October is just around the corner.
After a shaky start, the Mets have bounced back and are in contention for an MLB playoff spot with just two weeks left in the season.
A 10-1 win over the Nationals on Tuesday bolstered their playoff hopes, and they also got help from the Reds, who came from behind to beat the Braves, and the Rockies, who beat the Diamondbacks for the second straight night.
The Mets have a tiebreaker game against Arizona to clinch the No. 5 seed in the National League and the second wild-card spot, two games behind Atlanta.
They will sweep Washington at home on Wednesday before hosting the Phillies for a four-game series that sets up a crucial final week that includes a three-game series in Atlanta that could decide their playoff fate and a season-ending road series against the Brewers.
What is the magic number for the Mets to make the MLB playoffs?
Magic numbers: 11 (as of September 18th)
Notes: The Mets hold the tiebreaker over the Diamondbacks, meaning they will clinch a playoff berth if both teams finish with the same regular season record. The tiebreaker with the Braves will be decided by a three-game series in Atlanta from Sept. 24-26, as both teams tied their first 10 games.
National League East Standings (as of September 18th)
| team | record | Game Bag |
|---|---|---|
| Philadelphia Phillies | 91-60 | +8 |
| New York Mets | 83-68 | -8 |
| Atlanta Braves | 81-70 | -10 |
| Washington Nationals | 68-83 | Exclusion |
| Miami Marlins | 59-95 | Exclusion |
National League Wild Card Standings (as of September 18th)
| team | record | Game Bag |
|---|---|---|
| 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 get a boost in their starting rotation with pitcher Kodai Senga, who is recovering from a torn calf, throwing bullpen balls and taking defensive drills at Citi Field on Tuesday.
Will the Mets make the playoffs or will it be heartbreaking?
Bookmark this page and check back later for the Mets magic number.
