Mets chase a Wild Card amid streaks and a shifting late-season landscape as Phillies widen their NL East lead. Gilbert and Buttó bolster the Giants’ bid after a deadline swap with New York, while Lindor remains the Mets’ steadying voice. Winker’s season is over and Megill’s elbow hovers over rotation plans, making a 15-20 game finish pivotal for the Mets’ postseason hopes and fantasy implications.

Mets catchers have been battered: Tylor Megill’s elbow tightness likely ends his season, and Luis Torrens lands on the injured list with a right-arm issue. Francisco Alvarez is playing through a broken finger and sprained thumb UCL, while Hayden Senger is set to deputize behind the plate. Jose Siri is nearing a return, giving the club two solid center-field options as they prep for a four-game set with Philadelphia.

Fantasy takeaway: Torrens’s playing time may shrink until he’s healthy; Alvarez could soak up extra catching duties when available; Senger’s call-up hints at a shift in catching workload to protect the slate. Siri’s ETA could shift CF duties and press Tyrone Taylor for playing time late in the stretch.

Mark Vientos returned to the Mets lineup with regularity, delivering a hot bat as he went 3-for-7 with two homers across the last two games. Mendoza stressed that the club needs him, citing his power from last season and his role as a core contributor, even as the Mets juggle three other young infielders in and out for defense and matchup reasons.

Max Muncy and Aaron Judge have rejoined their respective teams, the Los Angeles Dodgers and New York Yankees, providing much-needed boosts as the season nears its end. Their returns come at a critical juncture, with teams eyeing playoff positions amid a competitive landscape.

The Houston Astros await the return of Yordan Álvarez, whose power bat could seamlessly integrate into their lineup, bolstering a team already strong on the mound. Meanwhile, the Chicago Cubs look to the returns of Javier Assad and Jameson Taillon to strengthen their rotation after a lackluster pitching performance this season.

In the AL East, the Toronto Blue Jays hope for Shane Bieber's resurgence after surgery, aiming to solidify their rotation alongside established stars. The Philadelphia Phillies are also eager for Alec Bohm and Aaron Nola to return, as both have been pivotal to the team's success. The Texas Rangers expect Jake Burger and Evan Carter to deliver much-needed offensive firepower as they seek a playoff spot.