33 ERA on the season, with a career-high 12 home runs allowed. Still, the strikeout-to-walk ratio is outstanding (3.70:1) as he has punched out 85 batters in 50 2/3 pitched, showing that the talent still exists in Diaz’ electric arm.

This past week, that great talent was on full display, as Diaz struck out five of the six batters that he faced. In Diaz’ first appearance, he came into Wednesday’s game against the Cubs when the Mets were down 10-6 and he ended up striking out the side. Then on Friday, Diaz entered the game after the Mets took a late 6-1 lead in the top of the eighth inning. Diaz pitched another perfect inning, striking out two and the Mets would go on to win the game 11-5.

Diaz line this past week: 2 IP, 5 K

If the Mets can get Diaz back to pitching like he did last year, when he was the best closer in baseball, then New York will have a much better chance at completing this improbable run into the playoffs.