Lets play two…
The Mets play a Banner Day doubleheader today with Rafael Montero (0-2, 6.97 ERA) opposing Arizona Diamondbacks right-hander Bronson Arroyo (4-3, 4.45) in the first game at 1:10 PM.
The single-admission doubleheader then continues with Daisuke Matsuzaka (1-0, 2.14) opposing right-hander Zeke Spruill (2-1, 4.72 at Triple-A Reno) in Game 2.
Daisuke Matsuzaka has a 1.71 ERA since September 8 of last season, the fourth best mark in the majors in that span (minimum 40 innings). Among pitchers with at least 20 innings pitched this season, Dice-K’s .130 opponent batting average is tied with Wade Davis for second best in the majors.
On the injury front, Travis d’Arnaud, who suffered a concussion on May 13 at Yankee Stadium, will begin a rehab assignment Sunday with Binghamton.
Meanwhile Dillon Gee looks like he will miss more than three turns in the rotation as he would have needed to make a rehab start today or Monday, if he were going to return next week.
David Wright has hit in seven straight games, going 13-29 (.448) with four multi-hit games, including three straight. He has 33 hits this month, the second-most in the NL, two behind Yasiel Puig of the Dodgers.
Game 2 Lineup
- Juan Lagares – CF
- Daniel Murphy – 2B
- David Wright – 3B
- Curtis Granderson – LF
- Bobby Abreu – RF
- Eric Campbell – 1B
- Wilmer Flores – SS
- Anthony Recker – C
- Daisuke Matsuzaka – RHP
The Mets dropped Saturday’s game against the Diamondbacks, but have the chance to take the entire series on Sunday as they play two to make up for Friday Night’s game. Both Arizona and New York are making roster changes for the day with the Diamondbacks adding Spruill to the roster in game two as a starter and Vic Black coming in for the Mets.
The first starter for the Mets, Rafael Montero, is 0-2 in his first two starts as a major leaguer. Overall he has allowed 8 ER over 10.1 innings with his last start being a tough one allowed 4 ER over 4.1 innings, mainly due to walks. If he can come in today and get ahead of his control, he should be fine today. This will be the first time he faces hitters from Arizona’s lineup in a major league game.
The Mets bats in the first game get to face Bronson Arroyo, who is 4-3 this year over 9 starts and 54.2 innings with a 4.45 ERA. He started off May on a roll allowing one earned run, two runs total, over 23.1 innings over three games. In his last outing he allowed 5 ER over 7.0 innings. His worst start of the season by far was against the Mets were he allowed 9 ER over 10 hits and 3.1 innings. The Mets have the following stats against Bronson:
- Wright 11-41, HR
- C Young 4-21, 2 2B
- Abreu 3-14, 3B
- Murphy 8-16, 2 2B
- E Young 4-11
Daisuke Matsuzaka gets the start for the Mets in game two. He is ready to go about 100 pitches in his first start of the season. Over 14 games this year and 21.0 innings, he as a 2.14 ERA. Last year he had a 4.42 ERA over 7 starts and 38.2 innings. He did not play against the Diamondbacks earlier this year and the only three members of the Arizona club that have faced him are HIll (5-28, 2B, 2 HR), Pennington (2-7) and Chavez (2-3, HR).
In game two the Mets bats will get the first 2014 look at Zeke Spruill. He had limited time in the majors last season with a 0-2 record over 11.1 innings with a 5.56 ERA. The Mets have some stats against him:
- Flores 0-1
- Lagares 1-2
- Murphy 0-2
- Recker 1-2, 2B
- E Young 0-1
- Niese 1-1
Lets Go Mets!
