Yes, this is crunch time for the Mets. We know what is ahead and the Mets are aware that starts tomorrow night at Citizens Bank Park against the Phillies. Win two of three or sweep three ball games.

If not, and how many times has this been said, it’s on to 2021

Another crucial series.The three games with the Blue Jays up in Buffalo, they were crucial. Again, though, the Mets lost their opportunity after scoring 18-runs Friday night. Instead, it’s five games under .500 (21-26) and 13 left to play.

The degree of probability and  difficulty to win nine of those remaining games. and factor the inconsistent starting rotation with exception of Jacob deGrom. The  Mets, though, have not been able to sustain a winning streak.

They need to win every remaining series against the Phillies, Braves, Tampa Bay, and Nationals. That will be a degree of difficulty based on what was seen the past three games against a young and good Blue Jays team. 

Though, the Mets were close up in Buffalo from taking two of three or getting what would have been a satisfying sweep. 

 And not surprised that they are still in contention for a final playoff spot. If  it were not for the mediocrity, unusual schedule, the Mets would be playing out the string the next two weeks. The bogus expanded playoff format helps extend the suspense. 

Of course, I am not telling you something that is not known. 

So here it is: Miracle and Amazing, two words associated with the Mets are needed. Again, the probability is slim. The other word is consistency. Instead, the Mets are inconsistent. 

Examine the issues, and also look at this series with the Blue Jays. Saturday and Sunday are two examples of the inconsistency. Blame the pitching, on the bases, the bullpen. Also, Sunday afternoon, question why manager Luis Rojas pulled David Peterson.

Rojas did not want Peterson facing the heart of the Blue Jays lineup a third time after throwing 82 pitches. Logic, and during a pennant stretch like this, you stay with your starter. Analytics said, go with the percentages and lift the starter.

It may have cost the Mets a win during this crucial stretch.

“Crazier things can happen,” said Todd Frazier. “We’re still right there.” 

He is the cheerleader.  But, be realistic because any number of factors and the Mets would be in better  position with these three against the Phillies. 

And it begins on the mound. Crazy as it is, the once and rich pitching organization has changed direction. Now the Mets, when consistent, are leading baseball in hitting. 

Rick Porcello? Michael Wacha? Steven Matz?  Three of the issues of inconsistency. Porcello (1-4, 6.07 ERA) gets the start tomorrow evening and is looking to turn around his percentage of giving up runs in the first inning.

Wacha and Matz have been regulated to the bullpen. Every fifth day it will be deGrom and Lugo getting the starts and that degree of difficulty is better if they go deep. 

Regardless, Porcello needs to step up. If not, the bullpen is crucial. Get the mechanics straight Jeurys Familia. Walks always lead to runs.  

Don’t know about you, but the trust with Edwin Diaz seems to have returned and he needs to have more opportunities if the Mets are in  position in the late innings.

Examine other factors and it revolves around Pete Alonso. We have seen him come around and we have not. He needs to be consistent. Get on base and don’t rely on the home run ball. 

 And, Rojas, has to sit Amed Rosario no matter what the analytics say. Andres Gimenez has earned that role to start this crucial series with the Phillies. 

You see, it’s all about consistency. Gimenez, along with Michael Conforto and Dominic Smith have been consistent during this sprint. The consistency needs to resume  for J.D. Davis. He adds to the equation.

“We can be a scary team when we hit all cylinders,” Davis said when reached for comment.

As one insider said, “You need to go with your best now.” So, Rojas, hope you or whoever is writing the lineup will listen.

It begins tomorrow night in Philadelphia. Like a fighter, the Mets are in that final round and looking to bounce off the canvas for the knockout. If not, it will be playing out the string and an interesting offseason.