Joe Girardi remembers how much George Steinbrenner couldn’t stand losing to the Mets, how much mental anguish it would cause The Boss if the Yankees were made to look inferior to their crosstown rivals, even if it was only for one night.

So even though Yankees-Mets might not have the same luster as it used to, and despite the Mets already looking ahead to next season, Girardi feels plenty of pressure heading into this week’s four-game, two-borough Subway Series that begins Monday in the Bronx, especially after losing two of three to the Red Sox.

Neil Walker was put in the uncomfortable position of having to answer questions about his health when he’s been healthy and playing because of talk the Yankees were concerned about Walker’s medicals, which the Mets seemed to think was an excuse as the Yanks had a different deal worked out.

Addison Reed and Lucas Duda, other Mets the Yankees showed interest in, went to division rivals in the Red Sox and Rays.

One thing is clear: The Red Sox — now 5.5 games up in the AL East division race — remain the Yankees’ chief rival.