The Mets took three out of four from the Phillies over the weekend, denying the N.L. East leaders the opportunity to clinch the division. New York roughed up old friend Taijuan Walker, got clutch hits from Francisco Alvarez, Tyrone Taylor and Brandon Nimmo, and 10 key outs from Edwin Díaz.
If it was the last four games at Citi Field for Pete Alonso as a Met, at least they were memorable. The Polar Bear went 2-for-13 with a home run, four walks and one well-deserved standing ovation in his first at-bat Sunday night.
The Mets lead the Braves by two games for the final Wild Card spot heading into a three-game showdown in Atlanta that begins Tuesday night. Since the season series is tied at five, the series winner will own the playoff tiebreaker. The Mets are tied with the Diamondbacks for the second Wild Card spot and own that tiebreaker. So, while the focus will be on the series with the Braves, keep an eye on the Diamondbacks’ score too.
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3 UP
CARLOS THE MENDIFICENT
Coming up with nicknames is hard. Nonetheless, Carlos Mendoza had a great series. Many less magnificent skippers would have stuck with Tylor Megill on Sunday night. Instead, Mr. Mendificent aggressively went to the bullpen and got five shutout innings from Phil Maton, José Buttó and Edwin Díaz.
Mendoza also earns praise for being quick to maneuver players up and down (or in and out of) the batting order as they get hot or cold. Nimmo has batted first through fifth this year. Alonso, second through fifth. Mark Vientos two through eighth. His decision to move Francisco Lindor to leadoff seemed to have jump-started his season.
And I loved his answer when he was asked what could potentially be Alonso’s final game at Citi Field as a Met.
“It’s not gonna be his last game here. We’re planning on playing more games here this year. We’re not ready to call it. We expect to be back here to play more games this year.”
CLOSING TIME
Edwin Díaz struck out six Phillies over 3.1 innings. He earned a four-out save and the second six-out save of his career. For September, Díaz is 5-for-5 saving games with 21 strikeouts in 11.1 innings. And perhaps, most importantly, just three walks. (Unfortunately, the only run Díaz surrendered this month cost the Mets a game in Philadelphia.)
ALVAREZ CRUSHES A PAIR
Alvarez was 3-for-9 with two home runs, six RBIs and three runs scored. He was batting eighth on Thursday, seventh on Saturday and sixth on Sunday. I see you, Mendoza. Alvarez’s power has returned at the right time, starting the season hot, then missing an extended period with a thumb injury. It was touch-and-go for a moment, but Alvy’s on a power surge now and he returns to the scene of his debut: a pivotal three-game series against the Atlanta Braves. He remained hitless in the 2022 series, often looking overpowered, but two years later, El Troll looks to do a little trolling.
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3 DOWN
SUPERSTAR’S STATUS A MYSTERY
For the past week, have you anxiously awaited the release of the Mets’ lineup every day, sighed when you didn’t see Lindor’s name, and then smiled at the silver lining that is Luisangel Acuña? Just me? Anyway, there is still no definitive word on whether Lindor will play against the Braves or beyond. “If I play this year, I don’t think it’s gonna be pain-free,” the shortstop told reporters before Sunday’s game. “I’m OK with that.”
HITLESS DESIGNATED HITTER
I do not feel a particular way about searching for J.D. Martinez in the lineup. Not lately, anyway. The designated hitter is in a grizzly 0-for-32 rut. I trust Carlos the Mendificent (it’s catching on, huh) will do what he must. And the good news is, David Stearns has constructed a roster in the offseason and trade deadline where Carlos the Mendificent should have no problem finding a hot bat — possible replacements? The scorching Tyrone Taylor, Jesse Winker and Luisangel Acuña (if Lindor returns in Atlanta).
PETEY POUNDED
The Mets would not be sitting two games up in the Wild Card standings without David Peterson (9-3, 3.08 ERA), but he was touched up in the only loss over the weekend and has failed to pitch five innings in two of his last three outings. Now, he’s tasked with facing the Braves and pitching against Chris Sale. No biggie.
