NEW YORK -- How much lower can the New York Mets sink?
With three losses this week to the San Diego Padres, the answer will finally be to the very bottom of the National League.
The Mets will begin a three-game series against the only team cushioning their fall to the bottom of the Senior Circuit on Monday, when the NL-worst Padres visit Citi Field.
Mets ace right-hander Jacob deGrom (5-4, 1.68 ERA) is scheduled to oppose Padres rookie left-hander Eric Lauer (5-6, 4.87 ERA).
Both teams are coming off a rain-impacted first series following the All-Star Game.