Monday night, with the NL East’s top dog in the house, the bottom of the batting order took charge and led a 13-3 smackdown of the Phillies at Citi Field. It was a third victory in four games for the Mets, who still trail the Phillies by six games.

The Mets could have seven starters under consideration for postseason rotation spots, leaving the team with interesting options.

Nolan McLean was in trouble in his major league debut Saturday, but with the bases loaded, he made a highlight-reel play to erase the Mariners threat.

Clay Holmes followed up one of his best starts of the year with one that was much closer to the pitcher he’s been for weeks.

Miami Marlins (64-72, third in the NL East) vs. New York Mets (73-63, second in the NL East) New York; Sunday, 1:40 p.m. EDT PITCHING PROBABLES: Marlins: Sandy Alcantara (7-11, 5.87 ERA, 1.35 WHIP, 113 strikeouts);

The NY Mets could unlock their lineup’s full potential by moving Juan Soto to leadoff, maximizing on-base skills, speed, and Lindor’s protection.

The Mets would like to avoid this and ultimately win the NL East, but they’re five games behind the Philadelphia Phillies with four games to play against each other. This would indicate that the Mets have little control over their destiny — they can sweep the series against Philadelphia and still lose the division.

Because of shaky starting pitching, the Mets are 1-3 since the trade deadline and have lost six of their past seven.

The New York Mets are turning to one of their top pitching prospects, in an upcoming game against the Marlins.

Sports Columnists David Lennon Mets' offensive woes have become inexcusable, and the season may be sinking as a result Automated narration. Learn more