Series Preview: Mets in Milwaukee

The Mets (93-55) are on the verge of clinching a 2022 playoff berth as they head to Milwaukee to take on the Brewers (78-68). After getting swept in three games by the Cubs, the Mets turned things around and swept the Pirates in a four-game series. The Brewers are fighting for a wildcard spot, but unlike the Mets, they are seeing their playoff chances start to slip away. Faced with dwindling playoff odds, the Brewers should be tougher competition than the Pirates were these last four games.

Jeff McNeil had a great series against the Pirates, and his .320 batting average is currently good for third in the NL. Eduardo Escobar has also been hot lately, with two runs scored in game two and four RBIs across the final two games. Daniel Vogelbach also broke out a bit against his former club, driving in six runs in the four games. The Pirates also plunked seven Mets hitters this series, making it very likely the Mets will surpass the single season hit-by-pitch record of 105- the Mets are currently at 103.

The Brewers are coming off a 2-1 series win against the Yankees. Willy Adames played a huge role in the Brewers’ two victories, with a total of seven RBIs across the two games. Milwaukee also got great pitching in game two from Brandon Woodruff, who went eight innings, giving up only one run. Still, even with their success against the Yankees, the Brewers find themselves short of a playoff spot, as they remain two games behind the Phillies for the third NL wild card.

Monday, September 19, 2022: RHP Max Scherzer (9-4, 2.26 ERA) vs. RHP Corbin Burnes (10-7, 2.97 ERA)

Scherzer’s last outing, against the Nationals, was cut short when he experienced left side fatigue. He ultimately ended up on the injured list, but luckily for the Mets it was only a short stay. Scherzer is returning after missing only two starts, having spent only the minimum 15 days on the IL. Scherzer has faced the Brewers ten times in his career, and he has a 2.37 ERA against them in 57 innings.

Burnes’ last outing was against the Cardinals. He gave up three runs in seven innings while striking out five. Burnes faced the Mets earlier this season in June where he went six innings and gave up two runs while striking out eight. Burnes has pitched well against the Mets in his limited appearances against them, with a 1.71 ERA in 21 innings.

Tuesday, September 20, 2022: RHP Carlos Carrasco (15-6, 3.70 ERA) vs. TBD

Carrasco’s last start was against the Pirates. He went six innings in that game, giving up one run and striking out 11. It was his second solid start since returning from the injured list on September 4. Carrasco has faced the Brewers four times in his career. He has a 3.12 ERA against them in 26 innings.

Wednesday, September 21, 2022: RHP Taijuan Walker (12-4, 3.42 ERA) vs. RHP Adrian Houser (6-9, 4.85 ERA)

Like Carrasco, Walker’s most recent start was also against the Pirates. He went 7 1/3 innings, giving up three runs and striking out five. Walker has never faced the Brewers in his career, but he has faced six members of the current Brewers squad. Andrew McCutchen’s 11 at-bats against Walker are the most of any current Brewer, but his numbers aren’t great, as McCutchen is batting .182 with one RBI.

Houser’s last start was against the Yankees. It was not a great start, as he only made it through three innings and gave up five runs. Luckily for him, the Brewers’ bats were able to outhit the Yankees and the team ultimately won 7-6. Like Burnes, Houser also faced the Mets back in June. He went 4 2/3 innings in that game, giving up four runs in a game the Brewers lost 4-0.