Photo Credit: Andy Marlin-USA TODAY

Sunday, July 35, 2021 • 1:10 P.M.
Citi Field • Flushing, NY
RHP Ross Stripling (3-6, 5.04) vs. LHP Rich Hill (6-4, 3.87)
WPIX • WCBS 880 AM • WQBU 92.7 FM

The Mets and Blue Jays face off in a rubber game at 1:10 p.m. today with the Mets looking to take their second consecutive series.

Yesterday was a tough day for the Mets. They got one rally going in the game where they scored three runs after having multiple rallies ended by double players earlier in the game. After they cut the Blue Jays lead in half to just 6-3, the Blue Jays blew the score open to 10-3 over the next couple innings. You can read the recap here.

Mets Lineup

Blue Jays Lineup

Sunday had been a day of light contention for the Mets for the last week or so–who’s going to start? Eickhoff self-destructed in his last start, and Robert Stock got injured running to first base in his. At the same time, Carlos Carrasco had a rough start in Syracuse. Would the Mets bump Carrasco up?

The answer became clear in the middle of the week when the Mets acquired Rich Hill from the Rays, a trade that gives the Mets exactly what they are looking for: a major league pitcher who will give you innings. This allows Carrasco to pitch again Sunday in the minors.

In 19 starts and 95.1 innings this year, Hill has a 3.87 ERA, 4.54 FIP, 1.164 WHIP and a 102 ERA+. His last 7 starts have been a bit rough, allowing 20 runs over 33.1 innings with a 5.40 ERA. This includes a July 11th start against the Blue Jays where he allowed 3 runs from 4 hits over 5.0 innings. The Blue Jays have the following numbers against Hill:

The Mets’ bats will get a look at Ross Stripling today.

In 16 games (15 starts) and 75.0 innings this year Ross has a 5.04 ERA, 5.28 FIP, 1.307 WHIP and an 89 ERA+. He’s coming off of his worst start of the season where he allowed six runs and recorded only one against the Red Sox. In his last two starts he has allowed 10 runs over four innings with eight hits and four walks. Homers have been his weakness this year–five over his last two games.

Before this rough stretch he made four consecutive starts where he allowed seven runs (six earned) in 23.1 innings (2.31 ERA).

The Mets have the following numbers against him:

Game Notes

Jeff McNeil is sitting out again, though Luis Rojas said McNeil is available off the bench.

Also, when Rich Hill debuts, he’ll be come the second-oldest pitcher to ever make his debut for the Mets at 41 years and 136 days old. Warren Spahn is the oldest at 43 years and 356 days.