The New York Mets (72-86) had a unique experience on Thursday night, as their game against the Miami Marlins was suspended with two outs in the top of the ninth inning, If the Marlins are still in a position where that game will determine their position in the wild card race, it will be continued on Monday afternoon. Otherwise, the Mets will finish their season with a three-game series against the Philadelphia Phillies (89-70) this weekend.

The Phillies have nothing to play for, as they have already clinched the top Wild Card spot in the National League, so the next few days will be about giving some of their top players a day or two off. As for the Mets, this will be one last opportunity for players like Ronny Mauricio, Brett Baty, and Mark Vientos to stake a claim that they should be on the Opening Day roster to begin next season. Let’s take a look at some important notes for the three pitching matchups.

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Saturday, September 30, 2023 (Game 1): TBD vs. LHP José Quintana (3-6, 3.39 ERA)

Former Met Taijuan Walker was scheduled to start the series opener when the game was still scheduled to be played on Friday, but with the Phillies beginning postseason play on Tuesday, manager Rob Thomson may change his plans. If the organization decides to have the right-hander throw, this will be his fourth start against the Mets this season. Walker performed well in the previous three, going 1-1 with a 3.38 ERA in 16 innings. He last pitched against New York on Sep. 22, allowing two runs on five hits across six innings. Walker is 8-3 in 14 starts away from Citizens Bank Park, but the 31-year-old has a 5.26 ERA on the road. 

José Quintana has proved to be an excellent addition to the Mets pitching staff since the All-Star break, giving them quality innings every fifth day. The left-hander has given them a much-needed boost, he is coming off his worst performance on the season. On Sep. 23 against the Phillies, Quintana surrendered five runs on eight hits, despite striking out 10 in six innings. He gave up a season-high two home runs in that start, something he will look to avoid on Saturday. Quintana has not allowed a home run in nine of his 12 starts this season. The veteran is 1-2 with a 2.20 ERA in five starts at Citi Field this season.

Saturday, September 30, 2023 (Game 2): TBD vs. TBD 

Cristopher Sánchez would have been a possibility to start in this game, but Rob Thomson announced that the Phillies plan to move him into the bullpen in preparation for the postseason. That decision does not come as much of a surprise, given that the left-hander has some experience as a reliever. In that case, they could treat this as a bullpen game, and after two or three innings, give the ball to Sánchez in middle relief. If they decide to go in a different direction, it becomes quite difficult to predict who will throw in this game for the Phillies.  

While it remains unclear as to who will start the second game of the doubleheader for the Mets, it seems as if Tylor Megill is the likeliest of their options. The right-hander last threw on Sep. 22 in Philadelphia, allowing three runs on five hits in six innings. This would be an opportunity to cap off an improved second half for Megill, one that should put him in contention for an important role on the big league roster to begin 2024. He had made four starts in September, going 1-1 with a 3.27 ERA. Megill has looked much more comfortable at home, owning a 6-3 record with a 3.41 ERA in 12 starts at Citi Field.

Sunday, October 1, 2023: TBD vs. RHP José Butto (1-3, 3.75 ERA)

Aaron Nola would be on normal rest for Sunday’s series finale, but with the postseason looming, it is almost a guarantee that he will not throw another pitch in the regular season. The Phillies could go in a few different directions, one of which would be a bullpen game. All-Star Michael Lorenzen could act as an opener or he could give them some innings, as he has already made 25 starts for the Detroit Tigers and the Phillies this season. The priority for the Phillies is to have their best arms well-rested for the beginning of the playoffs, so they will do their best to piece Sunday’s game together with some of their low-leverage relievers.

José Butto has caught the attention of many within the Mets fanbase over the last three and half weeks. The young right-hander has allowed two runs or less in three of his four starts in the month of September. Butto struggled in his most recent outing though, allowing four runs on four hits in just four innings on Sep. 24 against the Phillies. He has pitched well against most opponents when given the opportunity at the big league level, but not the Phillies. In two starts dating back to last season, Butto is 0-1 with a 12.38 ERA against them. The 25-year-old could be in the mix for a spot in the rotation to begin 2024, so definitely keep an eye on him.