The New York Mets (84-68) currently control their own destiny in the race for a playoff spot. Who would have guessed that just a few months ago? Entering Thursday, the Mets are tied for the second Wild Card spot with the Arizona Diamondbacks. They also have a two-game lead over the Atlanta Braves. But to reach their ultimate goal, the Mets must beat some really good teams down the stretch. One of those is the Philadelphia Phillies (91-61), who own the best record in baseball. The Mets lost two out of three in Philadelphia last weekend. They will seek some much-needed revenge in their final home series of the year.
WHAT’S THE STORY?
With 10 games to go, the Mets are in position to make the postseason. For that to happen, though, they will need to win against some of the best the National League has to offer. Finishing the year against the Phillies, Braves and the Milwaukee Brewers is as difficult as it gets. On the other hand, this stretch would be a good warmup for what fans hope could be a long postseason run. It is all about the point of view taken. Regardless of your side, this weekend series against the Phillies is a big one. The Mets need a few wins if they want to play in October. Will Francisco Lindor return during this series? That is the big unknown hovering over the Mets.
PITCHING MATCHUPS
Thursday: Taijuan Walker (3-6, 6.29 ERA) vs. Luis Severino(10-6, 3.77 ERA): Walker recently pitched against the Mets as a reliever, throwing three shutout innings in a Phillies 6-4 win on September 14. The former Met has returned to the rotation, replacing Kolby Allard. Walker is 3-6 with a 6.50 ERA in 14 starts this season. Severino is in great form, pitching to a 2.35 ERA over his last 38 1/3 innings. The right-hander does get himself in trouble when opposing batters can launch the ball in the air. Bryce Harper hit two home runs in Severino’s last start on Saturday. Something to watch out for.
Friday: Cristopher Sánchez(10-9, 3.24 ERA) vs. David Peterson(9-2, 2.85 ERA): Sánchez has performed well against the Mets this season, pitching to 2.84 ERA across 12 2/3 innings. One concern for him? His numbers away from home. In 13 road starts, Sánchez is 3-6 with a 5.13 ERA. The Mets will hope that continues. Peterson is coming off the best start of the season: 7 2/3 innings pitched, one run, four hits, six strikeouts in 99 pitches against the Phillies on Sunday. Peterson has thrown six innings or more in seven of his last nine starts.
Saturday: Ranger Suárez(12-7, 3.13 ERA) vs. Sean Manaea(11-5, 3.26 ERA): Suárez was one of, if not the best pitcher in the National League early on in the season. But since the start of July, the left-hander has a 5.31 ERA in 40 2/3 innings. During that stretch, opponents are hitting .287 against him. Manaea has been the Mets’ ace for quite a long time. The Mets are 22-8 in games he has started, including 10 of the last 11. September has been Manaea’s best month to date, going 1-0 with a 1.98 ERA in four starts.
Sunday: Zack Wheeler(16-6, 2.56 ERA) vs. Tylor Megill(4-5, 4.08 ERA): The Mets’ biggest test of the series will come on Sunday Night Baseball. Since the All-Star break, Wheeler is 6-2 with a 2.31 ERA in 70 innings. He has allowed two runs or less in nine straight starts. Megill has been an unlikely member of the Mets’ rotation in recent weeks. In four starts since being called back from Triple-A Syracuse, the right-hander is 2-0 with a 1.69 ERA. That being said, the Phillies will pose a different type of threat to Megill.
PREDICTION
This series is tough to call. Both teams have most of their best arms going this weekend, which makes things even trickier. For me, the biggest question continues to revolve around Lindor. Will he play this weekend? How close is he to returning? Is he close to 100 percent? These are all very important questions for the days ahead. The Phillies are very good and still have a lot to play for, but I am taking the Mets to win three of four. This group has a sense of urgency, and Luisangel Acuña has brought some extra youthful energy to the mix. The Mets will take the series and continue their positive momentum as they head to Atlanta early next week.
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