Washington struck quickly in the second inning against Sean Manaea. Daylen Lile opened the inning with a single, followed by Jorge Alfaro, who doubled him home, aided by a throwing error from Francisco Lindor on the relay. With two outs, rookie Nasim Nuñez delivered a blow with a two-run homer to left-center, putting the Nationals ahead 3–0. Manaea’s outing ended after three innings, during which he allowed three runs (two earned) on four hits while recording three strikeouts.

The Mets responded in the third inning when Luis Torrens doubled and scored on Cedric Mullins‘ RBI single. However, the play ended with a scary incident as Nationals outfielder Daylen Lile collided with the wall while pursuing the ball. He left the game with what appeared to be a knee injury and was replaced by Robert Hassell III.

New York had opportunities to extend their scoring but failed to capitalize. In the same inning, Lindor hit a sharp line drive that resulted in a double play at first base. Later, Juan Soto doubled and advanced to third on a balk but was ultimately stranded. Irvin kept the Mets off balance, striking out five and conceding just two runs over 5 1/3 innings. Lindor hit a solo homer in the sixth inning for the Mets’ second run.

With two runners on base in the sixth, the Nationals brought in Mitchell Parker, who escaped the jam by striking out Mark Vientos. Vientos was then ejected in the bottom of the sixth for slamming his bat after a controversial check swing call. Parker finished the game with 3 2/3 scoreless innings, allowing only two hits and recording two strikeouts for his first save.

Defensive errors proved costly for New York. Lindor’s throwing error in the second inning and Pete Alonso’s fielding error in the fourth gave Washington extra chances, while the Nationals’ defense made several highlight-reel plays. Center fielder Jacob Young robbed Francisco Alvarez of a potential game-tying homer in the ninth inning, marking one of two spectacular catches on the day, including an impressive grab on a Brett Baty fly ball where he bobbled it off his glove, and snagged it out of the air after it kicked off his foot.

A positive note came from the bullpen, as Clay Holmes, Brooks Raley, Gregory Soto, and Edwin Díaz combined for six shutout innings, striking out nine batters and allowing only one hit. Díaz struck out the side in the ninth to keep the deficit at one run, but the Mets went quietly in the bottom half of the inning, sealing their fate.

With this loss, New York fell to 80–76, remaining a half-game ahead of the Reds for the final Wild Card spot, but that lead could evaporate depending on Cincinnati’s result later today.

Player of the Game: Clay Holmes

Clay Holmes was impressive in relief, entering the game in the fourth inning after Manaea’s brief outing and successfully stranding a runner. The right-hander pitcher threw three scoreless innings, striking out four batters while allowing only two hits and no walks. His ability to halt the opposing team’s momentum gave the Mets a chance to get back into the game, even though the offense struggled to take advantage of the opportunities.

On Deck

The Mets are looking to bounce back after a day off on Monday as they begin a three-game series against the Cubs on Tuesday at Wrigley Field. New York (80–75) will send David Peterson (9–6, 3.98 ERA) to the mound to face Chicago’s Cade Horton (11–4, 2.66 ERA). First pitch is scheduled for 7:40 pm ET. The game will be broadcast on SNY and Mets Radio (WHSQ 880 AM / Audacy App 92.3 HD2).

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The New York Mets’ comeback fell short saturday night and margins for error in the final week got a bit smaller. It was a night of defensive miscues for the Mets. Mistakes in the second inning led to a 3-0 Washington Nationals lead. The Mets came alive late scoring twice in the 8th and once in the 9th to tie the game, but left the bases loaded tempting fate with extra-innings.

In the top of the 11th, Daylen Lile hit a ball that hit the outfield wall at a sharp angle. Cedric Mullins didn’t handle it well, Lile ended up with a two-run inside the park home run and the Mets went on to lose.

The Reds and Diamondbacks both won Saturday, and now the Mets have a one game lead.

Mets Lineup

1. Francisco Lindor – SS
2. Juan Soto – RF
3. Brandon Nimmo – LF
4. Pete Alonso – 1B
5. Jeff McNeil – 2B
6. Mark Vientos – DH
7. Brett Baty – 3B
8. Luis Torrens – C
9. Cedric Mullins – CF

Sean Manaea will start this afternoon for the Mets with Clay Holmes as a possible candidate to follow him Sunday afternoon. Over 12 games this season, Manaea has pitched 55 innings with a 5.40 ERA, 4.20 FIP, 1.200 WHIP, and a 75 ERA+. Last week, Holmes started first with Manaea coming out to relieve him.

Manaea allowed only one run (solo homer) on four hits and no walks over five innings, it was the best he’s looked in a while. The Nationals have the following career numbers against him:

• CJ Abrams 3-12, 4 K
• Riley Adams 1-2, HR, K
• Josh Bell 4-8, 2B
• Andres Chaparro 1-5, BB, 2 K
• Dylan Crews 0-4, 2 K
• Paul DeJong 0-2, K
• Luis García Jr. 2-5, 2 K
• Brady House 2-2, 2B
• Daylen Lile 0-2
• Nasim Nuñez 0-1, BB
• James Wood 0-9, 3 K
• Jacob Young 2-5, 2B, BB, 2 K

Photo Credit: Vincent Carchietta-Imagn Images

Nationals Lineup

1. James Wood – DH
2. Dylan Crews – RF
3. Josh Bell – 1B
4. Daylen Lile – LF
5. Paul DeJong – 2B
6. Jorge Alfaro – C
7. Brady House – 3B
8. Nasim Nunez – SS
9. Jacob Young – CF

The Mets will look to get out to an early lead against Jake Irvin this afternoon. Over 31 starts and 168 2/3 innings, Irvin has a 5.76 ERA, 5.66 FIP, 1.435 WHIP, and a 72 ERA+. Irvin is in the midst of a particularly tough stretch allowing 35 runs over his last seven games (32 2/3 innings) good for a 9.37 ERA and 7.03 FIP. This includes a start against the Mets where he allowed six runs from eight hits over six innings.

The Mets have the following career numbers against Irvin:

• Pete Alonso 2-18, 2B, 2 BB, 5 K
• Francisco Alvarez 2-14, 7 K
• Brett Baty 1-6, HR, BB
• Francisco Lindor 7-20, 3 2B, HR, 5 K
• Starling Marte 1-2, K
• Ronny Mauricio 0-1
• Jeff McNeil 5-15, 2B, 2 BB, K
• Cedric Mullins 1-8, K
• Brandon Nimmo 7-20, 2 HR, 2 BB, K
• Jose Siri 0-2, K
• Juan Soto 2-8, HR, 3 BB, 3 K
• Luis Torrens 0-5, 2 K
• Mark Vientos 2-15, HR, 2 K

Game Notes

Prior to Sunday’s game, the Mets made the following roster moves:

• Designated RHP Chris Devenski for assignment
• Activated LHP Sean Manaea from the paternity list

Three Things To Watch For

1. Clay Holmes. Holmes may be used a reliever for the first time this season this afternoon. Holmes has pitched in 30 games with 155 innings, posting a 3.77 ERA, 4.19 FIP, 1.342 WHIP, and a 107 ERA+. He allowed two runs from three hits off of two solo homers in his last start where he was relieved by Sean Manaea. Holmes last faced the Nationals all the way back in April, keeping them scoreless over five innings.
2. Frustrations from last night. Saturday, the Mets went 3-for-16 with runners in scoring position, leaving 13 batters on base. They had a lot of opportunities to win the game. For what it’s worth, the Nationals also struggled with runners in scoring position, going 1-for-12, leaving six runners on base.
3. Playoff race. The Chicago Cubs and Cincinnati Reds will kick off at the same time as the Mets today, and the game will be on MLB Network. Andrew Abbott (2.88 ERA) will take on Jameson Taillon (3.93 ERA). The Philadelphia Phillies and Ranger Suárez (2.84 ERA) will take on Eduardo Rodriguez (5.12 ERA) and Diamondbacks at 4:10 pm ET. Also, in the late window, the San Francisco Giants will take on the Los Angles Dodgers. The Giants lost again on Saturday and are now four games back and their playoff window is closing quickly.

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Holmes delivered another stellar performance, tossing 3 2/3 scoreless innings while striking out eight, allowing just one hit and three walks. His remarkable spring continued, bringing his total to 9 2/3 innings pitched with no earned runs, two hits, and 13 strikeouts. Edwin Díaz also took the mound, escaping a jam by striking out three straight after issuing two walks. Dakota Hawkins, Grant Hartwig, Connor Overton, and Rico Garcia all contributed scoreless outings, but Genesis Cabrera and Daniel Juarez struggled.

Cabrera surrendered five runs on four hits and a walk in just 1/3 of an inning. Juarez finished the frame, recording the final two outs but conceding one run on one hit and a walk.

There was promising news beyond Holmes’ performance, as Kodai Senga threw 50 pitches in a backfield session. Mets assistant pitching coach Desi Druschel highlighted Senga’s two sinkers as particularly impressive, as reported by Will Sammon of The Athletic.

Offensively, the Mets started strong, overwhelming Nationals starter Jake Irvin. Mark Vientos opened the scoring with a two-run homer in the first inning. Pete Alonso followed with a single, Jeff McNeil doubled, and Luis De Los Santos walked, setting the stage for Jakson Reetz, who crushed a grand slam off Irvin to extend the lead to 6-0.

Reetz, a catcher, delivered in a big moment following the news that Francisco Alvarez would be sidelined  six-to-eight weeks due to a hamate bone injury. The Mets’ bats went quiet until the eighth, when Travis Swaggerty tripled to left after a misplay by Nationals outfielder Darren Baker. Luis De Los Santos then drove in Swaggerty to put the Mets back on top for good.

Photo by Ed Delany of Metsmerized

Player of The Game: Clay Holmes

Clay Holmes delivered another stellar performance today, going 3 2/3 scoreless innings while striking out eight, allowing just one hit and three walks. His strong spring has his total numbers equal out to 9 2/3 innings pitched with no earned runs, two hits, and 13 strikeouts.

He’ll be needed desperately given injuries to Sean Manaea and Frankie Montas.

On Deck

The Mets are right back at it Monday, as they welcome the St. Louis Cardinals to Clover Park. Griffin Canning is projected to get another audition for the Mets on the mound, and Sonny Gray should toe the slab for St. Louis. First pitch is at 6:10 pm ET and will be broadcast locally on SNY and MLB Network nationally.

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Washington starter Jake Irvin (10-12, 4.07 ERA) feasted on the Mets’ lineup in his third start against them this year. He looked much more like the version of himself that allowed one hit in eight scoreless innings to the Mets on July 4 and not the version that allowed six runs to the Mets just five days later.

Irvin again pitched into the eighth inning, but this time it came back to bite the Nats. He got pulled with one out and a runner on second after he allowed a double to Tyrone Taylor. Taylor advanced to third on a groundout before crossing home on an infield single from Jose Iglesias.

Iglesias’ hit was critical as it drove in the Mets’ first run to tie the game 1-1. Washington had scored earlier in the game on a José Tena RBI single in the fourth inning, but Sean Manaea (11-5, 3.26) was otherwise his brilliant self to keep the Mets squarely in the game. Manaea allowed just one run in seven innings of work, his seventh straight outing of at least 6 2/3 innings.

The pitchers’ duel between Manaea and Irvin put the game in the hands of the bullpens, and José Buttó did his part by pitching a scoreless eighth. Edwin Díaz followed suit with a scoreless ninth despite allowing James Wood to reach third base as the go-ahead run. Jose A. Ferrer matched Díaz with a scoreless ninth inning, pushing the game into extras.

Reed Garrett did an excellent job in the 10th inning, keeping the Nationals scoreless despite an inning-opening sacrifice bunt to move the runner over. With the perfect chance to walk off the game, Francisco Alvarez hit a deep sacrifice fly to advance Harrison Bader to third before Starling Marte delivered the winning hit with a line drive into left field.

MARTE WALKS IT OFF!!! The METS WIN! pic.twitter.com/KmnD2wBCiA

— Metsmerized Online (@Metsmerized) September 17, 2024

Despite being down 1-0 in the eighth inning, the Mets managed to win another game in which their offense was nearly nonexistent. The victory moves the Mets to 82-68 on the year and keeps them in the final Wild Card spot.

Statistic of the Game: Consistency is Key

Sean Manaea has pitched at least 6 2/3 innings in each of his last seven starts. He is the only pitcher in MLB this season to accomplish this feat. After he started the year unable to go deep into games, Manaea has completely reinvented himself, turning into one of the best pitchers in baseball. Over his last seven starts, Manaea has tossed 48 innings with a 2.81 ERA.

Player of the Game

Starling Marte is the player of the game for delivering the winning hit. He entered the game in the eighth inning as a pinch-hitter and recorded a one-pitch groundout, but his last at-bat was the one that mattered. Marte entered Monday with a .569 OPS in his last 24 games, so hopefully, this can be the moment that turns things around for him.

On Deck

The Mets and Nationals continue their series on Tuesday evening. Tylor Megill (3-5, 4.48 ERA) will go against lefty Mitchell Parker (7-9, 4.24 ERA). Megill has struggled against Washington in his career, owning a 5.83 ERA in seven appearances. Parker, in his rookie year, has pitched just once against New York, and he allowed five runs in six innings of work.

The game will air on SNY, with the first pitch scheduled for 7:10 p.m. ET.

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Scott’s opposite number in this game was Mitch Keller (10-5, 3.43 ERA), who has always given the Mets fits, entering Monday’s action with a 1.89 ERA in three starts against them. It was more of the same on Monday, as Keller allowed just two runs in eight innings pitched.

Both pitchers were extremely efficient early in the game. Keller needed 27 pitches to get through the first three innings, while Scott threw 32. Scott arguably outpitched Keller through three innings, with Keller needing impressive defense to keep runs off the board, while Scott didn’t allow a baserunner before recording his first nine outs.

It was a different story in the fourth inning, though, when Scott allowed a leadoff walk to Andrew McCutchen before Oneil Cruz blasted an opposite-field, two-run homer to put the Pirates in front 2-0. The Mets’ young rookie limited the damage by completing the rest of the inning, but the damage was done.

Cruz’s home run was the only blemish allowed by Scott, whose day ended after 5 2/3 innings and 77 pitches. Scott allowed just one hit, one walk and two earned runs while striking out three. His ERA through seven career starts is now 4.15.

Mitch Keller kept rolling through the Mets’ lineup until the sixth inning when he experienced a near-identical inning to Scott’s fourth inning. Keller allowed a leadoff baserunner and then a two-run homer to Brandon Nimmo, who swung on a 3-0 count at a cutter down the middle. Like Scott, Keller was also able to limit the damage, but just like that, it was a new game.

Jul 8, 2024; Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA; New York Mets pitcher Eric Orze (53) warms up before a game against the Pittsburgh Pirates at PNC Park. Mandatory Credit: Charles LeClaire-USA TODAY Sports

Following Scott’s departure, Eric Orze entered the game from the bullpen to make his major league debut. The 26-year-old draft pick from 2020 entered the sixth inning with two outs and nobody on but subsequently allowed a walk, a single, and then an infield single to put the Pirates right back in front 3-2. Those three batters were all Orze would get, making way for Adrian Houser.

Houser didn’t have any more luck, as he allowed a double, a wild pitch, and a home run to tack on four more runs in what turned out to be a nightmare inning. Scott was almost certainly on a pitch count, but his removal from the game with two outs and nobody on turned out to be a game-losing decision. When the inning was all said and done, Orze was charged with three runs while recording no outs, and Houser was charged with two runs in one-third of an inning.

Houser remained on through the eighth inning and allowed another run to put the Pirates ahead 8-2. In all, Houser allowed three runs on five hits in 2 1/3 innings to raise his ERA from 5.43 to 5.65.

The Mets recorded a hit in the ninth inning but otherwise showed little fight against Brent Honeywell Jr. That secured them an 8-2 loss in what was yet another loss as a direct result of the bullpen. The Mets are back below .500 at 44-45 and return home after a 4-4 road trip.

Statistic of the Game: 3-0 Swinging

Brandon Nimmo’s home run on a 3-0 pitch in the sixth inning was the first time in his career that Nimmo put a ball in play in that count. Nimmo is known for his patience at the plate and his ability to record walks, but he picked the perfect spot to swing 3-0. A cutter right down the middle turned a 2-0 Mets deficit into a 2-2 tie game.

Player of the Game

Like his last start, Christian Scott had a great start except for one pitch. His home run to Oneil Cruz was the only hit allowed, and even though it was costly, it shouldn’t overshadow an otherwise brilliant performance. Scott was perfect through three innings and retired seven straight to finish his outing. His 4.15 ERA doesn’t reflect how great he’s been, but when he’s pitched, he’s been very effective.

On Deck

The Mets travel home to start another series with the Nationals on Tuesday. Jose Quintana (3-5, 4.22) will be on the mound for New York, while Washington will send out Jake Irvin (7-6, 2.80). It’s a rematch of the July 4 matchup when the Nationals won 1-0 on a Jesse Winker solo shot in the eighth. Quintana threw seven shutout innings and looked elite, but Irvin looked like a true ace with eight shutout innings and one hit allowed.

The game will air on SNY, with the first pitch scheduled for 7:10 p.m. ET.

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But pinch-hitter Jesse Winker broke a scoreless tie with a solo homer off Adrian Houser (1-5) in the eighth inning and the Washington Nationals (41-46) beat the New York Mets 1-0 Thursday to split a four-game series. Winker has six career homers off Houser and doesn’t have more than two against any other pitcher.

Jul 4, 2024; Washington, District of Columbia, USA; starting pitcher Jose Quintana (62) throws a pitch against the Washington Nationals during the first inning at Nationals Park. Mandatory Credit: Rafael Suanes-USA TODAY Sports

The Mets (42-43) wasted a great performance from Jose Quintana, who tossed seven scoreless innings. He gave up four hits, three walks, and fanned one in his longest outing since April 28. He gave way to Houser in the eighth.

Jake Irvin (7-6) matched Quintana pitch for pitch. The right-hander went eight innings, striking out eight and allowing one hit and one walk. Derek Law pitched a perfect ninth for his first save, striking out Brandon Nimmo to end the game.

Jeff McNeil singled in the third inning for the Mets’ only hit of the game. The Mets were shut out for the seventh time this season. The game was played in 1 hour, 58 minutes.

Stat of the Game

Mets-Nats was Game No. 1,295 in MLB this season and just the 26th in which both starters went at least seven innings, according to SNY. The Mets have been involved in three of those games. The others were Luis Severino vs. Jameson Taillon of the Cubs and Tylor Megill vs. Tyler Glasnow of the Dodgers.

Player of the Game

Quintana prepared for the unusual 11 a.m. start time by setting his alarm for 7:30 a.m. for three days in a row leading up to the game, according to SNY. He has given up three earned runs in his last four starts for a 1.16 ERA covering 23 1/3 innings.

On Deck

Luis Severino (5-2, 3.42 ERA) gets the ball as the Mets start a four-game series with the Pittsburgh Pirates at PNC Park. The Mets will get their first look at rookie phenom Paul Skenes (4-0, 2.06 ERA), who has struck out 70 in 52 1/3 innings. The game will air on SNY starting at 6:40 p.m. ET.

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Happy Independence Day to the best nation in the world!

On Wednesday, MLB released the starting lineups for the AL and NL as they prepare for the 2024 All-Star Game, which will be held on July 16 at Globe Life Field in Arlington, Texas. While no Mets made the starting lineup, plenty of first time All-Stars got the starting nod and familiar faces continue to cement their Midsummer Classic legacies. Here are the starting lineups for each league:

NL: C: William Contreras, MIL, 1B: Bryce Harper, PHI, 2B: Ketel Marte, ARI, SS: Trea Turner, PHI, 3B: Alec Bohm, PHI, OF: Christian Yelich, MIL OF: Jurickson Profar, SDP OF: Fernando Tatis Jr., SDP, DH: Shohei Ohtani, LAD.

AL: C: Adley Rutschman, BAL, 1B: Vladimir Guerrero Jr., TOR, 2B: José Altuve, HOU, SS: Gunnar Henderson, BAL, 3B: José Ramírez, CLE, OF: Aaron Judge, NYY, OF: Juan Soto, NYY, OF: Steven Kwan, CLE, DH: Yordan Álvarez, HOU.

Along with announcing the starters for the 96th annual All-Star Game, MLB also released the uniforms that will be worn on the field.

Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports

On Wednesday evening, the Mets found themselves on the losing side for the first time in their series against the Nationals this week. After taking two extra-inning games to start the four-game set, the Mets were not able to outscore their bullpen woes, blowing a 5-1 lead and falling by a score of 7-5 to the Nationals. For a full game breakdown, click here.

The Mets will try to leave Washington with a series win as they finish up the series. Jose Quintana (4.57 ERA, 3-5) will face Jake Irvin (3.03 ERA, 6-6) of the Nationals at 11:05 a.m. ET.

Latest Mets News

Kodai Senga looked sharp in his first rehab start for the High-A Brooklyn Cyclones: 2.2 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 6 K, 35 pitches/25 strikes. To learn more about Senga’s first rehab start, click here.

The Mets called up Christian Scott from Triple-A Syracuse and DFA’d RHP Matt Festa prior to Wednesday’s game. Scott started on Wednesday, going 5.2 IP 6 H, 4 ER, 2 BB, and 2 SO while leaving the game with a 5-4 lead.

Veteran outfielder Trayce Thompson was released from his contract with the Triple-A Syracuse Mets, per Mike Mayer of Metsmerized Online.

Latest MLB News

Minnesota Twins slugger Royce Lewis was placed on the 10-day IL with a right adductor strain.

The Milwaukee Brewers acquired starting pitcher Aaron Civale in a trade with the Tampa Bay Rays, sending INF prospect Gregory Barrios to Tampa Bay in return.

Toronto Blue Jays closer Jordan Romano underwent arthroscopic surgery on his right elbow to repair an impingement and will be down from throwing for at least six weeks, per Keegan Matheson of MLB.com. It is still unknown if he will be able to return this season.

The Minnesota Twins called up their top infield prospect, and No. 13 prospect in all of baseball, Brooks Lee, per Declan Goff of SKOR North. Lee started at third base and went 2-for-4 with an RBI in his MLB debut.

Jon Heyman reported on a Bleacher Report livestream that the Seattle Mariners and Los Angeles Dodgers are the “most likely” landing spots for Chicago White Sox star outfielder Luis Robert Jr.

Latest on MMO

Jose Iglesias and the Mets offense have propelled them to key late-inning wins.

Sean Manaea helped lighten the heavily taxed bullpen’s load with his impressive outing on Tuesday.

Kodai Senga shined in his first rehab start.

On This Date in Mets History

2006: The Mets score three runs in the bottom of the 8th to take a 7-6 lead over the Pirates and Billy Wagner locks it down in the 9th, recording his 300th career save. 

1985: In a 19-inning marathon, the Mets outlast the Braves, winning by a score of 16-13 behind a Keith Hernandez cycle.

1972: Tom Seaver comes within two outs of a no-hitter against the Padres, before a base hit by Leron Lee broke up the no-hit bid.

Birthdays: Jared Hughes (39), José Oquendo (61)

The post Morning Briefing: MLB All-Star Game Starters Announced appeared first on Metsmerized Online.

With the trade deadline looming, this month will make or break the Mets season. If David Stearns and other front office members are not convinced of the Mets’ ability to compete in the postseason by a certain point, they will have no choice but to pull the plug on this team by trading away expiring assets.

While the Mets are not facing top teams ahead of the All-Star break, their schedule is not easy by any stretch. For instance, they enter this upcoming series against the Nationals separated by just one win. They will also go against a formidable pitching staff, which includes a surplus of young talent.

Let’s get into the specifics by previewing the matchups for this four-game set!

Photo Credit: Geoff Burke-USA TODAY Sports

Monday, July 1, 2024: LHP David Peterson (3-0, 3.67 ERA) vs. LHP MacKenzie Gore (6-7, 3.60 ERA)

David Peterson has been effective through five starts. However, like many of his teammates, he struggles to limit walks. With a 10.7 percent walk rate, he is heavily susceptible to jams, which can be difficult to escape against stronger lineups. One positive development for Peterson is his 52.4 percent ground ball rate, which can help him generate double plays and other ground ball outcomes.

MacKenzie Gore has posted an encouraging season after being acquired from the Padres several years ago. He mainly offers a four-seamer, curveball, slider, and changeup. His curveball has been his most effective pitch this year, with a 34.9 percent whiff rate and a .216 opposing average. The Mets should look to keep their contact above the ground, as Gore features a 16th percentile 35.3 percent ground ball rate.

Photo by Kevin Jairaj-USA TODAY Sports

Tuesday, July 2, 2024: LHP Sean Manaea (5-3, 3.89 ERA) vs. LHP DJ Herz (1-2, 5.48 ERA)

Sean Manaea has been much better recently despite still having issues with the walks. His 21st percentile 10.6 percent walk rate is problematic because he, too, is not a prolific strikeout pitcher. As someone who mainly relies on finesse, it is imperative he command the strike zone. The Mets need to work on control as a staff to make a run at the postseason.

DJ Herz is in his rookie year and has started five games. He offers a four-seamer, changeup, cutter and slider, with his changeup being his most effective pitch. He uses the changeup 24.7 percent of the time, and it has a .231 opposing average and 33.3 percent whiff rate. Overall, Herz has been effective in generating strikeouts and limiting walks but remains susceptible to hard contact. His 42.2 percent hard-hit rate and 12.5 percent barrel rate may prove disastrous against a Mets offense that has been seeing the ball well as of late.

Christian Scott. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement Neitzel-USA TODAY Sports

Wednesday, July 3, 2024: TBD vs. LHP Mitchell Parker (5-4, 3.32 ERA)

Since Tylor Megill was optioned to Triple-A Syracuse, there is a void for the starting pitcher for Wednesday’s game. It’s expected that either Christian Scott or José Buttó will fill this role. As for the possibility of a bullpen game, that is unlikely due to the plethora of injuries and the lack of off days until the All-Star break. The Mets cannot go wrong with either Scott or Buttó, as both have been effective in Triple-A Syracuse. Scott has a 2.12 ERA over his last four starts, and Buttó has a 2.97 ERA over his last 13 outings.

Mitchell Parker has enjoyed a solid rookie season through 14 starts. He throws a four-seamer, curveball, split finger, and slider, with his split-finger being the most effective. He uses it 17.6 percent of the time, and it has a .222 opposing average and 34.8 percent whiff rate. While Parker does not strike out a ton of batters, he has been adept at limiting walks with a 5.6 percent walk rate.

Photo by David Banks-USA TODAY Sports

Thursday, July 4, 2024: LHP Jose Quintana (3-5, 4.57 ERA) vs. RHP Jake Irvin (6-6, 3.03 ERA)

Jose Quintana has been rocky this season but better in recent play. In his last 16 1/3 innings, he has allowed just three runs with 21 strikeouts. This is a massive improvement in the strikeout department for Quintana, who has a 22nd percentile 18.1 percent strikeout rate for the season. If he continues to show encouraging signs, he could be moved at the trade deadline to make room in the rotation for Buttó or Scott.

Jake Irvin has been excellent in 17 starts this year. He mainly offers a four-seamer, curveball, sinker, and cutter, with his curveball being the most effective. He uses it at a 34.8 percent rate with a 27 percent whiff rate and a .185 opposing average. Irvin has been particularly adept at limiting walks, with just a 5.9 percent rate. The Mets must put the ball in play against Irvin, who controls the strike zone well.

Players to Watch

Brandon Nimmo (NYM)

Brandon Nimmo has been swinging the bat well in recent play, batting .362/.471/.741 in his last 15 games with 21 hits, six home runs, ten walks, and 18 RBIs. On the season, Nimmo has consistently hit the ball hard with an 89th percentile 49.3 percent hard-hit rate and 83rd percentile 12.1 percent barrel rate. He has provided the Mets tremendous value on his long-term contract, as he offers a unique combination of a high on-base percentage and sneaky power numbers.

CJ Abrams (WSH)

CJ Abrams, another member of the Padres trade, has been excellent for the Nationals as of late. He is batting .455/.545/.764 in his last 15 games with 25 hits, three home runs, nine walks, and 10 RBIs. His 5th percentile 38.2 percent chase rate on the season indicates that he is a tough out, while his 95th percentile .296 xBA shows that he can find holes in the defense.

The post Series Preview: Mets Begin Crucial Stretch with Nationals Series appeared first on Metsmerized Online.

Max Scherzer. Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports

The New York Mets (20-21) completed their split-admission doubleheader against the Washington Nationals on Mother’s Day. After dropping the first game in the doubleheader 3-2, the Mets’ offense came back to life to Washington 8-2. All eight runs coming in the fifth inning.

Their eight runs in the game is the most they scored since the beginning of the month when they lost to the Atlanta Braves on May 1. The Mets’ offense before today’s game had scored a total of 12 runs since the start of the road trip in Cincinnati.

Max Scherzer returned to form against his former team, as the veteran threw five inning of one-run ball. Scherzer gave up two hits, two walks, and struck out six . A much-needed quality outing from an individual the Mets need to pitch like an ace.

Brooks Raley also came back from the injured list in the sixth inning and had a relatively shaky outing. After walking the first two batters in the inning, he struck out Stone Garrett before loading the bases with a couple more walks. Raley settled in and got CJ Abrams to fly out to Brandon Nimmo.

Jake Irvin started for the Washington Nationals and kept the Mets at bay throughout the first half of the game. Aside from two double from Francisco Lindor and Mark Canha, Irvin was an enigma for the Mets offense.

Then, Mets solved that issue in the top of the fifth inning. Starling Marte got the offensive party started with a single and was sent home with a Canha double to tie the game at one.

After Tommy Pham walked to put runners on first and second, Nimmo singled to bring Canha home and put the Mets in front, 2-1. Lindor then knocked an infield single which tallied another run. Pete Alonso was hit by a pitch to load the bases for Brett Baty, who was walked to score the fourth Mets run of the inning.  Marte came back up to the plate to score two more runs on a bloop single. Lastly, to cap it off, Canha knocked another two runs home to tally eight runs in the fifth inning to put New York up 8-1.

Zach Muckenhirn took the mound for the Mets in the top of the eighth inning. After Garrett was hit by a pitch and Alex Call singled, Abrams singled off Muckenhirn to bring home the Nationals’ second run of the game. That was all the scoring the Nationals did, as they were only able to muster two runs.

Overall, it was terrific to see Scherzer regain his form. Further, the eight-run inning was a terrific sign for a Mets’ offense that desperately needed to break out. The break out was also led by some New York players who have been struggling as of late. Namely, Canha and Marte. A nice end to a long day of baseball.

Mark Canha. John Hefti-USA TODAY Sports

Players of the Game: Mark Canha

Mark Canha’s bat woke up in the second game of Sunday’s doubleheader. Canha went 3-for-4 on the day with two doubles and a single. His second double of the game and his single each brought home a run. Canha also played sold defensively, making one nice sliding catch.

On Deck:

The Mets (20-21) look to get back to .500 and win their first series since their trip to Los Angeles as they take on Patrick Corbin and the Washington Nationals in the final contest of the four-game set tomorrow. David Peterson will get take the mound for the Mets before they return home for a three-game series against the AL East-leading Tampa Bay Rays.

The post Scherzer, Offense Thrive in 8-2 Blowout Win Over Nationals appeared first on Metsmerized Online.

Max Scherzer. Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports

Sunday, May 14, 2023 • 4:35 PM
Nationals Park • Washington, DC
RHP Max Scherzer (2-2, 5.56) vs. RHP Jake Irvin (1-0, 0.84)
SNY

The Mets and Nationals play the game they were supposed to play at around 1:35 pm ET today at 4:35 pm ET as Max Scherzer returns to the rotation and takes on Jake Irvin. In Game 1 earlier this afternoon, the Mets’ numerous attempts at a come-from-behind victory fizzled out and they lost 3-2. They’ll look to avoid being swept in a doubleheader for the second-straight time this season in Game 2.

Mets Lineup

Game ✌️ #LGM

🆚 Washington
💪 @Max_Scherzer
📺 @SNYtv
📻 @wcbs880 pic.twitter.com/Iwey0gshZh

— New York Mets (@Mets) May 14, 2023

Max Scherzer’s was scratched from his last start due to neck spasms. His injury kept the Mets’ rotation for this weekend a mystery as New York needed to figure out how slot him back into the rotation.

This season, Scherzer has made five starts (22 2/3 innings) with a 5.56 ERA, 6.29 FIP, 1.412 WHIP and a 76 ERA+. His last start was his first since his suspension and he allowed six runs from eight hits, including two home runs, over 3 1/3 innings. Last season, Scherzer faced the Nationals three times totaling 17 2/3 innings and had a 3.06 ERA (0.906 WHIP). The Nationals have the following career numbers against him:

• Corey Dickerson 5-18, HR, 4 K
• Dominic Smith 0-16, 2 BB, 7 K
• Keibert Ruiz 1-7, K
• Jeimer Candelario 1-5, 2 K
• Luis GarcÍa 3-5, HR, K
• CJ Abrams 1-2
• Joey Meneses 0-2, K
• Lane Thomas 0-1, BB, K

Nationals Lineup:

Washington Nationals Starting Lineup 5/14
1. Thomas OF
2. Garcia 2B
3. Meneses DH
4. Candelario 3B
5. Alu OF
6. Smith 1B
7. Call OF
8. Abrams SS
9. Adams Chttps://t.co/9qdcv6EMaO

— 𝙇𝙞𝙣𝙚𝙎𝙩𝙖𝙧 MLB (@LineStarMLB) May 14, 2023

The Mets’ bats draw rookie Jake Irvin today who has allowed only one earned run via six hits and seven walks in his first 10 2/3 major league innings. Before getting called up, Irvin was having a rough go of it in Rochester (Triple-A) where over 22 1/3 innings he allowed 14 runs from 23 hits and 11 walks (5.64 ERA), but he also struck out 20 batters.

Game Notes

Zach Muckenhirn is the Mets’ 27th man for Game 2 of the doubleheader.

The Mets have activated left-handed reliever Brooks Raley off the injured list. In a corresponding move, they’ve designated Dennis Santana for assignment.

Three Things To Watch For

1. How hard do the Nationals hit Scherzer? One of the most alarming things for Scherzer this season has been how hard he’s been hit. He’s in the 18th percentile for average exit velocity, 37th for hard hit percentage, 13th for expected slugging, and seventh for barrel. We’ll probably know within the first two innings today if Scherzer has been able to make adjustments.
2. One more Scherzer note. Max Scherzer dominated his starts last season – except when he had to play his hold club in D.C. He opened the season against them last year and allowed three runs over six innings. Later, he he allowed three runs, two earned over 6 2/3 innings. Both he and the Mets would take both of those starts in a heartbeat today.
3. More Francisco Álvarez. With Michael Pérez catching the first game today, we’ll get to see more of the Mets’ top prospect later in the afternoon. Álvarez has impressed so much already with bat and glove. Álvarez is already in the 92nd percentile for maximum exit velocity and he’s in the 90th percentile for pitch framing.

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