This current stretch, when playing the Braves seven times in nine games, is when the Mets were supposed to pick up ground in the standings. Instead, the Braves swept the Mets and moved to 5-4 against them this season. The three losses also dropped the Mets to third place and six games out of first place.
Now, eight of their next 12 games are against the World Champion Royals, division rival Nationals and the Cubs, who have the best record in baseball...
The Mets would not be in the playoffs if the season ended today. Instead, they would fall short to the Marlins, who would win the second Wild Card.