Series Preview: Mets Continue Road Trip Against Dodgers

After completing a series sweep against the Oakland Athletics, the New York Mets (10-6) are set to face the Los Angeles Dodgers (8-8). The Dodgers are coming off a series in which they lost two out of three games against the Chicago Cubs. In the 2022 regular season, the Mets had a record of 4-3 against the star-studded Dodgers. This will be the first matchup between the two teams this season.

There are several key details to be aware of as the Mets head into this upcoming series. First, the Mets are reportedly recalling third baseman Brett Baty, according to Andy Martino of SNY. This roster move comes in light of the highly impressive offensive performance that Baty put on during his time with the Triple-A club. With the recent promotion of catcher Francisco Álvarez, the Mets will have a surplus of young talent at their disposal for their battles with the Dodgers. Next, first baseman Pete Alonso has continued to swing a powerful bat as he knocked out two home runs over the weekend, which brings his total to eight on the season. The Mets will certainly be counting on the league leader in home runs to make a profound impact on this upcoming series. Third, closing pitcher David Robertson has been excellent in his new role with the Mets. In eight and one-third innings this season, he has yet to allow a run while accumulating four saves. His save was a key component to the Mets’ victory on Sunday that secured the series sweep against the Athletics.

Moving on to the Dodgers, they are looking to establish themselves in their usual role as the perennial powerhouse of their division. While their season has not started off on the strongest note, they should still be seen as a difficult opponent. In Sunday’s loss to the Cubs, outfielder Mookie Betts collected three hits along with one RBI. The Mets will have to pitch carefully to the two-time World Series champion as he is one of the premier hitters in the league. Also, first baseman Freddie Freeman was not in his usual form against the Cubs as he went 2-12 at the plate in the series. Despite this uncharacteristic performance, Freeman has excelled against the Mets in his career with a .302 batting average along with 28 home runs. All things considered, the Dodgers have a potent lineup that could reach its full potential at any given moment.

Monday, April 17, 2023: LHP David Peterson (0-2, 4.91 ERA) vs RHP Dustin May (1-1, 1.47 ERA)

Peterson is coming off a solid start against the San Diego Padres, in which he pitched five and two-third innings while allowing two earned runs with six strikeouts. In his only career appearance against the Dodgers, Peterson pitched three and two-thirds innings while allowing four runs (only one earned) with four walks and six strikeouts. If Peterson can establish a strong command of the strike zone, his performance should be more consistent with his results against the Padres.

Dustin May’s last start was highly similar to Peterson’s as he tossed five and one-third innings while allowing two earned runs with three strikeouts. In his career against the Mets, he has only pitched one scoreless inning with two strikeouts back in 2019. That being said, May’s combination of high velocity and outstanding spin rate will be a major test for the Mets offense as they navigate through tougher competition.

Tuesday, April 18, 2023: RHP Tylor Megill (3-0, 2.25 ERA) vs LHP Clayton Kershaw (2-1, 3.50 ERA)

Megill has arguably been the best starting pitcher for the Mets early in the season. In his last start, he pitched five innings while allowing two earned runs with three strikeouts. The dominating offense of the Dodgers will be yet another challenge for Megill to establish himself as a key component of the Mets’ rotation. In his only start against the Dodgers, Megill pitched five innings while allowing three earned runs with six strikeouts. The Mets will be ecstatic if Megill can replicate this type of performance against the club on Tuesday.

Kershaw is also coming off a strong start, in which he pitched six innings while allowing three runs (two of them earned) with four strikeouts. One of the best pitchers to ever grace the mound, Kershaw is 10-0 with a 2.17 ERA and 114 strikeouts in 16 career appearances against the Mets. While the Mets offense has struggled early against left-handed pitching, they will look to flip the script against Kershaw in Tuesday’s contest.

Wednesday, April 19, 2023: RHP Max Scherzer (2-1, 4.41 ERA) vs RHP Noah Syndergaard (0-2, 5.63 ERA)

Scherzer, who was formerly with the Dodgers, pitched very well in his previous start against the Padres. In five innings pitched, he only allowed one hit while striking out six batters. He will look to replicate this strong performance against his former team, who he has a lifetime 2.59 ERA against in 16 appearances.

With this matchup, Mets are finally set for their first game against their former pitcher Noah Syndergaard. While Syndergaard was active with the Phillies and Angels last season, he was able to avoid pitching against his former team due to some questionable circumstances. He was also criticized by the Mets community last season for poking fun at their combined no-hitter that was headlined by the performance of the aforementioned Tylor Megill. In his last start against the Cubs, he pitched six innings with nine strikeouts while allowing three earned runs in a quality start. His 5.63 ERA is mainly inflated due to his poor second start against the Diamondbacks, in which he allowed six earned runs in only four innings pitched.