8/26/17 Game Preview: New York Mets at Washington Nationals

The New York Mets (56-71) earned a rare win over the Washington Nationals (76-50) last night, but the win came at a cost. Yoenis Cespedes left the contest in the first inning with a right hamstring strain that could sideline him for the rest of the season, overshadowing 7.2 brilliant innings of work from Jacob deGrom. The Mets will have to soldier on without their highest paid player as they continue their series with the Nationals this afternoon. First pitch for the second game of this four game series is scheduled for 4:05 pm at Nationals Park.

The Mets will send right hander Robert Gsellman (5-5, 5.65 ERA) to the mound today. Gsellman has looked better since returning from the disabled list, including his last start on Monday, when he limited the Arizona Diamondbacks to one run in 6.1 innings of work. The Mets weren’t able to help Gsellman out, however, failing to provide run support in a game they would end up losing 3-2. The Nationals will counter with lefty Gio Gonzalez (12-5, 2.39 ERA). Gonzalez earned a win in his last start, allowing an unearned run in 6.2 innings of work to defeat the San Diego Padres last Sunday.

Local Coverage:

Television: SNY

Radio: WOR

New York Mets Lineup:

1. 2B Jose Reyes
2. CF Juan Lagares
3. 2B Asdrubal Cabrera
4. 1B Wilmer Flores
5. SS Amed Rosario
6. C Kevin Plawecki
7. RF Travis Taijeron
8. LF Brandon Nimmo
9. SP Robert Gsellman

Pre-Game Notes:

• Gsellman is 0-1 against the Nationals this season, giving up seven runs in five innings of work in his only start against them.
• Gonzalez is 2-0 with a 2.03 ERA in two starts against the Mets this season.
• The Mets have placed Cespedes on the 10 day disabled list and activated infielder Jose Reyes from the 10 day DL to take his spot on the roster. Reyes is starting at second base today and will bat leadoff.
• The Mets have recalled outfielder Travis Taijeron from Triple-A Las Vegas. Taijeron will make his major league debut today, batting seventh and playing right field.
• The Mets optioned reliever Kevin McGowan to Triple-A Las Vegas to make room for Taijeron on the active roster.
• After sitting out yesterday, Wilmer Flores is back in the Mets’ lineup. Flores will play first base, giving Dominic Smith the day off, and bat cleanup.