After a hot start to the month, the New York Mets (60-74) have lost two-straight series. The last one came against the Milwaukee Brewers, who took two of three at Citi Field during the week. While the Mets are out of contention, this period serves as an opportunity for guys to prove themselves ahead of next season.

They will look to impress against the Houston Astros (67-67), who currently sit at the top of the American League West. With the Texas Rangers and the Seattle Mariners right behind them, every game over the next few weeks is crucial. Let’s take a look at some notes ahead of the three pitching matchups this weekend.

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PITCHING MATCHUPS

  • Friday: Hunter Brown (3-3, 3.51 ERA) vs. Christian Scott (4-3, 3.73 ERA): Brown was fantastic last year, making the All-Star team and pitching to a 2.43 ERA in 31 starts. This season has been far more frustrating for the right-hander. Brown missed time early on with a right shoulder strain, keeping him out for over two months. But of late, it appears he has turned the corner. Over his last six starts, Brown has pitched to a 2.88 ERA across 34 1/3 innings. After an impressive first half, Scott has struggled a bit more post All-Star break. That includes last weekend, when he gave up four runs on five hits and four walks in 4 2/3 innings against the White Sox. Scott will look to reset at home, where he is 2-1 with a 3.38 ERA in eight starts this season.
  • Saturday: Cristian Javier (1-4, 6.47 ERA) vs. Nolan McLean (9-8, 3.21 ERA): Javier was a huge part of the Astros team that won the World Series in 2022. The following season, he threw 162 innings across 31 starts. In the three years since, however, he has thrown a total of 112 innings. Injuries have certainly hurt him in a big way. Since being reinserted into the rotation, he is 0-4 with a 5.68 ERA across 19 innings. McLean has been on a tear for an extended period now. He has pitched to a 1.97 ERA over his last 59 1/3 innings. McLean’s 2.40 ERA after the All-Star break is also the seventh-best mark in the National League. That’s exactly what the Mets were hoping to see from their ace. McLean has a quality start in four consecutive home outings.
  • Sunday: Ethan Pecko (0-0, 7.88 ERA) vs. Zac Thornton (3-4, 2.88 ERA): Pecko made his big league debut for Houston on August 19 against the Los Angeles Angels, allowing two runs on three hits in 3 2/3 innings. His sample size is small, but one thing to keep an eye on is a lack of length. Pecko has thrown 88 and 89 pitches in his two starts, but he has yet to throw more than 4 1/3 innings in either outing. This will be his second start on Houston’s road trip, facing the New York Yankees earlier this week. Thornton has looked more and more comfortable with each start in his rookie season. He has allowed three earned runs or less in nine-straight outings, pitching to a 2.42 ERA during that stretch. Thornton will make his seventh start at Citi Field, going 1-2 with a 2.83 ERA in the first six.

WHAT’S THE STORY?

The last player to win the batting triple crown in the American League was Miguel Cabrera of the Detroit Tigers in 2012. Reaching that feat is something very few hitters have done in the history of baseball. But with 28 games to go, Yordan Alvarez may be the next to do so. Entering this weekend, the Astros’ power hitter currently owns at least a share of the lead in all three categories among qualified hitters in the AL.

Batting Average

1. Yordan Alvarez .319

2. Chandler Simpson .308

Home Runs
1. Yordan Alvarez 36
T2. Ben Rice 35

Runs Batted In

T1. Pete Alonso 91

T1. Yordan Alvarez 91

If the Astros were having a better season, this story would be getting more attention. Nonetheless, Alvarez is the overwhelming to win AL MVP in one of, if not the best statistical year of his career. After being limited to 48 games due to injury in 2025, it’s been quite the bounce-back season. Alvarez’s pursuit of a triple crown will continue against the Mets, a team he has done serious damage against in his career. In 10 games, he is slashing .375/.523/.844 with four home runs and eight RBIs.

PREDICTION

The Mets have made a habit out of playing spoiler in recent weeks. They are 13-10 since the start of August, tied for the ninth-best record over the stretch. With the starters they have lined up for this weekend, there is a good opportunity to win another series. Every game matters for the Astros right now, but the Mets are still dangerous. New York takes two of three at Citi Field.