It's somewhat indicative of the Mets' second-half struggles that they are forced to start struggling Sean Manaea on the mound today, but I'd imagine he's a starter in name only and will have an incredibly short leash with essentially the entire roster available. The Mets have to win and have the Reds lose to earn the final WC spot -- those games start at the same time, so let's hope Cincinnati doesn't get out to a 6-0 first-inning lead and the Mets players see that. They torched Miami pitcher Edward Cabrera on Aug. 30.