Overview

• The Mets have lost 16 of 21 to fall to 67-60, holding only a half-game edge over the Reds for the final wild-card spot.
• Brandon Nimmo exited Wednesday with a stiff neck and showed no improvement the next day, while Jeff McNeil is managing right-shoulder soreness.
• Catcher Francisco Álvarez has a sprained right thumb ligament that will require surgery, leaving depth stretched behind the plate.
• Outside of David Peterson, starters have struggled to reach the sixth inning since mid-June, and the bullpen faltered again in a 9-3 loss capped by a Ryne Stanek three-run homer allowed.
• Rookie right-hander Nolan McLean, who debuted with 5 1/3 scoreless innings and eight strikeouts, gets the nod to open the series against the Braves.