Mets Host Playoff-Bound Padres in Crucial Three-Game Series at Citi Field
The New York Mets (77-73) are battling for a playoff spot as they welcome the San Diego Padres (82-68) to Citi Field for a pivotal three-game series. The Mets are currently trailing the Padres in the Wild Card race, making this series extremely important for their postseason hopes.
Mets' Playoff Picture
Currently, the Mets are focusing on the teams behind them rather than solely on those ahead. The Padres previously swept the Mets in San Diego earlier this season. Any losses in this series would cede the tiebreaker to San Diego. The Padres are five games ahead of New York with 12 games remaining in the season. The Mets are 1.5 games ahead of the Diamondbacks, their closest competitor.
Weekend Recap: Highs and Lows Against the Rangers
The Mets are coming off a series loss to the Texas Rangers. Jacob deGrom made his return to Citi Field on Friday, but the Mets lost 8-3, with Jonah Tong struggling early. Saturday's game was a close 3-2 loss, despite Juan Soto hitting a historic home run. Edwin Díaz gave up a run in the ninth inning. The Mets did pull out a 5-2 walk-off victory on Sunday thanks to a three-run home run by Pete Alonso.
Padres' Recent Performance
The Padres are entering this series after taking three out of four games against the Colorado Rockies. They had previously lost two of three to the Cincinnati Reds. Currently, they hold the second Wild Card spot in the National League, five games ahead of the Mets and four games behind the Cubs for the top Wild Card spot. They are only two games behind the Dodgers in the NL West.
Key Padres Players to Watch
The Padres' offense is led by Fernando Tatis Jr. and Manny Machado. Tatis Jr. boasts a .264/.367/.438 slash line with 102 runs scored and 30 stolen bases. Machado leads the team with 25 home runs and 88 RBIs, hitting .277/.338/.464. The Mets will not face Xander Bogaerts, who is injured.
Pitching Matchups
Tuesday, September 16: Clay Holmes vs. Michael King, 7:10 PM EDT on SNY
Clay Holmes (2025): 151.0 IP, 122 K, 3.75 ERA. The Mets are planning to piggyback Sean Manaea in this game, as Holmes has struggled to pitch deep into games. Michael King (2025): 62.2 IP, 67 K, 2.87 ERA. King has had an inconsistent season due to injuries.
Wednesday, September 17: David Peterson vs. Nick Pivetta, 7:10 PM EDT on SNY
David Peterson (2025): 162.1 IP, 148 K, 3.77 ERA. Peterson has struggled since August, with a 7.13 ERA in his last seven starts. Nick Pivetta (2025): 171.1 IP, 180 K, 2.73 ERA. Pivetta is having a career year for the Padres.
Thursday, September 18: Jonah Tong vs. Dylan Cease, 1:10 PM EDT on SNY
Jonah Tong (2025): 11.2 IP, 13 K, 8.49 ERA. Tong will be looking to bounce back after a poor start against the Rangers. Dylan Cease (2025): 157.0 IP, 201 K, 4.59 ERA. Cease has reached 200 strikeouts for the fifth consecutive season, although his ERA is higher than last season.
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Post Expert Analysis
The Mets were once a top team but have struggled since the midway point of the season. They risk losing their Wild Card spot.
“It is hard to believe that the Mets are in this position."
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Why trust New York Post Betting? Michael Leboff is a long-profiting sports bettor with 10 years of experience in the gambling industry.