Jason Vargas is still helping the Mets, even though he’s no longer with the team.
The former Mets starter, who was traded to Philadelphia before the trade deadline, allowed four runs in five innings in the Phillies’ 6-1 loss to the Diamondbacks.
The defeat helped the surging Mets, who now trail the Phillies (59-55) and the Brewers (60-56) by just a half-game for the second NL wild-card spot. The Mets are 59-56.
The Mets, who were eight games back in the wild-card race on July 24, are 13-1 in their last 14 games. The Phillies have a 6-7 during that time.