Jose Siri returns to the Mets and anchors a center-field platoon with Cedric Mullins, facing lefty pitching while Mullins handles righties. Jeff McNeil remains in the mix for center when needed, preserving lineup flexibility as Tyrone Taylor works back from injury. Juan Soto keeps producing, highlighted by a historic 30-30 season milestone, boosted by Antoan Richardson’s baserunning work. Roster moves follow: Jared Young optioned, Wander Suero DFA, Justin Garza outrighted.

With 18-19 games left, the Mets are banking on timing and defense to push them toward the postseason, while evaluating how Siri, Mullins, and Soto can co-exist in a tight finish.

Ranger Suárez dominated the Mets over six innings, one hit allowed and 12 punchouts, puncturing New York’s playoff hopes as Philadelphia rolled to a 9-3 win at Citizens Bank Park. The Mets’ offense offered little resistance, averaging a quiet approach and failing to string together runs behind a six-man rotation shuffle led by Manaea’s rough night. Mark Vientos provided the spark with a seventh-inning homer off David Robertson, but most of the damage came early as Philadelphia built a commanding lead with Harrison Bader and Kyle Schwarber going deep and the Phillies bullpen coasting the rest of the way.

Fantasy implications hinge on Mets timing and Philadelphia depth: Suarez’s dominance tempers Mets hitters, while Manaea’s consistency questions persist in September. Vientos’ homer offers a glimmer for a spark plug, and Siri’s return adds an element of depth for the late-season push. Nimmo’s lone fifth-inning hit was a micro-flash in a night otherwise defined by Mets struggles to mount traffic against quality pitching. A four-game series split seems optimistic for New York, and the division chase remains an uphill climb without timely run support.

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.