Series Preview: Surging Mets Begin Road Trip in Los Angeles

The New York Mets (10-8) are entering their six-game road trip in good spirts coming off the back of a 5-1 home stand. But this weekend’s series may prove to be their greatest test yet, facing off against the high-powered Los Angeles Dodgers (12-8). The signing of Shohei Ohtani makes their lineup, one that already included former MVPs Mookie Betts and Freddie Freeman, even more dangerous. How the Mets’ rotation fares against them will be a key factor in how this series goes for Carlos Mendoza’s group.

Friday, April 19, 2024: LHP Sean Manaea (1-1, 4.30 ERA) vs. RHP Yoshinobu Yamamoto (1-1, 4.50 ERA)

Sean Manaea was superb in his first two starts for the Mets, allowing only one earned run over 11 innings, but those good feelings were put on pause last Saturday. The Kansas City Royals had a good read on Manaea, and as a result, he failed to make it through the fourth inning. A costly error from Starling Marte added insult to injury, but the damage had already been done. Manaea will be hoping for better results against the Dodgers, a team he is 1-5 against with a 7.50 ERA in 42 career innings. He did have a bit more success against them as a member of the San Francisco Giants last season, however, pitching to a 3.38 ERA in 10 2/3 innings.

Yoshinobu Yamamoto could not have had a worse introduction to Major League Baseball. He managed to throw one inning against the San Diego Padres back on March 21 while allowing five runs on four hits in a 15-11 loss in the Seoul Series finale. The results have been much better since though as he has pitched to a 1.80 ERA over his last three starts. The only negative to take away from his last outing was the two home runs allowed against the Padres, leading to a no decision in an 8-7 loss at Dodger Stadium.

Saturday, April 20, 2024: RHP José Butto (0-0, 0.75 ERA) vs. RHP Gavin Stone (1-1, 6.14 ERA)

José Butto was not expected to be a part of the Mets’ rotation, at least this early in the season. But to his credit, he has taken his chance and run with it. In the series finale against the Royals, Butto threw six scoreless innings while racking up nine strikeouts. In two starts this season, he has allowed just one earned run. Remarkable stuff. With Kodai Senga and Tylor Megill still lacking clear timetables for return, Butto will remain in the rotation for the foreseeable future. Saturday’s start will be the first of his career against the Dodgers.

Like Butto, injuries have given Gavin Stone the opportunity to begin the season in the Dodgers’ rotation. The club would not reap the benefits of that decision immediately as the young right-hander pitched to a 9.00 ERA over his first two starts. Stone bounced back last week against the Padres as he allowed two earned runs on five hits over 6 2/3 innings, leading Los Angeles to a 5-2 win. Stone has yet to allow a home run in 2024, something that hurt him in his limited time last season (2.3 HR/9).

Sunday, April 21, 2024: RHP Adrian Houser (0-1, 4.70 ERA) vs. LHP James Paxton (2-0, 2.81 ERA)

Adrian Houser has been solid at times with his new team, allowing two runs or less in two of his first three starts. But that does not tell the full story, as he has worked in and out of trouble quite a few times. His command has been the biggest issue, which was on full display against the Pirates on Monday. Houser surrendered two runs in 5 1/3 innings during that outing but allowed five hitters to reach via the walk. That won’t fly against most lineups, especially one of the Dodgers’ caliber. Houser will look for any sort of success at Dodgers Stadium on Sunday having pitched to a 9.39 ERA in his previous two starts there.

James Paxton threw just 1 1/3 innings in 2021 and missed all of the 2022 season. The left-hander worked his way back to make 19 starts for the Boston Red Sox last season, which helped him earn a one-year deal with the Dodgers. He may not be as involved as the season goes on and the team gets healthier, but for now Los Angeles hopes that he can provide quality innings at the backend of the rotation. Paxton has made four career starts against the Mets, going 2-1 with a 3.92 ERA across 20 2/3 innings.

PLAYERS TO WATCH 

Francisco Lindor (NYM)

It is difficult to highlight anyone but the big-name shortstop for the Mets. Francisco Lindor’s slow start to the season has been heavily covered, but the four-time All-Star took a positive step in the right direction against the Pirates. While Lindor failed to drive in a run during a three-game sweep, he did slash .273/.385/.364 across 13 plate appearances. The 30-year-old has struggled to produce in six career games at Dodgers Stadium, hitting .200 with a .686 OPS across 28 plate appearances.

James Outman (LAD) 

The 26-year-old showed flashes of what he could become in 2023, hitting 23 home runs, recording 70 runs batted in and stealing 16 bases in 151 games. Many believe he has what it takes to become the next great center fielder for the Dodgers, but so far, the bat has dipped a bit in 2024. Outman is slashing just .193/.292/.333 with a staggering 20 strikeouts in 65 plate appearances. He will hope to get out of his slump against the Mets, a team he hit .353 against in six games last season.