Mets hoping Subway Series provides October-like test against Yankees

The closest they will get to October baseball is scheduled over the next three days in The Bronx, and the timing probably couldn’t be better for the Mets.  Join Post Sports+ for exciting subscriber-only features, including real-time texting with Mike Puma about the inside buzz on the Mets.Just like for a playoff series, the Mets have their rotation aligned with their top guns set to face the Yankees.

They also have collective confidence after winning three straight series (including a sweep in Miami this week) to escape the National League East basement, a domain they had owned for most of the season. That the Yankees are playing for something — with the American League East title still a possibility — adds to a weekend that will begin with the raw emotion of commemorating the 25th anniversary of 9/11. “The energy, the vibes, how loud it should be, it should feel somewhat like October,” Francisco Lindor said.“It probably will get a little cooler too, which usually when it gets a little cooler, you kind of feel like you’re in October.” The Mets won two of three games against the Yankees at Citi Field in May, but plenty has changed since then.

Manager Carlos Mendoza was fired June 23 — Andy Green replaced him on an interim basis — and the Mets went into full sell mode at the trade deadline, retooling their farm system at the expense of veteran pitching.Yet, the Mets are 21-12 since the trade deadline. Their highest upside starter remains in the fold.

Nolan McLean will lead the trio of young starters (Zac Thornton and Christian Scott also are scheduled to pitch this weekend) into Yankee Stadium. They will face a lineup that again includes Aaron Judge following his return from the injured list this week. “He’s super dynamic, a great player,” McLean said.“It will be a fun test for me, seeing how my stuff stacks up against one of the best hitters in the world.” Juan Soto, who was targeted by fans in his return to the Stadium la...