For the first time since June 12-14 against the Atlanta Braves, the New York Mets (40-54) won a series at home. Their offense played a critical role in them taking two of three over the Kansas City Royals, scoring 8.33 runs per game in the series. The Mets’ lineup looks a lot lengthier with the emergence of A.J. Ewing and Carson Benge, who look more comfortable with every at-bat. They will be put to the test against the Boston Red Sox (43-48), who have won six games in a row. Let’s take a look at some notes ahead of the three pitching matchups this weekend. Kyle Ross-Imagn Images PITCHING MATCHUPS Friday: Sonny Gray (10-1, 2.61 ERA) vs. Nolan McLean (6-5, 3.73 ERA): Gray’s name has been discussed quite a bit as the trade deadline approaches. The tricky part about that is that he has a full no-trade clause. After moving from St. Louis to Boston this past offseason, who knows if Gray would even welcome another trade. The veteran has been fantastic since the start of May, going 8-0 with a 2.03 ERA over 66 2/3 innings. Gray has six consecutive quality starts. McLean appears to have gotten back on track. After a bad stretch near the end of May, he has looked like himself. Since May 31, McLean is 4-1 with a 2.70 ERA over 40 innings. One area of improvement needs to be his numbers at home. This season, McLean has a 5.03 ERA at Citi Field. In comparison, he owns a 2.55 ERA on the road. Saturday: TBD vs. Freddy Peralta (5-7, 4.68 ERA): All-Star Ranger Suárez was set to start Saturday’s game for the Red Sox, but he was placed on the injured list with a groin strain earlier this week. One name that has been discussed to start or pitch in bulk relief is Brayan Bello. He last pitched in the big leagues on June 4 against the Baltimore Orioles, when he gave up a season-worst eight runs in five innings. Bello has made four starts with Triple-A Worcester since being optioned. With where the Mets are at in the standings, Peralta’s time in New York may be coming to an end sooner rather than later. It has been a poor season by his standards. Since May 17, Peralta is 2-4 with a 6.22 ERA over 50 2/3 innings. Through 19 outings, he has just four quality starts. Not good enough. Sunday: Payton Tolle (5-6, 3.14 ERA) vs. TBD: Tolle started the year in Triple-A before being recalled in late April. He has been a key piece in the Red Sox’s rotation, giving up three runs or less in 12 of his 14 starts. Tolle is coming off an impressive performance, throwing six shutout innings against the Chicago White Sox on Tuesday. He is 3-3 with a 2.87 ERA in six road starts this season. It’s unclear what the Mets will do for Sunday’s game. Kodai Senga would be in line to pitch in bulk relief, though he has a 5.91 ERA since being moved into the bullpen. Unless someone is called up from Triple-A Syracuse, there aren’t many options. The Mets will likely try and piece it together, with the hope that Senga can provide four or five innings. WHAT’S THE STORY? Ewing has been fantastic in center field. But for the first time in the big leagues, he played at second base for a portion of Thursday’s game against the Royals. Is that versatility something both Ewing and the Mets would be willing to utilize moving forward? With the athleticism he possesses, he certainly looks capable playing middle infield. In the short-term, that could open up more playing time for someone like Luis Robert Jr. when he is ready to return from injury. In the long-term, that may allow the Mets to have more options when constructing their roster for 2027 and beyond. Definitely something to monitor throughout the second half. PREDICTION The Red Sox have climbed back into the American League playoff hunt, sitting 2 1/2 games out of the third Wild Card spot. At full strength, they have the pitching staff and the lineup to go on a run. But right now, they are missing a handful of key contributors. I think that gives the slide edge to the Mets, who have played better of late. New York takes two of three to end the first half. The post Series Preview: Mets Finish Off First Half vs. Red Sox appeared first on Metsmerized Online.
