The New York Mets come to Philadelphia on Monday to open a three-game set with the Phillies at Citizens Bank Park. It's no secret that these two clubs don't like each other, and now that both are legitimate contenders for a divisional crown, it makes every game between the two sides must-see baseball.
Ranger Suarez will get the nod for the Phillies in the opener. The 26-year-old was outstanding last season, recording a 1.36 ERA over 36 appearances, including 12 starts. The Mets counter with veteran righty Taijuan Walker.
Suarez was late getting into camp because of visa issues, so he'll likely be limited to around 65 pitches.
The Phillies took two of three from the Athletics to open the season over the weekend. Rhys Hoskins had the hottest bat, finishing 4-for-9 with a homer.
Starting pitching was the highlight for the Phils, with Aaron Nola, Kyle Gibson, and Zach Eflin going a combined 2-0 with a 2.12 ERA.
The Mets come to Philadelphia having won three of four from Washington.
Their .293 team batting average is the third-best in baseball, and the .373 wOBA ranks second.
Newly acquired Mark Canha went 7-for-10 for the Mets over their four games in Washington. Jeff McNeil is also off to a hot start, going 7-for-16 with a homer and three RBIs.
WPA Offensive Leaders for New York
Mark Canha (0.42)
Jeff McNeil (0.22)
James McCann (0.16)
WPA Offensive Leaders for Philadelphia
Rhys Hoskins (0.22)
Nick Castellanos (0.09)
Alec Bohm (0.04)
WPA Team vs. Team Comparison
Offensively: New York: 0.60 | Philadelphia: -0.01
Starting Rotation: New York: 0.69 | Philadelphia: 0.61
Bullpen: New York: -0.29 | Philadelphia: -0.10
Phillies Monday Lineup
Schwarber 7
Realmuto 2
Harper 9
Castellanos DH
Hoskins 3
Gregorius 6
Segura 4
Bohm 5
Vierling 8
Suarez LHP
