If there was ever a loss that epitomized the 2020 New York Mets (21-27), it was last night’s 4-1 loss to the Philadelphia Phillies (24-23). The Mets got mediocre starting pitching from Rick Porcello, who gave up four runs in six innings of work, left a small army on the basepaths, and short-circuited a rally with bad baserunning. All of these things help explain why the Mets are six games below .500 and likely to miss the postseason despite an expanded playoff field. The Mets have to essentially run the table to have a shot, which they will look to start today by snapping a three-game losing streak tonight. First pitch for the middle game of their series with the Phillies is scheduled for 7:05 p.m. at Citizen’s Bank Park.
The Mets will send their ace, right-hander Jacob deGrom (4-1, 1.67 ERA), to the mound today. deGrom was strong in his last start, allowing one run in six innings to defeat the Toronto Blue Jays last Friday. The Phillies will counter with former Met Zack Wheeler (4-0, 2.47 ERA). Wheeler last pitched against the Mets on September 7th, giving up three runs in six innings before the bullpen coughed up his lead in a game Philadelphia hung on to win 9-8 in 10 innings. The Phillies had to skip Wheeler’s last start after he ripped a fingernail putting on pants (yes, this actually happened).
Local Coverage:
Television: SNY
Radio: WCBS
New York Mets Lineup:
Tonight’s lineup. 👇 #LGM pic.twitter.com/7lJxeNFTYn
— New York Mets (@Mets) September 16, 2020
Pre-Game Notes:
- deGrom has faced the Phillies once this season, allowing one run in seven innings and striking out 12 to pick up a win on September 6.
- Wheeler is 1-0 with a 3.46 ERA in two starts against the Mets this season.
- Pete Alonso, who is mired in a 1-for-17 slump, will get the night off. Todd Frazier will start at third base and hit sixth, sliding J.D. Davis to designated hitter while Dominic Smith moves to first base.
- Steven Matz is not available out of the bullpen tonight since manager Luis Rojas indicated he is a candidate to start on Saturday.
- Bryce Harper (11 for 36, 2 2B, 2 HR, 2 RBI) and Andrew Knapp (3 for 8, 2B, 3B, HR, RBI) have good numbers against deGrom.
- Wilson Ramos is 5 for 17 with a double and 4 RBI’s in his career against Wheeler.
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