The Yankees and Mets enter the first phase of the 2023 Subway Series in tough spots.

The Bronx Bombers (38-29) are in third place in the AL East, nine games behind the Rays, and are missing Aaron Judge, whose return timeline from an injured big toe remains unclear.

Things are even worse for the Mets (31-35), which have lost eight of nine and are in fourth place in the NL East, are nine games behind the Braves and won’t have Pete Alonso for several more weeks after he suffered a left wrist sprain and bone bruise when drilled by a pitch last week.

Will Max Scherzer be able to get the Mets back on track Tuesday night at Citi Field, or will Luis Severino get the better of this duel?

Follow The Post’s live updates from Game 1 of this two-game Subway Series.