The Mets head to Philadelphia after a dreadful series against the Red Sox. The Phillies host the Mets after hosting the 2026 All-Star game. ESPN has the rights for tonight’s game which is why the Mets and Phillies are the only teams playing today (and probably why the teams have an off-day tomorrow). The weather though today is closer to science fiction than normal summer in Philadelphia. Wild fire smoke has invaded Canada. In 2023 the Phillies played a game between 150-200 AQI. They then postponed the game the next day when the AQI was above 200. It’s the Mets vs Phillies plus the Mets & Phillies vs the smoke. Let’s start the second half of the season!
Christian Scott has made 12 starts this season totaling 54 innings with a 3.17 ERA, 4.10 FIP, 1.296 WHIP and a 132 ERA+. He’s coming off of a solid start eight days against the Royals where he held them scoreless over five innings, scattering three hits and a walk while striking out five. He has had some bumps overall in his last four starts averaging to a 4.50 ERA, 6.10 FIP over 18 innings. His strikeout count has also jumped, racking up 24 in his last 18 innings. This stretch includes a start against the Phillies where he allowed two runs over 4 1/3 innings from three hits and two walks. The Phillies have the following stats against Scott:
- Justin Crawford 0-2, K
- Bryce Harper 1-2, HR, K
- Rafael Marchan 1-2
- Brandon Marsh 1-2, K
- Gabriel Rincones Jr. 0-2, K
- Kyle Schwarber 0-1, BB, K
- Edmundo Sosa 0-2
- Byrson Stott 0-2
- Trea Turner 0-1, BB, K
Aaron Nola has made 19 starts this season totaling 97 innings with a 5.75 ERA, 4.67 FIP, 1.433 WHIP and a 79 ERA+. Nola’s last five starts have been close to his season performance, posting a 5.47 ERA, 5.11 FIP over 26 1/3 innings while striking out 31 batters. This includes a start against the Mets where he allowed three runs, two earned over five innings from seven hits including two home runs. Homers have been issue for Nola this season. He’s allowed nine his last six starts including two long balls in four consecutive starts to end June. The Mets have the following career stats against Nola:
- Francisco Alvarez 3-8, HR, 2 K
- Brett Baty 1-12, 3 BB, 4 K
- Carson Benge 1-3, K
- Bo Bichette 4-13, 2B, HR, 3 K
- A.J. Ewing 2-3, 2B
- Francisco Lindor 8-41, 2 2B, HR, 2 BB, 11 K
- Juan Soto 12-45, 3 2B, 5 HR, 17 BB, 11 K
- Tyrone Taylor 5-14, 2 2B, BB, 4 K
- Luis Torrens 2-6
- Jared Young 1-5, HR, K
Three Things To Watch For:
- Juan Soto. After being snubbed last year, Soto finally played as a Met in the All-Star game earlier this week. He has a 2.8 bWAR and 167 OPS+ this season slashing .290/.405/.562 over 78 games played. He’s been working walks (55) and crushing the ball (21 home runs). Not only does Soto have excellent career numbers against Aaron Nola (1.134 OPS in 45 AB’s), he has terrific numbers in Philadelphia. Over his career he has played 48 games in Citizens Bank Park slashing .335/.438/.687 with 18 home runs.
- Francisco Lindor. Lindor’s error cost the Mets in a big way last Sunday, but Lindor was also the reason why the Mets had the lead in the first place, going 2-for-4 at the plate with a double and a home run. Lindor has played in 16 games since returning from injury going 12-for-60 at the plate with a double, a triple and three home runs (.200/.273/.400). If the Mets were to pull off a miracle, they’ll need Lindor to put together a scorching hot stretch.
- Hug Watch. We are now in the stretch run for the 2026 trade deadline. The Mets bullpen has been a strength this season and there are several players who will and could be moved. Brooks Raley and A.J. Minter are both free agents at the end of the season and are very likely to be moved. Luke Weaver will be one of the best relievers on the market, but he’s still under contract for another season, so there’s no guarantee the Mets move him. Tyrone Taylor, who has flashed power since returning from injury will probably be traded. There are also rumblings about Luis Robert Jr. despite his injury. Luis Torrens and Francisco Alvarez have both been in the rumor mill. Not a factor for today’s game, but starting pitchers Freddy Peralta and Clay Holmes will be on the trading block as well. Keep watch for hugs!
Let’s Go Mets!
