It’s only August 19th, but the New York Mets (53-67) have become completely irrelevant. The Mets have lost five games in a row, including last night’s series opener against the Miami Marlins (59-61), to fall 14 games under .500 for the season. The poor performance has led to a heavy sale of veteran players, which continued last night when the Mets shipped outfielder Curtis Granderson to the Los Angeles Dodgers. The Mets will continue to play out the string tonight as they continue their series with the Marlins. First pitch for the middle game of this three game set is scheduled for 7:10 pm at Citi Field.
The Mets will send right hander Rafael Montero (1-8, 5.80 ERA) to the mound tonight. Montero pitched better in his last start, giving up two runs in six innings against the New York Yankees on Monday, but he didn’t factor in the decision. The Mets ended up losing that game 4-2. The Marlins will counter with right hander Vance Worley (2-2, 4.97 ERA). Worley lasted only four innings in his last start, giving up three runs against the Colorado Rockies last Sunday, but also didn’t receive a decision. The Marlins ended up with a 5-3 win in that game.
Local Coverage:
Television: WPIX
Radio: WOR
New York Mets Lineup:
- CF Brandon Nimmo
- 2B Asdrubal Cabrera
- LF Yoenis Cespedes
- RF Michael Conforto
- 3B Wilmer Flores
- 1B Dominic Smith
- SS Amed Rosario
- C Kevin Plawecki
- SP Rafael Montero
Pre-Game Notes:
- Montero has pitched to a 7.56 ERA in five appearances (one start) against the Marlins this season.
- Worley has tossed two scoreless innings of relief against the Mets this season.
- With Curtis Granderson now a Dodger, Brandon Nimmo is in line for more playing time. Nimmo will draw the start in center field tonight and bat leadoff.
- After getting the day off yesterday, Michael Conforto is back in the Mets’ lineup. Conforto will bat cleanup and play right field.
- Dominic Smith is back in the lineup after sitting against a left hander last night. Smith will bat sixth and play first base.
- With Rene Rivera off to the Chicago Cubs, new backup catcher Kevin Plawecki will draw a start. Plawecki will bat eighth.
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