Mets fight to stay alive in the NL playoff hunt as the final six weeks loom, and the rookie Nolan McLean has given orange-and-blue fans something to cling to. McLean dazzled in his major-league debut, fanning eight over 5 2/3 innings and instantly injecting life into a rotation that has struggled to piggyback a lineup that’s gone off-balance. New York’s veteran arms—Griffin Canning, Clay Holmes, Sean Manaea, Frankie Montas, Kodai Senga, and David Peterson—have supplied flashes but not consistency, leaving the club to lean on youth and a late-inning bullpen to salvage the season. With a wild-card grip precarious, the Mets are also eyeing further help from the pipeline, including Tong, as they chase October while Soto’s $765 million deal looms as a payroll reminder.

Fantasy angles: McLean, if he sticks, could become a sneaky innings option with strikeout upside, but managers should temper expectations until he proves stamina against a full order of big-league hitters. Peterson showed a path to stability in a key win and could be a streamer in favorable matchups; Senga’s durability remains a concern, so rostering complementary arms who eat innings will be pivotal in the Mets’ late-season sprint.

New York’s October blockbuster strategy—a $339 million payroll built to chase a World Series—has unraveled in dramatic fashion as starting pitching failures and a misfiring bullpen derail the Mets. The rotation has failed to deliver innings, forcing overworked relievers into scrambles while the front office bets on analytics over depth. The collapse prompts a reckoning of Stearns’ approach after luring Soto and reshaping the roster around a thin rotation.

Meanwhile, other big clubs offer somber reminders: the Dodgers’ injury-riddled run mirrors the Mets’ woes, and the Yankees’ in-park noise only masks sloppy play. Yet the Mets’ future remains intriguing, with top prospects and a potential Opening Day rotation comprising McLean, Sproat, Tong, and elite outfield talent in Jett Williams and Carson Benge—if the org lets the kid pitchers grow into innings and keep faith with development over the next big add.

Clayton Kershaw etched his name into the annals of MLB history, becoming the most recent member of the illustrious 3,000-strikeout club during a thrilling walk-off victory for the Los Angeles Dodgers. His significant strikeout came against Vinny Capra in the sixth inning, showcasing Kershaw's continued dominance on the mound.

In other highlights, Wilyer Abreu of the Boston Red Sox achieved a rare feat with an inside-the-park grand slam, marking a moment not seen in Major League Baseball for nearly 67 years. Meanwhile, the New York Mets are facing potential concerns with Griffin Canning, who may have sustained an Achilles injury during a recent game against the Atlanta Braves.

However, off-field issues are also making headlines, as Tampa Bay Rays' star Wander Franco was convicted of sexual abuse against a minor in the Dominican Republic, receiving a suspended two-year prison sentence. The Kansas City Royals announced that Bobby Witt Jr. will join Aaron Judge and Paul Skenes on Team USA for the upcoming World Baseball Classic.

Wilyer Abreu of the Boston Red Sox made history with a rare accomplishment, hitting an inside-the-park grand slam during a game against the Cincinnati Reds, a feat not witnessed in 67 years. Meanwhile, the New York Mets are concerned about Griffin Canning’s possible Achilles injury sustained in their victory over the Atlanta Braves. Tampa Bay Rays star Wander Franco has been found guilty of sexual abuse involving a minor but will not serve time due to a suspended sentence. Bobby Witt Jr. of the Kansas City Royals is set to join Aaron Judge and Paul Skenes on Team USA for the 2026 World Baseball Classic.

In other news, Arizona Diamondbacks’ Ketel Marte had an emotional moment after a fan’s taunt about his late mother during a game against the Chicago White Sox. Corbin Carroll hopes his injured list stint will be temporary, and the Diamondbacks have signed veteran catcher James McCann. Meanwhile, the Rays are facing serious allegations against Wander Franco, who is fighting charges of sexual abuse against a minor and could face prison time.