This article was originally published on www.si.com/mlb/phillies as Phillies vs. Mets Monday Betting Prediction - NL East showdown in Flushing. The NL East race is far from over, but the Philadelphia Phillies (76-54) can put away the New York Mets (69-61) for good with a solid showing in this three-game series.

The Phillies own a commanding seven game lead over the Mets in the National League East making this probably a must-sweep series for New York if they are still fostering any hopes

So the Phillies will soldier on. They will try to win the World Series without their Game 1 starter, their ace, the best pitcher in baseball since joining the Phils prior to the 2020 season. It is impossible to replace someone who has put up a 2.18 ERA in 11 career postseason starts over 70 1/3 innings with a 0.725 WHIP.

The Philadelphia Phillies say ace Zack Wheeler was diagnosed with venous thoracic outlet syndrome and will require additional surgery that’s expected to sideline him for six to eight months