Jul 31, 2021; New York City, New York, USA; New York Mets shortstop Javier Baez (23) celebrates with first baseman Pete Alonso (20) after hitting a two-run home run against the Cincinnati Reds during the sixth inning at Citi Field. Mandatory Credit: Brad Penner-USA TODAY Sports

Sunday, August 1, 2021 • 1:10 PM
Citi Field • Flushing, NY
RHP Vladimir Gutierrez (5-3, 4.75) vs. RHP Marcus Stroman (7-9, 2.63)
SNY • WCBS 880 AM • WQBU 92.7 FM

There is a lot going on with the Mets this weekend.

The trade deadline on Friday led into injury news about Jacob deGrom, which came right before a Mets loss. The Mets held an emotional Hall of Fame induction ceremony last night, then secured their 20th come-from-behind win of the season with their eighth walk off on the year. After the Mets got a 1-0 lead last night, the Reds shot back getting a 3-1 lead and eventually extended it to 4-1.

Javier Baez in his first game as a Met hit a 2-run homer to get the Mets close and Dominic Smith tied the game in the 9th. Brandon Drury had the walk-off hit in the 10th, ending July going 11-15 at the plate.

It was a fun one last night, and hopefully the momentum carries into today, when they have the rubber game with the Reds and the deadline to sign Kumar Rocker. A busy, busy weekend.

Mets Lineup

Marcus Stroman gets the start for the Mets today.

Over 21 starts and 116.1 innings, he has a 2.63 ERA, 3.43 FIP, 1.109 WHIP and a 149 ERA+. He allowed only two runs on eight hits in his last start, pitching five of seven innings against the Braves in a shortened doubleheader. The Mets bats couldn’t back him up at all, so the Mets lost 2-0.

In his last three starts he has allowed four runs over 18.0 innings–a 2.00 ERA. This includes an eight-inning, one-hit performance against the Reds on the July 21, a day the Mets desperately needed length from a starting pitcher. The Reds have the following numbers against Stroman:

Reds Lineup

The Mets bats will get another look at 25-year old rookie Vladimir Gutierrez. In his 11 starts and 60.2 innings this year, Vladimir has posted a 4.75 ERA, 5.87 FIP, 1.434 WHIP and a 100 ERA+. In four starts in July, Vladimir allowed 2 runs or less in three of them. The one start he didn’t was against the Mets who had 9 hits and 2 walks and hit 3 homers in the game, getting a total of 6 runs.

The Mets have following numbers against him:

Game Notes

The Mets are still deciding if Brandon Nimmo will be available off the bench today. The team is optimistic that Nimmo will be able to start again in the next game or two.

Let’s go Mets!