Im grimacing. (Just to be clear, thats grimacing with a lower case g, unrelated to the fuzzy purple character so lucky he/she has seemingly sent Mr. Met to the bench.) This should be a time for unadulterated celebration for the improving Mets. Yet, its also a time for worry. Im grimacing because Im that the Mets are playoff bound. Im grimacing because all the good theyve done to get back close to playoff position may be undone by an outmanned, overtaxed, under-experienced bullpen. David Stearns will navigate his first trade deadline with the Mets this summer. Corey Sipkin for the NY Post The Mets are in the race, though their against Houston at Citi Field dropped them a game under .500 at exactly the halfway point. Theres a lot to like about this team. But the pen thats blown a league-high six leads after eight innings (tied with the Rockies) despite mid-rung overall numbers is bringing serious agita now. Their lineup depth is outstanding, and maybe matched by their rotation depth, so good they currently have three viable big-league starters in Triple-A at a time many other teams are scraping for starters. The Astros are seven-deep with starters on the injured list and had to employ a bullpen game. More From Jon Heyman Good thing the Mets wont ever need to try such a thing because the Mets can barely piece together a bullpen for three innings, much le s a bullpen game. Injuries to , Brooks Raley (both out for the year) plus Sean Reid-Foley hurt. So does the , who must sit five more games after being caught with hands so sticky you wonder how he thought hed ever be able to release the baseball. His memorably losing defense was, thats the way he always does it. Its a potential plus to get Diaz back, but lets face it, not if he pitches like he did before he was caught wet-handed. I caught up with Mets baseball president David Stearns, and he expre sed faith In Diaz. I do think Edwin is a very talented pitcher, Stearns said. While thats fair, he was kerosene on fire even before going on the banned list. For now, theyre shuttling guys without his talent (or $102 million contract) from Triple-A. The Mets just summoned journeyman Tyler Jay and Brooklyn-born and Staten Island St. Joseph by the Sea alum Matt Festa (although the Festavus celebration was called off after he gave up five runs in the losing 11th). Where were at bullpen-wise, its day-to-day, manager Carlos Mendoza said. We have Plan A, B and C, and well adjust accordingly. Hopefully, the plan they end up using involves acquiring proven MLB relievers. If they want to win one of the final Dustin Garneau Jersey two wild-card spots among nine NL competitors, status quo is unlikely to suffice. The Mets wont have Edwin Diaz available in their bullpen for another five games. Jason Szenes for the NY Post Stearns, a New Yorker from the Upper East Side, spent his first seven years in charge in Milwaukee, where media is minimal and fans mild. Stearns certainly understands hes out of Milwaukee now, and that Mets fans will insist on going for it whenever theres a chance. And yes, Im saying theres a chance. No, barring a collapse Pete Alonso isnt going anywhere. The focus is on the buy side, and on the pen. Certainly, this is an area of the team were going to continue to monitor, Stearns told The Post. They are a rare fortunate contender that wont need rotation or positional aid. They, in fact, may be the only contending team that may trade from their stash of starters while still staying in the race, as our Mike Puma reported. Jose Butto, Christian Scott and Megill are extras now, meaning vets like Sean Manaea, Jose Quintana or even Luis Severino could hit the market. Delivering insights on all things Amazins Sign up for Inside the Mets by Mike Puma, exclusively on Sports+ Thank you By clicking above you agree to the and . Enjoy this Post Sports+ exclusive newsletter! And while trade talk doesnt get serious until mid-July, the other fortunate thing is plenty of back-end relievers may be available. Heres our latest list: 1. Tanner Scott, Marlins: The lefty is ideal, but the competition is stiff, with the Yankees among many interested. The Mets could have competition if they decide to pursue Tanner Scott. AP 2. Mason Miller, As: The 103.7 mph thrower still seems unlikely to be dealt. 3. Pete Fairbanks, Rays: Good stuff, fun personality. 4. Kyle Finnegan, Nats: Beyond losing on a time-violation walk-off, outstanding. 5. Paul Sewald, Diamondbacks: Ex-Met is terrific if D-Backs fade. Paul Sewald, who previously pitched for the Mets, could be an option for David Stearns to pursue. Getty Images 6. Carlos Estevez, Angels: Solid, no frills type. 7. Garrett Crochet, White Sox: New rotation star likely goes to a team needing starters. 8. David Bednar, Pirates: One of the better relievers in the game, but for today the Pirates are buyers. 9. Camilo Doval, Giants: We are far from them selling. 10. Kenley Jansen, Red Sox: No certainty he goes, and $16 million salary untenable for team taxed at 110 percent. 11. Michael Kopech, White Sox: Big arm but a flier. Its tough to acquire via trade in early July when few are selling two at last count, the Marlins and White Sox and prices are high. But as things stand, the Mets pen is composed of heavily used veterans and lightly tested journeymen. So the situation is bordering on dire. This is Stearns first big trading test. Jace Jung Jersey