The New York Mets finished the month of June with a record of 13-12, yet their lead at the top of the division has shrunk over that span. That is as a result of the Atlanta Braves going 21-6 in June, moving within 3.5 games of their division rival. The Mets will look to stay in first as we get closer to the the All-Star Break.
The Texas Rangers come to Citi Field with a record of 36-38, which is good enough for second in the AL West. The Rangers played great in the month of May, going 17-10 during that span. But a record of 12-14 in June has them 11.5 games behind the first-place Houston Astors.
Friday, July 1, 2022: RHP Glenn Otto (4-3, 5.31 ERA) vs. LHP David Peterson (4-1, 3:10 ERA)
David Peterson has been one of the unsung heroes of this Mets team in 2022. The 26-year-old starter has stepped in and pitched very effectively whenever he has had the opportunity. Peterson had his best start of the season last time out, throwing seven innings while giving up two runs and striking out eight against the Miami Marlins last Sunday. The left-hander has done a good job of keeping the ball in the stadium, as he has only given up four home runs in 52 1/3 innings of work. Peterson is giving his team a great chance to win in nearly every game he pitches in, as the Mets are 7-2 in games he has started in this season.
Glenn Otto is in his first full season in the big leagues after being acquired by the Rangers in the trade that sent outfielder Joey Gallo to the New York Yankees last year. The 26-year-old has been up and down in 2022, leading to this his ERA. Otto does not throw particularly hard (92.6 average MPH on his sinker), and has five different pitches that he goes to. The former Yankees prospect has struggled with his slider, as opponents have a batting average of .325 against that pitch. Otto threw just two innings in his last start against the Washington Nationals on Sunday, giving up six runs on six hits.
Saturday, July 2, 2022: LHP Martín Pérez (6-2, 2.22 ERA) vs. TBD
David Peterson was set to start this game, but Chris Bassitt heading to the IL Friday afternoon pushed the left-handed starter up a day early. Trevor Williams could be in line to give the Mets some length in a spot start. The right-hander last pitched on Tuesday against the Houston Astors, going 2 1/3 inning scoreless out of bullpen.
Martín Pérez has been one of the best pitchers in the American League though the first two months of the season. The left-handed starter is well on his way to making his first All-Star game of his career. Pérez did struggle in the month of June though, raising his ERA from an outstanding 1.42 to 2.22 over the span of five starts. Since the start of May, the 31-year-old has gone at least five innings in each of his starts. Pérez has shown the ability to give the Rangers length where ever he takes the mound, something that he will look to continue that against the Mets.
Sunday, July 3, 2022: RHP Jon Gray (4-3, 3:89 ERA) vs. RHP Carlos Carrasco (8-4, 4.85 ERA)
Carlos Carrasco has had a bounceback season in 2022, but he has really struggled in his last two starts. The right-hander has given up 11 runs in 6 2/3 innings of work, raising his ERA from 3.o1 to 3.73 during that span. Yes, both of those starts did come against the Houston Astors, who have one of the most potent offenses in all of baseball. The home run ball has begun to hurt Carrasco much more often. The 35-year-old has given up seven home runs over his last four starts, including three against the Astors on June 22nd.
Jon Gray had a tough start to the season after signing a four-year, $56 million contract in the offseason. But since the beginning of June, the right-hander has begun to find his stride with the Rangers. Gray gave up two runs or less in five of his six starts in the month. That excellent run of outings dropped his ERA from 4.01 to 3.27. The 30-year-old throws two pitches most of the time, a four-seam fastball (51.5% of the time) and a slider (34.3% of the time). Gray also has a slider and a curveball, but only shows those pitches once an a while.
