The New York Mets find themselves dealing with two significant setbacks as they head into this week's Subway Series. With Edwin Díaz's pending suspension and Starling Marte's knee ailment, the Mets face roster adjustments and the absence of two key players.

Díaz, the Mets' star closer, was ejected on Sunday night for the use of sticky substances on the ball. On Monday, his 10-game suspension was announced, and he has the option to appeal. If he does not appeal, Díaz will be out until July 6. His absence puts the Mets in a difficult situation as they attempt to replace his strong performance in the bullpen, where he had solidified roles and contributed to the team's recent success.

The impact of Díaz's suspension extends beyond the bullpen. To fill the void, the Mets may need to make nimble roster maneuvers. One possibility is to option pitchers David Peterson and Tylor Megill to Triple-A following their next starts, allowing the team to bring in relievers. Then, when the rotation spots arise again, the Mets can option those relievers and call up Christian Scott and Jose Buttó. The Mets have limited options for bullpen shuffling, but they do have some flexibility with pitchers who have minor-league options.

In addition to Díaz's suspension, the Mets must also navigate the absence of Starling Marte due to a knee ailment. Marte's test results on Monday revealed bone inflammation in his right knee, and he has been advised to rest for 15 days. The 35-year-old outfielder has been a pivotal part of the Mets' offense this season, with seven home runs, 12 stolen bases, and a .745 OPS. His absence poses a challenge for the team, as there is no immediate replacement who can match his offensive production. However, the Mets' lineup overall has been performing well, with most regular players owning above-average OPS+ numbers.

Without Marte, the Mets will need to consider their options for filling the outfield position. Reserve outfielders Tyrone Taylor and DJ Stewart are likely candidates to see more action. Additionally, infielder Jeff McNeil may spend more time in the outfield, potentially opening up a spot for an infielder from Triple-A Syracuse. The 40-man roster includes infielders Brett Baty and Luisangel Acuña, who could be called up to provide support.

The Mets made a strategic decision by opting to start Luis Severino against the Chicago Cubs on Sunday night instead of having him face his former team, the New York Yankees. The matchups favored Severino, as the Cubs have struggled against right-handed pitchers like him. The move paid off, with Severino tossing six scoreless innings and earning a victory. This decision also has potential playoff implications, as the Mets now hold a tiebreaker over the Cubs should it be needed later in the season.

Meanwhile, the Mets' clubhouse has been positively influenced by veteran outfielder J.D. Martinez. His dedication to hitting meetings, preparation, and mental approach has made an impact on the team, as highlighted by outfielder Brandon Nimmo. Martinez's constant pursuit of improvement and adaptability in different situations has provided valuable insights for his teammates.

As the Mets continue their strong performance in June, they now face challenges with the pending suspension of Edwin Díaz and Starling Marte's knee ailment. The team will need to make strategic roster adjustments and rely on the depth of their lineup to overcome these obstacles.