If they weren’t already, the New York Mets (23-33) are in a pivotal stretch of their season. They enter this weekend 7 1/2 games out of the third Wild Card spot in the National League. It’s now or never if the Mets want to turn their season around. Injuries have been a major factor, but that isn’t an excuse. The Mets need to start playing better collectively, and soon.

They will get another look at the Miami Marlins (26-31), who swept them last weekend. Let’s take a look at some notes ahead of the three pitching matchups this weekend.

Isaiah J. Downing-Imagn Images

PITCHING MATCHUPS

  • Friday: Max Meyer (5-0, 2.52 ERA) vs. Freddy Peralta (3-4, 3.52 ERA): Meyer had everything working against the Mets last Saturday. For the second time in the month of May, he threw seven scoreless innings while allowing just one hit. Meyer has now won three consecutive starts, pitching to a 1.93 ERA over that stretch. He has made two career starts at Citi Field, going 1-1 with a 3.48 ERA over 10 1/3 innings. Peralta has had good moments as a Met, but fans have been left hoping for more. He only has three quality starts, two of which came in April. Peralta threw a season-high seven innings against the Marlins last Friday, but he also gave up four runs and two home runs. The Mets need more from him. Peralta is 2-2 with a 3.76 ERA in seven home starts this season.
  • Saturday: Tyler Phillips (0-0, 1.07 ERA) vs. Christian Scott (0-0, 3.20 ERA): For the first time since September of last season and just the ninth time in his career, Phillips started the game against the Mets last Sunday. He pitched well, throwing 3 2/3 scoreless innings, working around two hits and two walks. Phillips threw a season-high 59 pitches, his most in a big league game since August of 2024. It will be interesting to see how much length he can provide. Scott pitched in that same game, producing his best start of the season: 5 2/3 scoreless innings, five strikeouts and a season-high 94 pitches. Scott is now 0-2 with a 4.61 ERA in three career starts against the Marlins. He will make his third home start of the season and his first since May 13 against the Detroit Tigers.
  • Sunday: Janson Junk (3-5, 4.80 ERA) vs. Nolan McLean (2-4, 4.40 ERA): The Mets did not face Junk when the two teams met last weekend. For a large majority of this season, he has pitched well. But as of late, the numbers have taken a dip. Junk has allowed 32 earned runs this season, and 19 of them have come in three of his last four starts. Junk has never faced the Mets. McLean is enduring a really tough stretch for the first time in his career. The last two starts have been as bas as advertised. Over nine innings, McLean owns a 13.00 ERA and has given up four home runs. Mistake pitches have happened more frequently and when they have, they have been hit hard. McLean desperately needs a bounce-back performance. He is 3-3 with a 2.97 ERA in 10 career starts at Citi Field.

WHAT’S THE STORY?

After 55 games, the Mets were 22-33. Why is that record noteworthy? Well, the 2024 Mets had that exact same record before they went on an improbable run to the NLCS. Does this team have a similar run in them? Do they have a player that can give them a spark, like Jose Iglesias did two years ago? There aren’t many reasons to feel optimistic about this team. But if one exists, that is certainly it.

PREDICTION

The Marlins are 8-16 on the road this season. That means the Mets should have a good chance to win a series, right? If Peralta and McLean pitch like they are capable of, winning two of three is possible. It won’t be convincing, but I think the Mets win the series in the end.