As for the struggling New York Mets, August hasn’t gone at all as planned. They had a 7-14 record for the month, and at one time they were in the midst of a six-game losing run after two consecutive series sweeps. Their troubles have caused them to lag behind in the NL East division, where the Philadelphia Phillies now lead them by seven games.
With New York hoping to reduce the divisional gap to as small as three games, the Mets’ three-game series against the Phillies could not have come at a better moment. Given that their Wild Card position is still up in the air, the Mets locker room is acutely aware of how crucial this series is. Mark Vientos, however, wants his club to play this series against the Phillies like any other three-game set and not get ahead of themselves.
“These are important games. Although I believe every game matters, we are now tied for first place [in the division] versus [the Phillies]. We treat them like any other game, I believe. According to Rick Farlow of MLB.com, Vientos stated, “We want to win, and we’ll get focused for [Monday].”
The Mets managed to salvage one victory in their most recent three-game set against the Atlanta Braves, another division opponent, on Sunday, preventing at least another series whitewash.
The Mets should feel secure against the Phillies, particularly because the series will take place in the welcoming Citi Field, where they have a 41-24 record this season (compared to a 28-37 record away from home).
With the Mets sending Kodai Senga out to face Phillies standout Christopher Sanchez, the anticipated pitching matchup in Monday’s series opener should be favorable.
Can Mark Vientos return to 2024 form for the Mets?
Despite driving in two runs with a home run in the Mets’ 4-3 victory against the Braves on Sunday, Vientos has struggled to make much of an impression as a player in 2025 after being discovered as a diamond in the rough in 2024.
Vientos is cutting this season. 238/.284/.412 with 43 RBIs and 12 home homers. His 2024 season, when he slashed, is not exactly like this one. 266/.322/.516 with 72 RBIs and 27 home homers.
Vientos still has time to make things better. And he could be in for a hot run given how committed he is to the Mets going into their crucial Phillies series.
