Finally playing without the weight of expectations, the Mets are closing in on an unexpected postseason berth.

Walker is afforded the start after impressing Rob Thomson with the three scoreless relief innings he dealt against the Mets in the 6-4 victory Saturday.  I’m not holding my breath: Thomson’s hand is forced to lend Walker another look after unsuccessfully trialing three other pitchers in that No.

It’s a short turnaround to go up against a deep lineup packing plenty of punch. The Phillies have a solid .318 wOBA against right-handed pitchers for the season and a fourth-ranked .332 overall mark since the calendar flipped to September. Severino also served up two homers and a higher-than-usual 37.5% hard-hit rate in that most recent outing.