X-Factors for each MLB playoff team

Sep 23, 2015; Toronto, Ontario, CAN; Toronto Blue Jays starting pitcher Marcus Stroman (6) reacts to catcher Russell Martin (55) on his three run home run in the seventh inning against the New York Yankees at Rogers Centre. Mandatory Credit: John E. Sokolowski-USA TODAY Sports /

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Sep 10, 2015; Atlanta, GA, USA; New York Mets starting pitcher Bartolo Colon (40) throws a pitch against the Atlanta Braves in the fourth inning at Turner Field. Mandatory Credit: Brett Davis-USA TODAY Sports /

New York Mets: Bartolo Colon

The Mets have looked unstoppable since the trade deadline behind a young pitching staff filled with upside and the heroics of Yoenis Cespedes. A continued strong run of form from Colon could make them even more dangerous in the playoffs.

Not long ago, Colon looked like an easy choice to be left out of New York’s playoff rotation. Colon’s 4.135ERA (3.86 FIP) overall this season per FanGraphs doesn’t offer much confidence, particularly when compared to the young trio of deGrom, Matt Harvey and Noah Syndergaard.

However, Colon had a recent stretch where he was pitching like it was 2002. The 42-year-old recently set some records with a 31-inning scoreless streak, and has allowed five total runs over his last six outings

There isn’t much secret about what Colon is going to throw, but he’s still finding ways to be successful. The key has been outstanding command, as Colon’s 3 percent walk rate thus far stands as the lowest of his career.

If Colon keeps up his current run, the Mets will have a hard time keeping him off the postseason roster. Colon certainly has made a case to make it over Jonathan Niese, and could even be slotted ahead of the struggling Syndergaard or the inexperienced Steven Matz.

New York’s rotation already looked like it was going to be tough to deal with in October, and Colon pitching so well only makes the Mets more dangerous.

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