NEW YORK — The New York Mets host the San Diego Padres at Citi Field on Monday in a series that carries significant weight in the National League wild card standings. First pitch is scheduled for the evening.

Both teams are chasing a postseason berth. The Mets seek to steady a rotation that has fluctuated through the summer, while San Diego leans on a lineup built around veteran hitters and a bullpen that has carried the club through close contests.

The Mets' pitching has drawn scrutiny in recent weeks, mirroring injury concerns felt across the league. New York's staff must contain a Padres offense that has produced in clutch situations throughout August.

A strong showing at home would bolster the Mets' playoff position, while a road series win would strengthen San Diego's case in a crowded field. Manager decisions on bullpen usage and late-inning matchups are likely to shape the outcome.

The three-game set forms part of a critical stretch for the Mets, who face a schedule loaded with division and wild card rivals before September. The result at Citi Field could influence seeding as the National League race tightens.