The New York Mets are headed to the playoffs, but they might be limping into the postseason as injuries begin to hit the lineup. With a few days left in the regular season, the team is going to do their best to keep players healthy and avoid any setbacks as excitement is high around the franchise. Now they take the field against the Philadelphia Phillies who are trying to end on a high note and sweep the Mets.
The Mets want homefield advantage for the National League division series and a few injuries could hurt that from happening. The biggest area of concern is Yoenis Cespedes who left Wednesday's game with bruised fingers after being hit by a pitch. The good news is that X-rays on the injury were negative, so the star is not expected to miss time, but he could be held out in this matchup against the Phillies. Cespedes has been a major part in the Mets' playoff push as the hitter is posting 17 home runs and 44 RBI in 54 games with the team.
The matchup against the Mets and Phillies got chippy on Wednesday. Along with Cespedes, three other batters were hit by pitchers. Tempers ran high as ejections were made. The Mets are pushing as they prepare to face the Los Angeles Dodgers in the MLDS. The team is trying to avoid three straight losses which could push them out of contention for the home field advantage. New York will start rookie Sean Gilmartin who is 3-1 with a 2.58 ERA on the season. He has been a long reliever for the Mets and effective in the role. He is taking the spot of Steven Matz who is expected to pitch in the playoffs.
Meanwhile, the Phillies are aiming to end on a high note after a dismal season. The team has won their last four of five while getting a total of 31 runs in that stretch. That are trying to avoid being the first 100-loss team since 1961. Jerad Eickhoff will get the start as he is 2-3 with a 3.07 ERA on the season. The rookie has look strong in his last three starts with a 1.29 ERA while striking out 10 in his last outing against Washington. He will be battling a Mets' lineup that will not have Wilmer Flores who left Wednesday's game with back issues.