The New York Mets’ ambitions for the National League playoffs have taken a severe hit following another blown save by Ryan Helsley during a pivotal late-season game. On Thursday at Citi Field, Helsley, who was acquired at the trade deadline to strengthen the bullpen, faltered in the eighth inning, allowing the Atlanta Braves to come from behind and secure a 4-3 victory. This loss further complicates the Mets’ postseason path, as they once held a promising lead in the National League East just weeks ago.
Sharp Decline in Mets’ Performance Since August
The Mets have experienced a steep downturn, compiling a poor 2-13 record over their last 15 games beginning in August. Once enjoying a seven-game advantage over the Cincinnati Reds for the final National League playoff spot, the team now clings to just a half-game lead. After a difficult series loss to the Braves, the Mets face an uphill battle this weekend against the surging Seattle Mariners, with the stretch climaxing at the Little League Classic in Williamsport, Pennsylvania.
Originally, the Mets were viewed as contenders for the NL East title along with the Philadelphia Phillies. However, the Phillies have surged with a 13-9 record over their last 22 games, while Mets fans have witnessed consistent disappointment. The Mets briefly showed signs of life earlier this week by crushing the Braves 13-5, snapping a seven-game losing streak and closing the gap with Philadelphia to five games.
Critical Games and Missed Chances Undermine Momentum
The Mets’ opportunity to build momentum quickly unravelled. After a rain delay Wednesday, the Mets took a commanding 6-0 lead against the Braves only to allow nine runs in the fourth inning. Starter David Peterson struggled to maintain the lead, and reliever Reed Garrett was charged with the loss. The Mets fell 11-6, squandering a crucial chance to pressure their division rivals, especially as the Phillies lost 8-0 to Cincinnati on the same night.
In a game full of playoff implications, the Mets entered the eighth inning holding a narrow 3-2 advantage. A clutch two-out single from Pete Alonso in the sixth had put the Mets ahead, but the bullpen faltered once again. Helsley, brought in to stabilize late-inning situations, failed to maintain the lead. After giving up back-to-back RBI doubles to Ozzie Albies and Michael Harris, the Braves seized control for good.
Ryan Helsley’s Continued Bullpen Struggles
Since joining the Mets, Helsley has struggled significantly, pitching five innings with a 5.40 ERA and a 2.00 WHIP, and has blown two saves alongside two losses. Though seven runs came off him, only three were earned, but the Mets remain winless in any of his six appearances so far.
Reflecting on his performance, Helsley said,
“For everybody else to do their job and you not to do yours, it sucks,”
and added,
“You never want to be that guy and be the reason the team loses.”
Mets manager Carlos Mendoza remains optimistic about Helsley’s potential, remarking,
“This guy is elite. We just gotta get him back on track.”
Helsley himself recognizes the difficulty of adjusting, stating,
“Trying to figure out that role and that routine to be ready when my name is called. I just haven’t been good.”
The Wider National League Context Puts Mets’ Season in Perspective
While the Mets grapple with their current troubles, the National League playoff landscape stays volatile. The Milwaukee Brewers continue to perform well, whereas the Chicago Cubs, who previously led the NL Central, now trail Milwaukee by eight games and hold only a slim five-game margin over the Reds.
Despite these setbacks, the Mets are not yet out of playoff contention. Baseball Reference currently assigns them a 46 percent chance of reaching the postseason. To secure a playoff berth, the Mets must quickly rebound, beginning with a critical three-game series against the Reds scheduled from September 5 to 7, which may determine their playoff fate.