**Mets and Phillies Face Off: Key Players and Strategies for NLDS Game 2**

In a critical Game 2 of the National League Division Series between the New York Mets and the Philadelphia Phillies, both teams are making notable adjustments and key strategic decisions following an intense Game 1.

Edmundo Sosa is set to start at third base for the Phillies, stepping in for Alec Bohm, who struggled offensively in Game 1 by going 0-for-4. Bohm’s performance followed an 8-for-47 slump over the final two weeks of the regular season after returning from a hand strain.

For the Mets, closer Edwin Díaz, who did not pitch in Game 1, will be a crucial asset. Díaz has now had two days of rest since his 39-pitch outing in Wild Card Series Game 3, which is significant with Reed Garrett likely unavailable after throwing two innings on Saturday. Additionally, setup men Phil Maton and Ryne Stanek are anticipated to pitch no more than an inning each. The Mets are also considering the unconventional move of using starting pitcher Tylor Megill in high-leverage bullpen situations since he’s not scheduled to start this series.

Despite their bullpen’s failure to seal the deal in Game 1, the Phillies might find solace in the fact that none of their high-leverage relievers are overly taxed. Jeff Hoffman, Matt Strahm, and Orion Kerkering all threw limited pitches, leaving them available once again to support closer Carlos Estévez for Game 2.

Jeff McNeil, sidelined since September 6 due to a fractured right wrist, is expected to rejoin the Mets in Philadelphia. While McNeil's return for a potential NL Championship Series remains uncertain, he could be a vital addition for a possible World Series run. Meanwhile, Phillies right-hander Spencer Turnbull, who has been out since June with a strained right lat, might also return if the Phillies advance.

Key offensive players will also be under scrutiny. Brandon Nimmo of the Mets has managed at least one hit per postseason game, and he delivered a critical single in the Wild Card Game 3 and the go-ahead hit in NLDS Game 1. Pete Alonso, despite an unimpressive postseason outside of his game-changing home run in the Wild Card, is another player to watch.

Kyle Schwarber is a significant force for the Phillies, boasting a remarkable 1.012 OPS in the final month of the season and hitting his MLB-record fifth career postseason leadoff homer in Game 1. Bryce Harper and Nick Castellanos also ended the season strong, though Bryson Stott's performance has been less consistent.

Historically, in best-of-five postseason series, the team that claims victory in Game 1 has gone on to win the series 72 percent of the time. Specifically, teams winning Game 1 on the road in Division Series under the current 2-2-1 format have advanced 73 percent of the time. This series marks the first time the Mets and Phillies have competed against each other in the postseason, adding another layer of excitement and historical significance to their rivalry.