Series Preview: Mets Open Home Schedule Against Marlins

Mandatory Credit: Jasen Vinlove-USA TODAY Sports

The Mets waited four extra days to begin their 2021 season due to a COVID-19 outbreak within the Washington Nationals’ organization, then opened their campaign by losing two of three to the Philadelphia Phillies.

For the Mets, the initial series looked a lot like games from the 2020 season. Jacob deGrom pitched very well, yet ended up with a no-decision. The bullpen did not pitch well, and the offense did not produce with runners on base (in Wednesday’s loss, they left 14 runners on base and were one-for-twelve with runners in scoring position).

Now the Mets will open their home slate, in front of fans at Citi Field for the first time since 2019, with three games against the Miami Marlins, followed by four games against the Phillies. Let’s take a look at the pitching matchups in the series with the Marlins.

Thursday, April 8, RHP Taijuan Walker (NYM) vs. Undecided (Miami) 1:10 pm

Walker will make his Mets debut after being signed as a free agent just before the start of spring training. The Shreveport, LA native pitched for the Mariners and Blue Jays in 2020, posting a combined record of 4-3 with a 2.70 ERA in eleven starts. He allowed 43 hits in 53.1 innings pitched, striking out 50 hitters and walking 19 for a 1.16 WHIP.

Walker began his career with the Mariners, then pitched with Diamondbacks, before splitting last season by returning to Seattle before being traded to Toronto. Walker’s career record is 35-34 with a 3.84 ERA. He’s allowed less than one hit per inning pitched over his career, and has a 1.25 career WHIP. He also keeps the ball in the ballpark, allowing 80 home runs in 581.2 innings pitched.

The Marlins have not named a starter for the game.

The game can be seen locally on SNY, and heard on WCBS radio 880.

Mandatory Credit: Kyle Ross-USA TODAY Sports

Saturday, April 10, RHP Jacob deGrom (NYM) vs. LHP Trevor Rogers (Miami) 1:10 pm

DeGrom pitched in the Mets’ season opener in Philadelphia, tossing six shutout innings, striking out seven and allowing three hits. The two-time Cy Young award winner also had two hits and drove in a run. The bullpen faltered in the game, resulting in a Mets loss and a deGrom no-decision.

Over his career, deGrom has a 70-51 record with a 2.60 ERA and a 1.05 WHIP. The DeLand, Florida native has struck out 1366 batters in 1175.2 innings pitched, while walking just 286 and allowing 944 hits.

Rogers has started one game for the Marlins in 2021, throwing four innings, allowing two runs and two hits to the Cardinals. His career began in 2020, and he has started a total of eight games, posting a 1-3 record with a 5.91 ERA. He has allowed 34 hits in 32 innings pitched, walking 17 for a career WHIP of 1.59.

The game can be seen locally on SNY and heard on WCBS radio 880.

Mandatory Credit: Bill Streicher-USA TODAY Sports

Sunday, April 11, RHP Marcus Stroman (NYM) vs. Undecided (Miami) 1:10 pm

Stroman earned the win in the Mets’ second game in Philadelphia, pitching six solid innings, allowing one run on three hits, walking two and striking out three.

Stroman, who came to the Mets just before the 2019 trading deadline, has a 52-47 career record, with a career 3.75 ERA. Stroman opted out of the 2020 season, and has pitched in six major league seasons. In that time, he’s thrown 855.1 innings, allowing 856 hits and 246 walks, for a 1.29 WHIP.

The Marlins have not named a starter for the game.

The game can be seen locally on SNY and heard on WCBS radio 880.

Marlins Notes

The Marlins come into the series with a 1-5 record, having lost two of three to the Rays and been swept three games by the Cardinals, all in Miami.

The Marlins qualified for the playoffs in last year’s shortened season, defeating the Cubs in the first round before losing to the Braves in the second round.

Jesus Aguilar (.353), Starling Marte (.348), and Miguel Rojas (.278) are among the Marlins’ leaders in batting average.

Sandy Alcantara (1.50) and Pablo Lopez (1.54) lead the Miami starters in ERA.