3 struggling Mets players who need to step up most against the Dodgers in the NLCS

2) Phil Maton

If you have concerns about Diaz, you probably have them with Phil Maton, too. At least Diaz has delivered regularly for the Mets in the past. We can’t say the same for Maton, the trade deadline mercenary whose inflated 13.50 ERA looks like fake news after how incredible he was in the regular season.

Alas, there it sits. Too old to be considered a child. Too young to be considered an adult. The 13-and-a-half ERA is as much trouble as most young teenagers whose ages match the number of runs he’s averaging per 9 innings in the postseason.

Maton has yet to have a strong outing for the Mets. Even his clean inning against the Phillies included a pair of hits. He, like Diaz, began to falter in the regular season. The same game where Diaz showed signs of defeat against the Braves included Maton surrendering a pair of runs while recording a single out.

The Mets do have other options to turn to in lieu of Maton. Ryne Stanek appears to have been elevated up the depth chart. David Peterson, in his role “anytime, anywhere” label out of the bullpen can fill in for Maton as well.

This doesn’t mean Maton can skate through the NLCS in a lesser role. The longer series has a chance to test the Mets bullpen more than ever. They’re going to need a once trusted arm like Maton to show signs of life again.