5/14/19 Game Preview: New York Mets at Washington Nationals

After Mother Nature rained out Sunday’s game, the New York Mets (19-20) are refreshed after two consecutive off days. Those off days prevented the Mets from completing a three game sweep of the Miami Marlins, but the Mets looked very sharp in those two wins, and they will look to maintain that level of play going forward. The Mets are now entering a stretch where they will play 20 consecutive games without an off day, beginning tonight as they kick off a six game road trip against the struggling Washington Nationals (16-24). First pitch for today’s game is scheduled for 7:05 p.m. at Nationals Park.

The Mets will send right hander Noah Syndergaard (2-3, 5.14 ERA) to the mound tonight. Syndergaard was hit hard again in his last outing, giving up five runs (four earned) in six innings against the San Diego Padres last Tuesday, but was bailed out of a loss thanks to a late rally that saw the Mets pick up a 7-6 win. The Nationals will counter with righty Jeremy Hellickson (2-1, 5.52 ERA). Hellickson was also crushed in his last start, giving up six runs (although just three were earned) in four innings to take a loss against the Milwaukee Brewers last Wednesday.

Local Coverage:

Television: SNY

Radio: WCBS

New York Mets Lineup:

Today’s starters. #LGM pic.twitter.com/kGHSmEhbOe

— New York Mets (@Mets) May 14, 2019

Pre-Game Notes:

• The Mets have gone 3-3 against the Nationals so far this season, with Washington winning two out of three when the teams last met on the first weekend of April.
• The Mets did win two out of three in Washington to start the season.
• Syndergaard is 0-1 with a 4.50 ERA in two starts against the Nationals this season.
• Hellickson is 3-4 with a 6.71 ERA in 10 career starts against the Mets.
• After sitting out Saturday’s game, Wilson Ramos is back in the Mets’ lineup. Ramos will catch and bat sixth.
• Anthony Rendon (10 for 32, 2 2B, 2 HR, 7 RBI’s) and Victor Robles (3 for 4, 2 HR) have had noted success against Syndergaard.
• Ramos (3 for 11, HR, 3 RBI’s), Robinson Cano (5 for 17, 2 2B, 2 HR, 4 RBI’s) and Juan Lagares (3 for 7, HR) have all fared well against Hellickson.
• The Mets have activated Jeurys Familia from the 10-day disabled list. Reliever Eric Hanhold was optioned to AAA Syracuse to make room for Familia on the active roster.