Series Preview: Mets Searching for Answers in Pittsburgh

The New York Mets (30-33) are in the midst of a terrible stretch, losing six consecutive games. That includes being swept by the Atlanta Braves earlier this week, despite holding at least a three-run lead in each of those games. New York is now 8.5 games out of first place as they north to face the Pittsburgh Pirates (32-29), who have won six of their last 10. The Mets will have to move forward without Pete Alonso (left wrist), who was put on the injured list after getting hit by a fastball on Wednesday. Here are some important notes to look t for each of the three pitching matchups.

Friday, June 9, 2023: RHP Tylor Megill (5-3, 4.40 ERA) vs. LHP Rich Hill (5-5, 4.41 ERA)

Tylor Megill had one of his better starts against the Toronto Blue Jays last Saturday, giving up one run on five hits in 5 1/3 innings. He did allow five hitters to reach via base on balls, may be the biggest reason why he was not able to pitch deeper into that game. The Mets need a quality performance from Megill, especially after Justin Verlander was only able to pitch three innings in Thursday’s game against the Braves. A performance where he is able to give his team six or seven innings while allowing two runs or less would go a long way. Megill will be making his third career start against the Pirates, pitching to a 0.93 ERA in the first two.

Rich Hill, the former Met, is looking to bounce back after a poor month of May. He made five starts during that stretch, owning a 1-3 record with a 5.47 ERA. The left-hander earned his fifth victory of the season against the St. Louis Cardinals last Sunday, allowing one run on four hits in 6 2/3 innings. Hill has allowed a home run in two consecutive starts, something he has not done since mid-April. The 43-year-old will be making his eighth start at home in 2023, going 2-3 with a 5.00 ERA in the previous seven.

Saturday, June 10, 2023: RHP Kodai Senga (5-3, 3.75 ERA) vs. Johan Oviedo (3-4, 4.29 ERA)

Kodai Senga was magnificent against the Philadelphia Phillies on May 30, throwing seven scoreless innings with nine strikeouts. He followed that up with his most disappointing performance in the series finale versus the Blue Jays last Sunday, lasting just 2 2/3 innings. Senga surrendered four runs, three of which were earned, on four hits and five walks. The Mets need length out of their rotation, considering how much work the bullpen has had over the last six weeks. The right-hander will look to overcome his struggles away from Citi Field, as he is 2-2 with a 6.12 ERA in five road starts.

Johan Oviedo is having an up-and-down season at the backend of the Pirates pitching staff. The former St. Louis Cardinal has four starts where he has given up four runs or more. He also has six outings where he has allowed one run or less, so it is difficult to tell what Oviedo is going to bring in any given start. The right-hander threw a season-high 100 pitches against the Athletics last Monday, surrendering two earned runs on four hits in seven innings. Oviedo has struggled in his limited opportunities against the Mets, owning a 0-2 record with a 10.24 ERA in 9 2/3 innings.

Sunday, June 11, 2023: RHP Carlos Carrasco (2-2, 5.94 ERA) vs. Mitch Keller (7-2, 3.60 ERA)

Carlos Carrasco was effective and efficient through five innings against the Braves on Tuesday. The right-hander had gotten through Atlanta’s lineup twice while giving up a single run. Buck Showalter sent him back out to start the sixth, a decision that came back to bite the Mets. Carrasco allowed the first three hitters to reach base, and all of a sudden, the Braves were down 4-3 and threatening for more. The 36-year-old was charged with four earned runs across five-plus innings, earning a no-decision for his efforts. Prior to that, he had given up one run or less in each of his last two starts. Carrasco has great career numbers against the Pirates, going 2-0 with a 2.78 ERA in four starts.

Mitch Keller has taken a massive leap in his age-27 season, cementing himself as the ace in the Pirates rotation. The right-hander was as dominant as anyone in the National League through 10 starts, pitching to a 2.44 ERA in 62 2/3 innings. His last three outings have been much worse, as teams have been able to stack hits against Keller. He has surrendered 25 hits and 15 earned runs during that stretch, despite earning the victory in two of his last three appearances. Keller has made two starts in his career against the Mets, going 1-1 with a 2.25 ERA in 12 innings.