The New York Mets and Washington Nationals are out of the playoff race, but their season finale Sunday still offers a few reasons to watch.
Mets rookie Carson Benge gets one last chance to strengthen his case for National League Rookie of the Year, while Washington stars James Wood and CJ Abrams will try to finish career-best seasons on a high note.
Benge, 23, has been one of New York’s hottest hitters down the stretch. He had three hits and made a diving catch in Saturday’s 7-1 victory over Washington, raising his batting average to .280.
Over his past nine games, Benge is batting .441 with two home runs and six RBIs. He has recorded multiple hits in six of his past 12 games.
Winning Rookie of the Year “would be amazing,” Benge said, while acknowledging a crowded field that includes Mets pitcher Nolan McLean.
New York will also be keeping an eye on star Juan Soto, who was hit on the right hand by a pitch in the ninth inning Saturday. He left the game, but X-rays were negative.
For Washington, Wood enters the finale one home run shy of matching his career high of 31. Abrams has already set career highs with 33 homers and 105 RBIs.
The Nationals will start DJ Herz, who is trying to secure a place in their 2027 rotation after returning from Tommy John surgery. The 25-year-old left-hander allowed four runs over four innings in his first start since 2024.
Veteran Sean Manaea will start for New York. The 34-year-old left-hander is 6-7 with a 4.67 ERA and has one season remaining on his three-year, $75 million contract.
The Mets won Saturday behind rookie A.J. Ewing’s three-run homer and two home runs from Ronny Mauricio.
Washington also got an encouraging debut from left-hander Connelly Early, who pitched three scoreless innings.
With neither team headed to the postseason, Sunday’s finale is less about October and more about what comes next.
The post No playoffs, but plenty at stake as Mets, Nationals close season first appeared on Fastbreak.
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