Series Preview: Mets Begin Second Half With Three In Pittsburgh

The New York Mets (4740, first place in the National League’s eastern division) begin the unofficial second half of their 2021 campaign with three games at PNC Park in Pittsburgh against manager Derek Shelton‘s Pirates (34-56, fifth place in the National League’s central division).

The Mets played their last four games against the Pirates at Citi Field last weekend, and disappointingly split the series. The loss on Sunday, July 11, was particularly troublesome, as the Mets took a 5-0 lead in the first inning, only to lose the game 6-6 after their bats fell silent and their “bullpen game” strategy did not fare well.

The Mets hold a three and one-half game lead over the second place Philadelphia Phillies (four in the loss column) and a four game lead over the third place Atlanta Braves (five in the loss column). The Mets have built their divisional lead with an inordinate number of players on the injured list in the first half (18 at one point). They will be close to full strength when play resumes in Pittsburgh with J.D. Davis set to return (forcing a roster move). Pitcher Carlos Carrasco may join the team before the end of July, as the Mets take the final steps toward the roster they expected when they began spring training.

The first half of the season saw significant scheduling anomalies for the Mets. They played ten doubleheaders, necessitated by weather issues as well a games postponed due to COVID-19. There are three more doubleheaders scheduled for the second half.

The Mets have benefited from the lackluster play of the other teams in their division, as the Mets begin play on Friday being the only team in the eastern division with an over .500 record. In August, the Mets will play the Dodgers and Giants both home and away, which will provide a significant test for Luis Rojas‘ squad. They’ll visit Milwaukee in September, and play a significant number on divisional games throughout the second half.

In news that should surprise no one at this point, there is a chance of thundershowers Friday, Saturday, and Sunday in Pittsburgh. Time will tell if the games are impacted.

Let’s take a look at the projected pitching matchups for the series against the Pirates.

Friday, July 16 RHP Marcus Stroman (6-7) NYM vs RHP Chad Kuhl, 7:05 pm

Stroman in 2021: GS: 14, ERA: 2.74, IP: 98.2, H: 86, HR: 10, BB: 45, SO: 83, WHIP: 1.13

Stroman has been solid for the Mets in 2021, though a bit less effective recently. In his last three starts, he has averaged under five innings pitched. Stroman has not been credited with a win since June 12. The right-hander from Long Island also has experienced discomfort in his hip that forced him to leave his start on June 22 against the Braves after one inning pitched. He did not go on the injured list, and has not reported further issues with hip. Stroman made his first start as a Met at PNC Park on August 3, 2019.

The game can be seen locally on SNY and heard locally on WCBS radio 880 am.

Saturday, July 17 RHP Tylor Megill NYM vs RHP Will Crowe PIT 7:05 pm

The game can be seen locally on SNY and heard locally on WCBS radio 880 am.

Sunday, July 18, RHP (likely) RHP Jacob deGrom (7-2) NYM vs RHP JT Brubaker PIT, 1:05 pm

DeGrom in 2021: GS: 15, ERA: 1.08, IP: 92.0, H: 39, HR: 6, BB: 11, SO: 146, WHIP: 0.54

DeGrom continues on his journey through a season for the ages. The only thing that has slowed the ace down this year has been a series of “minor” injuries that he says are behind him. In his last two starts, he has thrown seven innings each time, going deeper into the games than he had been after his most recent ailment, pain in his shoulder resulting from a swing. In his last two starts (against Milwaukee and Atlanta), deGrom has allowed a total of three home runs. He has not recorded a win since June 21, in the first game of a doubleheader against the Braves. The Mets will look to ride the right arm of their ace hurler from DeLand, FL into the post season in 2021.

The game can be seen locally on WPIX and heard locally on WCBS radio 880 am.

Series Notes for Mets

Mets by the numbers, with MLB rankings:

BA .231 (24th)

HR 88 (27th)

SLG .373 (27th)

OPS .683 (25th)

Team ERA 3.43 (4th)

Starters’ ERA 2.98 (2nd)

Relievers’ ERA 4.06 (14th)

Mets’ full team statistics may be viewed here.

Series Notes for Pirates

Pirates by the numbers, with MLB rankings:

BA .234 (20th)

HR 74 (26th)

SLG .363 (30th)

OPS .669 (30th)

Team ERA 4.88 (25th)

Starters’ ERA 5.01 (27th)

Relievers’ ERA 4.31(18th)

Pirates’ full team statistics may be viewed here.

As of July 15, Colin Moran, Gregory Polanco, and Erik Gonzalez are on the injured list.

The Mets, who weathered the storm of 33 games in 31 days by maintaining their three and one-half game lead in first place (the same margin when that stretch of games began, they went 17-16), will look to start the second half off successfully in Pittsburgh. From there, they play three games in Cincinnati, before taking Thursday off and returning to Citi Field for three games against the Blue Jays on July 23.