Series Preview: Mets Return Home to Take on Diamondbacks

After losing two out of three games against the Minnesota Twins at Target Field, the New York Mets (65-77) are returning to the familiar confines of Citi Field for four games against the Arizona Diamondbacks (75-69).

Over the weekend, the Mets had trouble gaining momentum against the Twins. While Kodai Senga pitched well on Friday, the offense and bullpen failed to adequately support him. After Saturday’s poor performance, DJ Stewart was the hero on Sunday, with his clutch double that drove in two runs in the ninth inning. While rookie catcher Francisco Álvarez exited the game after being hit by a pitch, the X-rays on his arm were negative, so he should be a factor in this upcoming series.

The main difference between these two teams is that the Diamondbacks still have a Wild Card spot to pursue. As of now, they currently hold the third spot, with the Marlins and two other teams lingering close behind. These games will be vitally important for them down the stretch, as they try to rattle their way into a playoff berth.

Monday, September 11, 2023: RHP Zach Davies (2-5, 6.81 ERA) vs. LHP José Quintana (2-5, 3.00 ERA)

Zach Davies will get things started for the Diamondbacks on Monday. As indicated by his statistics, his results have been very mixed this season. This was evident in his last start, when he pitched only three innings against the Rockies while allowing five earned runs. In the start prior, he pitched six innings while allowing only one run. He pitched against the Mets earlier this season, and he went 5 2/3 innings while allowing four earned runs with six strikeouts. Overall, he has a 5.44 ERA in his career against them.

José Quintana will pitch for the Mets on Monday. While his record may not reflect excellence, he has been a revelation for the Mets this season. His most recent start against the Nationals may have been his best, as he pitched seven innings while allowing only one run. This upcoming start may be a challenge for Quintana, as he has an 8.37 ERA in his career against Arizona.

Tuesday, September 12, 2023: RHP Ryne Nelson (7-7, 5.30 ERA) vs. RHP José Butto (0-2, 3.86 ERA)

Ryne Nelson will pitch in the second game of this series. His last outing was good, as he pitched 5 2/3 innings while allowing only one run against the Cubs. He struggled mightily in his only career start against the Mets earlier this season, when he lasted only three innings while allowing seven runs.

José Butto will likely pitch for the Mets on Tuesday. Despite not having much MLB experience, Butto impressed in his latest outing, with 6 2/3 innings pitched and two earned runs with six strikeouts. If he can end this season with more performances like that, he could establish himself as a candidate for the 2024 rotation. He has not yet received an extended run in his MLB career, so this could be the time for him to showcase his talent.

Wednesday, September 13, 2023: RHP Zac Gallen (15-7, 3.31 ERA) vs. RHP Kodai Senga (10-7, 3.07 ERA)

Zac Gallen will take the ball for Arizona on Wednesday. He has posted an excellent season thus far, which was demonstrated in his latest outing where he pitched a complete game shutout against the Cubs with nine strikeouts. This excellence extends to his track record against the Mets, who he has a 2.42 ERA against in his career.

Kodai Senga is in line to pitch on Wednesday. While he was not as dominant as he usually is, he still was able to pitch six innings while allowing two runs in his last start against the Twins. Senga’s impressive season may fall short of receiving accolades, but he should certainly be in consideration for the Cy Young award and Rookie of the Year award. He had one of his best starts against the Diamondbacks earlier this season, when he went eight innings with one run allowed and 12 strikeouts.

Thursday, September 14, 2023: RHP Merrill Kelly (11-6, 3.16 ERA) vs. LHP David Peterson (3-8, 5.34 ERA)

Merrill Kelly will pitch for the Diamondbacks in the final game of this series. Like Gallen, Kelly has established himself as a key component of the Diamondbacks’ rotation this season. His last start makes this evident, as he pitched 5 2/3 innings with six strikeouts and one run allowed against the Cubs. In four career starts against the Mets, Kelly has a 3.81 ERA.

David Peterson will likely pitch for the Mets on Thursday. While his ERA indicates a poor season, Peterson has been much better as of late. In his last start, he tossed six innings with eight strikeouts and three runs allowed against the Twins. This start will be a test for Peterson, as he tries to turn around his career struggles against the Diamondbacks. In four outings, he has a 6.75 ERA against them.