At last, the New York Mets (14-23) are starting to turn things in the right direction. The situation is far from good, but at least they are beginning to win more regularly. Back-to-back series victories over the Los Angeles Angels and Colorado Rockies has given the Mets a 4-2 start to their road trip.

They will look to continue that against the Arizona Diamondbacks (17-19), who have lost seven of their last 10 games. Since April 28, they have scored two runs or less in five games.

Let’s take a look at some notes ahead of the three pitching matchups this weekend.

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PITCHING MATCHUPS

  • Friday: Nolan McLean (1-2, 2.97 ERA) vs. Ryne Nelson (1-3, 6.61 ERA): McLean has been good in the early going this season, but there is certainly room for improvement. His last start was the shortest outing of his young career, completing just four innings last Saturday against the Angels. Two really long innings hampered his ability to pitch deeper into that game. The Mets are just 1-6 in games started by McLean this season, despite his sub 3.00 ERA. Nelson began the season as a regular in the Diamondbacks’ rotation. He has yet to take advantage of that opportunity, although his overall numbers are a bit misleading. 14 of the 23 earned runs he has given up this season came in two starts at the end of April. Besides that, Nelson has performed pretty well.
  • Saturday: Clay Holmes (4-2, 1.69 ERA) vs. Merrill Kelly (1-3, 9.95 ERA): Holmes has been sensational for the Mets to begin the season. His 1.69 ERA ranks second among qualified pitchers in the National League, sitting only behind Shohei Ohtani (0.97 ERA). He has allowed two runs or less in all of his seven starts. In comparison to last season, Holmes is allowing less hits, home runs and walks per nine innings. Kelly returned to Arizona in the offseason after the team dealt him to the Texas Rangers at the deadline last season. The veteran has yet to rediscover his best stuff. Over his last three starts, Kelly is 0-3 with a 12.51 ERA. The long ball has really hurt him early on, allowing at least one home run in all of his four starts.
  • Sunday: TBD vs. Eduardo Rodríguez (3-0, 2.50 ERA): David Peterson will likely pitch in some type of bulk role on Sunday. Will it be as a starter, or will it be in relief of an opener? Three of Peterson’s eight appearances have come as a reliever this season, including his last one. He gave up two runs on three hits over four innings against the Rockies on Monday, earning his first win of the season in the process. Rodríguez has continued the form he showcased during the 2026 World Baseball Classic. He has allowed two runs or less in five of his first seven starts. Rodríguez is coming off a fantastic performance, throwing seven shutout innings against the Pittsburgh Pirates on Tuesday. He earned a win against the Mets when the two teams faced off back on April 9.

WHAT’S THE STORY?

It has been well documented that the Mets are missing some key guys in their lineup due to injury. Guys that may be considered irreplaceable, certainly in the case of Francisco Lindor. That opens the door for others to step up, one of which is Carson Benge. Over his last 13 games, the rookie outfielder is slashing .325/.372/.550 with two home runs and seven RBIs. After struggling to begin his big league career, the kid that David Stearns had a lot of faith in going into this season is beginning to have more success at the plate. If the Mets want to try and climb the standings over the next couple of weeks, getting consistent production from Benge will be needed.

PREDICTION

The Diamondbacks won two of three when these two teams faced off at Citi Field in early April. At the time, the Mets were in a much better place, one they need to return to and quickly. With McLean and Holmes pitching this weekend, the Mets have a good chance to win a third-straight series on the road. I think they continue to this upward trend, taking two of three in Arizona.