The trade deadline is less than a week away and the New York Mets (51-43) have already established themselves as buyers with the addition of Rich Hill yesterday. The Mets also picked up their fourth win in their last five games last night, topping the Toronto Blue Jays (48-45) 3-0 to record their second consecutive shutout. Pete Alonso provided all the offense, homering twice in the game to drive in all three runs, and the Mets are hoping his hot bat continues to carry them as they look to win their third straight game tonight. First pitch is scheduled for 7:10 p.m. at Citi Field.
Right-hander Taijuan Walker (7-3, 2.99 ERA), who finished last season as a member of the Blue Jays, is on the mound for the Mets to face off with his former team. Walker had his worst start as a Met last Sunday, giving up six runs (five earned) in 0.1 of an inning against the Pittsburgh Pirates, but was bailed out of a loss when the Mets improbably rallied to win 7-6. The Blue Jays will counter with veteran lefty Hyun-Jin Ryu (9-5, 3.32 ERA). Ryu dominated the Texas Rangers on Sunday, tossing a complete game seven-inning three-hit shutout to pick up his ninth win of the year.
Local Coverage:
Television: WPIX
Radio: WCBS
New York Mets Lineup:
Giddy up! 🐎 #LGM pic.twitter.com/1xgyryegF9
— New York Mets (@Mets) July 24, 2021
Pre-Game Notes:
- Walker is 0-3 with a 3.96 ERA in four career starts against the Blue Jays.
- Ryu is 5-1 with a 1.53 ERA in nine career starts against the Mets.
- Jeff McNeil (left leg fatigue) remains out of the Mets’ starting lineup for a second straight day. Luis Guillorme will start at second base and bat eighth.
- Michael Conforto will get a day off with the lefty Ryu on the mound. Kevin Pillar will start in right field and bat seventh.
- The Mets have acquired outfielder Mark Payton from the Cincinnati Reds for cash considerations and assigned him to AAA Syracuse. David Peterson was transferred to the 60-day injured list to make room for Payton on the 40-man roster.
- George Springer is 6 for 20 with a home run and three RBI’s in his career against Walker.
- Brandon Nimmo is 3 for 5 with a double against Ryu in his career.
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