8/24/17 Game Preview: Arizona Diamondbacks at New York Mets

The New York Mets (55-70) finally managed to pick up a win over the Arizona Diamondbacks (69-58) last night. The young guns played a big role in the win last night, with Amed Rosario picking up two more hits and Dominic Smith slugging a homer to help the Mets snap a three game losing streak. The Mets will look to secure a series split with the Diamondbacks as they wrap up their nine game home stand this afternoon. First pitch for today’s matinee affair is scheduled for 12:10 pm at Citi Field.

The Mets will send right hander Rafael Montero (2-8, 5.47 ERA) to the mound this afternoon. Montero finally defeated a National League East team in his last start, allowing one run in six innings of work to defeat the Miami Marlins last Saturday. The Diamondbacks will counter with lefty Robbie Ray (9-5, 3.11 ERA). Ray is returning from the disabled list after spending the past few weeks on the shelf recovering from a concussion.

Local Coverage:

Television: SNY

Radio: WOR

New York Mets Lineup:

1. CF Juan Lagares
2. RF Michael Conforto
3. LF Yoenis Cespedes
4. 3B Wilmer Flores
5. SS Amed Rosario
6. 1B Dominic Smith
7. C Kevin Plawecki
8. 2B Gavin Cecchini
9. SP Rafael Montero

Pre-Game Notes:

• Montero has one relief appearance against the Diamondbacks this season, and he took the loss after giving up a lead off homer in the 11th inning on May 17th.
• Ray is 1-0 with a 0.53 ERA in three career starts against the Mets.
• After taking the day off yesterday, Yoenis Cespedes is back in the Mets’ lineup. Cespedes will bat third and play left field.
• The Mets will give Brandon Nimmo, Asdrubal Cabrera, and Travis d’Arnaud the day off today. Juan Lagares will play center field and bat lead off, Gavin Cecchini will play second base and bat eighth, and Kevin Plawecki will catch and bat seventh.
• Today is the final regular season meeting between the Mets and Diamondbacks. Arizona has already clinched the season series by winning five of the first six meetings between the two teams.
• The Mets will wrap up their nine game home stand this afternoon. New York is just 2-6 in the first eight games of this current home stand.