7/26/19 Game Preview: Pittsburgh Pirates at New York Mets

There are just five days until the trade deadline, and the rumor mill is swirling around the New York Mets (47-55). Despite winning two out of three against the San Diego Padres, all the talk around the Mets concerns which pitchers they may trade. Noah Syndergaard’s name has gained a ton of traction in the past several days, while Zack Wheeler remains on the block for the Mets. Wheeler is back from the injured list tonight as the Mets welcome the Pittsburgh Pirates (46-56) to town to begin a three game series. First pitch for tonight’s contest is scheduled for 7:10 p.m. at Citi Field.

The Pirates had an interesting year in 2018, going 82-79 to finish in fourth place in the National League Central, trailing the first place Milwaukee Brewers by 13 games. Things have been interesting this year for Pittsburgh, who have gotten a massive season out of Josh Bell, who is hitting .288 with 27 homers and 86 RBI’s. Unfortunately for the Pirates, they have started to slip in the division standings, entering play today in last place.

The Mets will send Wheeler (6-6, 4.69 ERA) to the bump tonight in his return from the injured list. Wheeler last pitched on July 7, giving up six runs in five innings to lose to the Philadelphia Phillies. The Pirates will counter with rookie right hander Dario Agrizal (2-0, 2.25 ERA). Agrizal was solid in his last outing, giving up a run in six innings against the Philadelphia Phillies on Sunday, but he was not a factor in the decision. The Pirates ended up losing that game 2-1.

Local Coverage:

Television: SNY

Radio: WCBS

New York Mets Lineup:

We open a fresh series vs. Pittsburgh this weekend. #LGM

⌚️ 👉 7:10 p.m.
🏟 👉 https://t.co/xQUPmVJSyp
💪 👉 @Wheelerpro45
👀 👉 @SNYtv
👂 👉 @wcbs880, @ESPNDep1050AM
💻 👉 https://t.co/Imlbf0wP3O pic.twitter.com/9Dxg4OMwcA

— New York Mets (@Mets) July 26, 2019

Pre-Game Notes:

• The Mets went 3-4 against the Pirates in 2018.
• Pittsburgh won two out of three against the Mets at Citi Field back in June of 2018.
• Wheeler is 1-0 with a 1.42 ERA in three career starts against the Pirates.
• Agrizal has never faced the Mets before.
• After getting a day off yesterday, Jeff McNeil is back in the Mets’ lineup. McNeil will start in right field and bat leadoff.
• Walker Lockett was optioned to AAA Syracuse to make room for Wheeler on the active roster.