Series Preview: Struggling Mets Look for Spark in Philadelphia

For the first time this season, the New York Mets (45-30) are in the midst of a significant losing streak. After getting swept at home against the Tampa Bay Rays last weekend, the team went down to Atlanta. The Braves also swept the Mets, dominating them in every facet of the game. Just like that, the race at the top of the National League East has taken another turn.

The red-hot Philadelphia Phillies (45-30) are tied with the Mets for first place in the division as they get set to face each other. One team is surging. The other is going in the opposite direction. It should make for a very compelling series.

Let’s take a look at some notes ahead of the three pitching matchups.

PITCHING MATCHUPS

• Friday: Blade Tidwell (0-1, 14.73 ERA) vs. Zack Wheeler (7-2, 2.76 ERA): Justin Hagenman was expected to cover most of the innings in the series opener, but after pitching in relief Thursday, Tidwell will be recalled from Triple-A Syracuse to start Friday. He made his big league debut on May 4 against the St. Louis Cardinals. Tidwell struggled mightily in that outing, throwing 3 2/3 innings while allowing six earned runs, nine hits and three walks. He’s looking for better results this time around. Wheeler, in his age 35 season, remains one of the best starters in baseball. He is full of confidence, allowing two earned runs or less in five of his last six starts. Wheeler has 16 starts against the Mets in his career. He is 5-5 with a 3.53 ERA across 102 innings.
• Saturday: Griffin Canning (6-3, 3.80 ERA) vs. Mick Abel (2-0, 2.21 ERA): Canning has been a great story for the Mets and their rotation. But in recent weeks, he has begun to hit a wall. Canning owned a 2.47 ERA through his first nine starts. Since, he has pitched to a 6.75 ERA over his last 21 1/3 innings. Walks have crushed Canning during that stretch, allowing at least four of them in three of his last five starts. The Mets will get their first look at Abel Saturday. So far, his results have been impressive. He has given up one run or less in three of his first four starts. Abel throws his four-seam fastball 42.7% of the time, averaging 96.1 MPH. He also has a curveball, sinker, slider and a changeup in his arsenal.
• Sunday: David Peterson (5-2, 2.60 ERA) vs. Jesús Luzardo (6-3, 4.41 ERA): With Kodai Senga out for the foreseeable future, Peterson needs to continue to pitch like the ace of the rotation. He has pitched like one all season long, owning the fourth-best ERA in the National League. Peterson’s ability to pitch deeper into games have showcased itself, specifically in June. He has thrown at least seven innings in four of his last five starts. Early on, Luzardo looked like a candidate to win the Cy Young Award. His first season with the Phillies got off to an unbelievable start, but the last couple weeks have not gone well for Luzardo. Over his last five starts, he is 1-3 with a 10.65 ERA. Luzardo has allowed seven home runs this season. Five have come since May 25.

WHAT’S THE STORY?

It has been well-documented that the last week has gone as poorly as possible for the Mets. That being said, the mood around this team could change with one good weekend against a rival in the Phillies. The reality is, every team goes through a losing streak. Even the teams with the talent to win a World Series do. Over a long, 162-game season, lineups and pitching staffs endure tough stretches. A series victory in Philadelphia could do a whole lot of good for the Mets. Playing better, cleaner baseball will be key.

PREDICTION

How the Mets pitch this weekend will play the biggest factor in how this series goes. The Phillies have a very good lineup, even with Bryce Harper on the injured list. I like the Mets to win a game. It will be hard to get two, especially against a team that is 24-13 at home this season. It will be a tight series, but I have the Phillies taking two of three.

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