October’s just around the corner.
After a rocky start, the Mets found their groove and are making an MLB playoff push with less than two weeks left in the season.
A 10-1 win over the Nationals on Tuesday boosted their playoff hopes and they also got help from both the Reds, who came back to beat the Braves, and the Rockies, who beat the Diamondbacks for the second straight night.
The Mets now own the fifth seed and second wild-card spot in the NL thanks to their tiebreaker over Arizona and they are two games ahead of Atlanta.
They will go for a sweep of Washington on Wednesday at home before welcoming the Phillies for a four-game set that sets the stage for a critical final week featuring a three-game set in Atlanta that could decide their playoff fates and a season-ending road series against the Brewers.
What is the Mets’ magic number to make the MLB playoffs?
Magic number: 11 (as of Sept. 18)
Note: Mets hold the tiebreaker over the Diamondbacks, which would give them a playoff spot if both teams finish with the same regular-season record.The tiebreaker with the Braves will be decided during the three-game series in Atlanta from Sept. 24-26 since the teams have split the first 10 games.
NL East standings (as of Sept. 18)
| Team | Record | Games back |
|---|---|---|
| Philadelphia Phillies | 91-60 | +8 |
| New York Mets | 83-68 | -8 |
| Atlanta Braves | 81-70 | -10 |
| Washington Nationals | 68-83 | Eliminated |
| MIami Marlins | 59-95 | Eliminated |
NL wild card standings (as of Sept. 18)
| Team | Record | Games back |
|---|---|---|
| No. 4 San Diego Padres | 86-66 | +2.5 |
| No. 5 New York Mets | 83-68 | +2 |
| No. 6 Arizona Diamondbacks | 83-68 | +2 |
| Atlanta Braves | 81-70 | -2 |
| Chicago Cubs | 77-74 | -6 |
| St. Louis Cardinals | 76-75 | -7 |
| Cincinnati Reds | 74-78 | -9.5 |
| San Francisco Giants | 73-78 | -10 |
The Mets could also be getting a rotation boost with Kodai Senga healing from a strained calf. Senga threw a bullpen session Tuesday at Citi Field and went through fielding drills.
Will the Mets make the playoffs? Or will there be heartbreak?
Bookmark this page to check back on the Mets’ magic number.