Francisco Lindor

The New York Mets finally licked their wounds by sweeping the Washington Nationals in three games, right after getting swept out of first place by the Philadelphia Phillies. However, there isn't time to celebrate as the red hot Los Angelas Dodgers come to town to begin a brutal 13 game stretch for the Metropolitans against the top two teams in the National League West.

But the biggest advantage for the Mets is the experience they had weathering those injuries and remaining in first place. How important will the evolution of the "Bench Mob" be, late in games, down the stretch? I bet you pretty important for Rojas and his coaching staff. Who will forget Kevin Pillar getting his face smashed by a fastball, bleeding all over the field and being back in the lineup with a face mask only a few days later. Does it really get tougher than that? All of this has helped develop an identity for this team.