The New York Mets are in the thick of the playoff chase, yet every setback feels magnified in late August.

After weeks of slowly building momentum, the Mets have finally pulled ahead of the Cincinnati Reds by 3.5 games.

That cushion gives them temporary breathing room in the Wild Card race, but bullpen depth remains a constant balancing act.

Unfortunately, that balance just tilted with veteran reliever Huascar Brazoban suffering an oblique injury at a crucial point.

Brazoban injury details bring mixed emotions

Brazoban underwent an MRI before Wednesday’s matchup with the Philadelphia Phillies, raising immediate concerns about his availability.

The MRI came back negative , according to reporter Joel Sherman, which kept the Mets from facing the worst-case scenario.

Still, Brazoban is

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