NEW YORK — The Los Angeles Dodgers aren’t currently occupying a playoff spot http://www.kansascitychiefsteamonline.com/patrick-mahomes-ii-jersey , but manager Dave Roberts spoke confidently Wednesday about playing in the postseason. New York Mets manager Mickey Callaway, on the other hand, is beginning to sound like a skipper who knows his team will be long forgotten by October.

Two teams headed in opposite directions will square off for the first time this season Friday night when the Mets host the Dodgers in the opener of a three-game series at Citi Field.

Right-hander Zack Wheeler (2-5, 4.82 ERA) is scheduled to take the mound for the Mets against Dodgers left-hander Alex Wood (2-5, 4.22).

Both teams are coming off series-deciding losses. The Mets suffered their third straight defeat Thursday when they fell to the host Colorado Rockies 6-4 in the finale of a four-game set. The visiting Dodgers were off Thursday after losing to the Chicago Cubs 4-0 in the last game of a three-game series Wednesday afternoon.

The series loss was the first in 10 series for the Dodgers (38-35), who are 21-9 since dropping two of three to the Miami Marlins from May 15 to May 17. The hot streak vaulted them from fourth place in the National League West to second place during the surge and gained 5 1/2 games on the first-place Arizona Diamondbacks, who hold a 2 1/2 game lead heading into Friday’s action.

In addition, Los Angeles has moved two games behind the Washington Nationals in the race for the second NL wild card.

The Dodgers did all this despite getting little to no contributions from stars such as Justin Turner, Clayton Kershaw and Rich Hill, all of whom have been on the disabled list for the last five weeks Martin Fehervary Capitals Jersey , and Cody Bellinger, who has struggled most of the season. No wonder Roberts sounded so confident after Wednesday’s loss.

“We’re going to be somewhere in October,” Roberts told reporters. “I can’t speak to the opponent, but we’re going to be somewhere.”

It will take a miracle for the Mets (31-41) to be anywhere but a golf course when the playoffs begin. New York, which has lost 40 of 60 since an 11-1 start, is 11 1/2 games out of first place in the NL East and 8 1/2 games back in the wild-card race.

The Mets’ slide has been marked by extreme highs and lows on both sides of the ball. They have scored 42 runs in the last six games, a span in which the pitching staff posted a 5.14 ERA.

New York scored just 42 runs in 17 games from May 28 through June 15, during which its pitchers posted a 4.13 ERA.

“There’s no magic pill or magic wand to make everything sync up at the same time,” Callaway told reporters Thursday afternoon. “I think that’s been the tale of our season so far. Even when we’re not winning games, we have a part of us that’s going good. We just have trouble getting (everything) to sync up at the same time so we can get on a good run again.”

Wheeler didn’t factor into the decision in his most recent start on Sunday Marlon Mack Jersey , when he gave up two runs in six innings as the Mets beat the Arizona Diamondbacks 5-3. Wood won the last time he took the mound last Saturday when he allowed one run in 5 1/3 innings in the Dodgers’ 3-1 victory over the San Francisco Giants.

Wheeler lost his lone career start against the Dodgers on June 19, 2017, when he surrendered seven runs in two innings as the Mets fell 10-6. Wood is 0-3 with a 3.94 ERA in eight career starts against the Mets.

James Harrison is headed back to the Super Bowl.

And he says the only thing he’s focused on is winning a third championship.

Everything else is secondary for the 39-year-old Patriots linebacker, who is thriving in his new role with the team that was once his rival.

”That’s the goal. To win the Lombardi (Trophy). There’s only one winner,” Harrison said as he prepared to make his first trip to the Super Bowl since the 2008 season, when he captured his second ring with Pittsburgh.

He’s done talking about his abrupt departure from the Steelers last month and the suggestions from his former teammates that it was Harrison who asked to be released after complaints about playing time.

In a lengthy post on Instagram days after joining the Patriots, Harrison responded directly to his critics, writing: ”If anybody thought I signed a two-year deal with a team in the NFL at age 39 to sit on the bench and collect a check and a participation trophy, they’re mistaken. I didn’t sign up to sit on the bench and be a cheerleader.”

What’s not in dispute is that Harrison’s playing time decreased significantly this season with the Steelers.

The Steelers’ sack leader with 80+ in 14 seasons in Pittsburgh, Harrison appeared in just five games and played a total of 38 snaps for them this season. He had only one sack. His five appearances were his fewest since his first season in Pittsburgh in 2002.

After being released on Dec. 23 Christine Michael Sr Jersey , Harrison signed with New England in time to play in the Patriots’ regular-season finale against the Jets. He had three tackles, two sacks and a forced fumble in his debut.

In one regular season and two playoffs games with the Patriots, he’s already been on the field for 89 snaps.

”I’m doing whatever they ask me to do,” Harrison said. ”I’m getting more snaps than I had (in Pittsburgh), and I like that.”

As to whether he has something to prove at this point in his career, he said that has always been his mindset.

”Anything people say I can’t do, I want to prove them wrong,” Harrison said.

He says it would be impossible for him to feel truly acclimated after just three games, but he has an appreciation for the way the Patriots approach things.

Safety Devin McCourty said Harrison’s work ethic has been noticeable.

”I think younger guys, a lot of younger guys on the team compared to him Malik Hooker Jersey , can learn from him,” McCourty said. ”I think we all saw that from Day 1 when he came in here bright and early getting whatever he needs done.”

Coach Bill Belichick praised Harrison’s ability to handle the different things they’ve asked of him.

”This guy is a professional. He’s into football. He’s into his job and wants to do it well,” Belichick said. ”I, 100 percent totally respect that. That’s what you want from everybody.”

Harrison started at outside linebacker in the AFC title game against Jacksonville and is in line to start again alongside Kyle Van Noy and Elandon Roberts against the Eagles.

Whatever happens, Harrison is secure in the decisions he’s made.

”It feels good, but like I’ve said before, this is all God’s plan,” he said. ”This is all his doing. I’m just reaping the benefits of it right now.”

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