Monday, July 1, 2023 • 4:10 PM
Citi Field • Flushing, New York
RHP Anthony DeSclafani (4-7, 4.28) vs. RHP Justin Verlander (2-4, 4.11)
SNY

It’s finally July.

June is over.

The Mets completed one of their worst Junes of all time yesterday with a 7-19 record. In 13 of their 19 losses, including last night, they had the lead at one point in the game. Last year it felt like the Mets could never lose. If they entered the 8th or 9th behind, they still had a chance. Right now it feels like the Mets will always lose. Yesterday the loss came on a rare mistake by David Robertson who allowed a three-run homer in the 8th to give the Giants a 5-4 lead. Can the Mets put the month of June behind them and finish out the week strong before the All-Star break?

Mets Lineup

Justin Verlander has oscillated from a good start to a bad start since his second start of the season. Over 10 total starts (57 innings), he has a 4.11 ERA, 4.23 FIP, 1.228 WHIP, and a 100 ERA+. He’s allowed four runs or more in four starts this season, and they have all come after a start where he allowed one run. Last time out he allowed no runs (first time this year!) over five innings, scattering five hits and two walks. The Giants have the following career numbers against him:

Opposing Lineup

The Mets bats draw Anthony DeSclafani tonight (who has played for the Giants, Reds, and Marlins if that ever comes up on Immaculate Grid). Over 90 1/3 innings he has a 4.28 ERA, 3.74 FIP, 1.196 WHIP, and a 100 ERA+. His last start against the Diamondbacks was a quality one where he allowed two runs over six innings. Overall he has a couple of poor starts in June leading to a month ERA of 6.65 despite a 3.97 FIP. The Mets faced him back in April and were able to tag him for four runs from seven hits over five innings. The Mets have the following career numbers against him:

Game Notes

Wilmer Flores hit his third career home run against the Mets on Friday night. The Venezuelan holds the Mets’ club record for most walk-off RBI (10).

David Robertson earned the loss on Friday night after surrendering a three-run home run to Patrick Bailey. The last five losses for the Mets have been charged to a reliever, and the bullpen lost an MLB-leading 13 games in June.

The Mets’ loss on Friday night solidified a 7-19 record in June. It was their worst June since 2018, when they went 5-21, and they did not win one series in the month. As of July 1, the Mets are 18.5 games behind the Braves for first place in the NL East, and have the fourth-worst record in the National League.

Three Things To Watch For

  1. It’s a day that ends in “y” so we’re talking about Tommy Pham. Tommy Pham went 3-for-4 at the plate last night with two runs scored. He also hit his ninth homer on the season. It was the fifth time this season that he has collected three hits in one game. In his last three games, he has gone an insane 8-for-11 at the plate with two homers (.727/.750/.1.273, 2.023 OPS). Since May 28th, he is hitting .363/.416/.670 with a 1.086 OPS. Gary Cohen talked last night during the game that it is now possible that Pham could be the Mets All-Star.
  2. Jeff Mc-extra-base-hits. Last night Jeff McNeil went 2-for-4 with two doubles. The night before he went 1-for-4 with a double. Before last night’s game, you have to go back to June 11th for the last game when Jeff McNeil had an extra-base hit (a homer). Here’s another way to put it. From May 3rd to June 28th, Jeff McNeil had three extra-base hits, two doubles, and a homer (50 games). He’s had that same total of extra-base hits in his last two games.
  3. Players who could be scouted tonight. The Mets right now look like sellers at the deadline, going winless since Steve Cohen’s press conference. This could always change with a winning streak, but to quote Steve “it’s getting late”. Justin Verlander could still be moved at the deadline. Assuming that David Robertson is unavailable tonight after pitching in back-to-back games, Brooks Raley is the most likely reliever to be scouted. Tommy Pham is the most enticing hitter going tonight that could be moved followed by Mark Canha.

Let’s go Mets!