8/25/17 Game Preview: New York Mets at Washington Nationals

The New York Mets’ (55-71) disappointing season took another bitter turn yesterday with the injury to Michael Conforto. Conforto dislocated his shoulder and suffered a torn posterior capsule swinging at a fastball in the fifth inning of the Mets’ 3-2 loss to the Arizona Diamondbacks, an injury that will probably end his season. The Mets won’t have much time to lick their wounds, however, as they begin a 10 game road trip tonight in our nation’s capital. The Washington Nationals (76-49) welcome the Mets to town for a four game weekend series as they continue their inevitable march to the National League East crown. First pitch for the opener of this series is scheduled for 7:05 pm at Nationals Park.

The Mets will send their ace, right hander Jacob deGrom (13-7, 3.49 ERA), to the bump tonight. deGrom was roughed up in his last start, giving up five runs in 6.1 innings to lose to the Miami Marlins last Sunday. The Nationals will counter with young right hander A.J. Cole (1-3, 5.32 ERA). Cole last pitched on August 13th, when he allowed three runs in six innings to lose to the San Francisco Giants. The Nationals tabbed Cole for tonight’s start after ace Max Scherzer wasn’t ready to be activated from the disabled list.

Local Coverage:

Television: SNY

Radio: WOR

New York Mets Lineup:

1. RF Brandon Nimmo
2. CF Juan Lagares
3. LF Yoenis Cespedes
4. 3B Asdrubal Cabrera
5. 1B Dominic Smith
6. C Travis d’Arnaud
7. SS Amed Rosario
8. 2B Gavin Cecchini
9. SP Jacob deGrom

Pre-Game Notes:

• The Mets are 3-9 against the Nationals so far this season, including a 2-3 record at Nationals Park.
• The Nationals swept an abbreviated two game series against the Mets the last time these teams met in early July.
• deGrom is 2-1 with a 2.61 ERA in three starts against Washington this season.
• Cole is 1-0 with a 3.27 ERA in two career starts against the Mets.
• The Mets have activated closer Jeurys Familia from the 60 day disabled list. Familia will take the roster spot of Conforto, who was placed on the 60 day disabled list, which also opens a 40 man roster spot for Familia.
• After resting yesterday, Asdrubal Cabrera is back in the Mets’ lineup. Cabrera will play third base and bat cleanup.