CHICAGO — Brandon Nimmo might be the human embodiment of a golden retriever, but for as upbeat as the Mets outfielder consistently is, he’s also realistic. A key team leader who helps set the tone in the clubhouse, Nimmo is remaining optimistic about the team’s chances to reach the postseason this week, but he also knows those chances are diminishing.

“It’s been happening right in front of our eyes,” Nimmo said Sunday after the Mets lost a series to the moribund Washington Nationals. “I can definitely believe it.”

The Mets, once considered a World Series contender, are outside of the playoff standings for the first time since April 5 as they enter a series against the Chicago Cubs on Tuesday. The Cincinnati Reds have an equal record (80-76), but own the tiebreaker against the Mets. T

See Full Page