4/20/19 Game Preview: New York Mets at St. Louis Cardinals

MLB: New York Mets at St. Louis Cardinals

The New York Mets (11-8) got a win last night despite another short outing from lefty Jason Vargas. Vargas was actually effective against the St. Louis Cardinals (10-9), allowing only one run, but he lasted only four innings due to tiring after 75 pitches. The Mets’ bullpen held on for the final five innings to secure a 5-4 victory, snapping a two game skid and bringing the Mets to 4-4 on their 10-road trip. The two teams will continue their series this afternoon, with first pitch for today’s game scheduled for 2:15 p.m. at Busch Stadium.

4/20/19 Game Preview: New York Mets at St. Louis Cardinals
Apr 19, 2019; St. Louis, MO, USA; New York Mets first baseman Pete Alonso (20) is congratulated by manager Mickey Callaway (36) after hitting a solo run home run against St. Louis Cardinals relief pitcher Ryan Helsley (not pictured) during the sixth inning at Busch Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Curry-USA TODAY Sports

The Mets have recalled righty Chris Flexen (0-2, 12.79 ERA in 2018) from AAA Syracuse to start today’s game. Flexen is taking the place of Jacob deGrom, who was placed on the 10 day injured list after having his routine between starts disrupted by strep throat and mild elbow pain. The Cardinals will counter with left hander Miles Mikolas (1-1, 6.00 ERA). Mikolas was shaky in his last start, giving up four runs (three earned) in five innings against the Cincinnati Reds on Sunday, but didn’t factor in the decision. The Cardinals went on to win that game 9-5.

Local Coverage: 

Television: WPIX

Radio: WCBS

New York Mets Lineup:

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Pre-Game Notes:

  • Flexen has never faced the Cardinals before.
  • Mikolas hasn’t seen the Mets since 2012, when he tossed a scoreless inning of relief as a member of the San Diego Padres.
  • After sitting out the past two games with a stiff neck, Brandon Nimmo is back in the Mets’ lineup. Nimmo will start in center field and bat leadoff.
  • With deGrom going to the injured list the Mets did not have to make a corresponding roster move to add Flexen.
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