Series Preview: Short-Handed Angels Meet Mets At Citi Field

When the schedule came out for the 2023 season, one of the more anticipated matchups for the New York Mets (59-69) was the Los Angeles Angels (61-67) coming to town for a three-game series in late August. Unfortunately for the fans, neither of these teams has performed to the level of their expectations. The Angels have been decimated by injuries, which has hindered the likes of Mike Trout and Anthony Rendon. While he may be in the lineup as a designated hitter, Shohei Ohtani‘s torn UCL could impact him.

As for the Mets, they are coming into this weekend following two straight losses against the Atlanta Braves. While they have won six of their last 10, they have not been able to make up any ground in the playoff hunt. The Mets remain eight games back from the final Wild Card spot in the National League. Here are some important notes to look for in each of the three pitching matchups.

Friday, August 25, 2023: LHP Patrick Sandoval (6-10, 4.08 ERA) vs. RHP Kodai Senga (10-6, 3.19 ERA)

Patrick Sandoval has been one of the Angels most consistent starters this season, as he is on pace to eclipse his career-high in innings pitched (148 2/3 innings in 2022). The win-loss record for the left-hander does not tell the full story, especially as of late. Sandoval owns a 2-3 record since the All-Star break despite pitching to a 3.16 ERA during that stretch. He has pitched better on the road (4-5, 3.70 ERA), giving him a great opportunity to continue this positive stretch. Sandoval took the defeat in his only previous start against the Mets, surrendering two runs on eight hits across six innings.

Kodai Senga continues to not only be the best pitcher for the Mets, but one of the best in the National League. The right-hander seems to be so comfortable despite this being his rookie season. Senga has been magnificent as of late, owning a 3-1 record with a 3.28 ERA over his last 24 2/3 innings. He will be back in New York to make his 24th start of the season, and luckily for him, Citi Field has been a great park to pitch in. Senga is 5-2 with a 2.63 ERA at home in a total of 68 1/3 innings. He will look to thrive against an Angels team that is only hitting .246 with a .756 OPS against right-handed pitching.

Saturday, August 26, 2023: RHP Chase Silseth (4-1, 4.00 ERA) vs. Carlos Carrasco (3-7, 6.42 ERA)

Chase Silseth is part of the team’s rotation after beginning the year in the bullpen. The right-hander has spent time between Triple-A Salt Lake and the big leagues this season, but he has been able to perform well in any role. If he pitches well over the final five and a half weeks, Silseth could earn himself a spot in the rotation going into next season. His last start did not go as planned, as he gave up five runs on five hits in 3 2/3 innings against the Tampa Bay Rays on Aug. 19. Silseth will look to improve on his 2-1 record away from Anaheim.

Carlos Carrasco‘s days in the Mets organization appear to be numbered, as it seems as if he will not be returning following the 2023 season. The veteran right-hander has struggled to pitch deep into games, dealing with tons of traffic in the first two or three innings of each start. Since the beginning of July, he has thrown five innings or less in six of his last eight starts. Carrasco will hope to change his future at home, where he has a 1-2 record with a staggering 7.68 ERA through nine starts. Saturday’s outing will be his first start against the Angels in his 14-year career.

Sunday, August 27, 2023: RHP Griffin Canning (1-2, 4.62 ERA) vs. LHP David Peterson (3-7, 5.59 ERA)

The 27-year-old Canning has made 16 starts this season, although each of his only two appearances in August has come as a long reliever. Canning last pitched on Aug. 19 in relief of Silseth, so he will be more than rested for a spot start. If the Angels choose not to use him as a reliever, the right-hander is certainly a viable option. Canning’s last start came back on July 25 against the Detroit Tigers, when he gave up two runs on seven hits in five innings of work.

David Peterson is back in the starting rotation after a period of time in which he was used as a long reliever. The left-hander is still building towards being able to throw more innings, as his longest start in August was 4 2/3 innings against the Braves on Aug. 21. Peterson gave up four runs on seven hits while striking out four in that appearance. Peterson has pitched really well at home this season, going 2-2 with a 2.88 ERA in 34 1/3 innings. He will look to keep that going against the Angels, who he is 1-0 against with a 3.38 ERA in his career.