New York Mets: This Season’s Biggest Homestand…Again

Jul 7, 2019; New York City, NY, USA; New York Mets first baseman Pete Alonzo (20) hits a two run home run in the sixth inning against the Philadelphia Phillies at Citi Field. Mandatory Credit: Wendell Cruz-USA TODAY Sports

The Mets come fresh off a day of rest to jump into the biggest and tough homestand of the season. Just two games separates the Mets from the second wild card spot, but they will have to defeat contenders to keep themselves in the race. Just like so many times over the last month, it is make or break for the Mets.

The Mets will play three game series against the Cleveland Indians, Atlanta Braves and Chicago Cubs. All three teams currently hold a playoff spot in their respective league. For the Mets, this will be their closest test to an actual postseason schedule and experience. This by far the toughest part of their already hard schedule and could propel them to a postseason spot.

Gsellman Out For the Season

The Mets announced Robert Gsellman has a partial tear of his right lat muscle. He will need multiple weeks to recover and he likely will not pitch again this season. Gsellman threw 63.2 innings with a 4.66 ERA, but struggled leading up to his injury. The Mets will likely look towards Brad Brach to fill his role in the pen. It only emphasizes how much the Mets Edwin Diaz to figure himself out to deepen the Mets bullpen.

The Mets also recalled Rajai Davis from Syracuse and selected the contract of Nick Rumbelow from the Sugar Land Skeeters. Davis was 2-for-7 with a home run in his short Mets tenure earlier this season. He adds more speed and depth to the Mets outfield as a cheaper alternative to signing Billy Hamilton. Rumbelow will start in the minors and has not been put on the 40-man roster. Walker Lockett was optioned to Triple-A and Brooks Pounders was DFA’d as corresponding moves.

If the Mets go 5-4 they should be satisfied with the homestand, but they should expect to go 6-3 or better with the way Citi Field will be packed. Mets fans have gone through plenty since the 2015 World Series and they are ready to cheer on a winner over the next nine games.