The New York Mets (18-16) finally got rid of Matt Harvey last night, but his replacement in the rotation delivered another stinker. Jason Vargas gave up four runs in four innings of work, putting the Mets in an early hole that they couldn’t climb out of in a 7-2 loss to the Cincinnati Reds (9-27). The Mets are now in jeopardy of losing a series to the worst team in the National League, a fate they will look to avoid by winning the rubber game this afternoon. First pitch for the series finale is scheduled for 12:35 pm at Great American Ball Park.
The Mets will send right hander Zack Wheeler (2-2, 5.79 ERA) to the mound this afternoon. Wheeler was hit hard in his last start, giving up eight runs in six innings to lose to the Colorado Rockies last Friday. The Reds will counter with 24 year old righty Sal Romano (2-3, 4.21 ERA). Romano earned his second win of the year last Friday, limiting the Miami Marlins to one run in 5.1 innings of work.
Local Coverage:
Television: SNY
Radio: WOR
New York Mets Lineup:
- CF Brandon Nimmo
- 3B Wilmer Flores
- 2B Asdrubal Cabrera
- RF Jay Bruce
- 1B Adrian Gonzalez
- C Devin Mesoraco
- LF Michael Conforto
- SP Zack Wheeler
- SS Amed Rosario
Pre-Game Notes:
- Wheeler is 1-0 with a 1.50 ERA in his lone start against the Reds.
- Romano is 1-0 with a 4.09 ERA in two career starts against the Mets.
- The Mets have optioned catcher Tomas Nido to Triple-A Las Vegas. Infielder Luis Guillorme was promoted from the 51’s and could make his major league debut today.
- Devin Mesoraco will make his first start as a Met this afternoon, catching and batting sixth.
- Yoenis Cespedes, who is still dealing with quad soreness, will get the day off today. Michael Conforto will start in left field and bat seventh while Brandon Nimmo plays center and bats leafoff.
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