For the first time since April, the New York Mets (42-51) have managed to win a road series. The Mets won two out of three in Miami over the weekend, a step in the right direction for a franchise that has struggled mightily away from Citi Field this season. The team is set to continue their nine game road trip today, when they travel to Minneapolis for a two game set against the American League Central’s best team, the Minnesota Twins (58-34). First pitch for the opener of this two game set is scheduled for 8:10 p.m. at Target Field.
The Mets will send left hander Steven Matz (5-6, 4.89 ERA) to the mound tonight. Matz finished the first half in the bullpen, with his last appearance coming on July 6, when he gave up three hits in 0.2 of an inning of scoreless relief. The Twins will counter with righty Michael Pineda (6-4, 4.56 ERA). Pineda last pitched on July 6, allowing one run in six innings to defeat the Texas Rangers and earn his sixth win of the year.
Local Coverage:
Television: SNY
Radio: WCBS
New York Mets Lineup:
Quick stop in Minnesota for a two-game set. #LGM
⌚️ 👉 8:10 p.m.
🏟 👉 Minneapolis, MN
💪 👉 @Smatz88
👀 👉 @SNYtv
👂 👉 @wcbs880, @ESPNDep1050AM
💻 👉 https://t.co/66UB82rLOU pic.twitter.com/dQWmDo2rU8— New York Mets (@Mets) July 16, 2019
Pre-Game Notes:
- The Mets and Twins split a two game series at Citi Field back in April.
- The Mets haven’t been to Target Field since 2013, when they swept a three game series.
- Matz has never faced the Twins before.
- Pineda is 2-0 with a 0.69 ERA in two career starts against the Mets, both of which came in 2015 as a member of the New York Yankees.
- J.D. Davis will serve as the Mets’ designated hitter tonight and bat eighth.
- Robinson Cano is 6 for 12 with 2 home runs and 4 RBI’s in his career against Pineda.
- The Mets have recalled right hander Jacob Rhame from AAA Syracuse to take the roster spot of Zack Wheeler, who was placed on the 10-day injured list with right shoulder fatigue. Rhame is still appealing a two game suspension for throwing at Phillies’ first baseman Rhys Hoskins back in April.
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