Since that day? Six games. Six losses. Not just losses, but blowouts. They were swept by the Rays. Then swept again by a Braves club that had been wandering through the schedule like a team trying to remember where they parked. Over those six games, the Mets were outscored 41-14. That's not a typo.
They’d gone 22 series without being swept all season. Until now. It's their longest losing streak since June 2023, when they dropped seven straight. And the vibe heading into this weekend’s showdown in Philadelphia? Let’s just say it's not exactly reminiscent of '86.
Meanwhile, the Phillies are doing what the Phillies often do this time of year: finding their groove. They’ve won eight of their last ten, a stretch that includes taking two of three from the Cubs, sweeping the Blue Jays, and grabbing three of four from the Marlins.
In those ten games, they’ve scored 51 runs and allowed just 32, riding a balanced mix of big bats and timely pitching. But now comes the test: 18 of their next 21 games are against winning teams. And 15 of those games are against current playoff contenders. Even the so-called “easy” games in that stretch? A three-game set against the improving Braves.
And then there’s Juan Soto, who’s quietly putting the league on notice again.
It took a while for the Mets’ $765 million man to look like himself in year one in Queens. As recently as June 28, he was hitting .224/.352/.393 after an 0-for-4 night against the White Sox. Decent numbers, sure. But for Soto? That’s more April call-up than MVP candidate.
Since then? Vintage Soto. In June, he’s slashing .310/.481/.621 with five home runs, 18 walks, and just 10 strikeouts in 58 at-bats. His OPS+ now sits at 143. The losing streak might be intact, but it’s not his fault. And the Phillies would be wise to keep him in the ballpark this weekend.
They’ll try to do just that with Jesús Luzardo, who’s slated to pitch in Sunday’s finale—a game that could decide the series and, who knows, might carry more weight later in the season.
Luzardo looked like a brilliant addition when the Phillies acquired him from the Marlins in the offseason. But lately? It’s been a rough ride. Over his last four starts, he’s allowed 25 runs in 16⅔ innings. That includes nine walks, a rising ERA, and one decent outing (against the Cubs) surrounded by turmoil.
His most recent start—against his former team—saw him labor through five innings, giving up four runs on six hits and four walks. But here's the sliver of hope: the Mets have struggled against left-handed pitching all year, ranking among the league’s least productive offenses in those matchups. If Luzardo needs a bounce-back spot, this could be it.
And here’s a scheduling oddity worth noting: After this weekend, these two rivals don’t see each other again until late August. They’ll meet for three in Queens from August 25–27, then wrap the season series in Philadelphia with a four-game set from September 8–11.
If the division race stays tight—and there’s every reason to think it will—every game this weekend matters, and the next few meetings could carry postseason consequences.
So, yeah, it’s late June. But if you’re scoreboard watching already? You’re not alone.
Pitching Matchup
Friday: RHP Zack Wheeler (7-2, 2.76) vs. RHP Blade Tidewell (0-1, 14.73)
Saturday: RHP Mick Abel (2-, 2.21) vs. RHP Griffin Canning (6-2, 3.80)
Sunday: LHP Jesus Luzardo (6-3, 4.41) vs. LHP David Peterson (5-2, 2.60)
Wheeler the Ace
(This excerpt was taken from Caught Looking, our newsletter that goes out on Monday's and Thursday's. You can subscribe here.)
After another masterclass on Sunday, Wheeler lowered his ERA to 2.76 over 14 starts — continuing a stretch of dominance that now spans six seasons in Philadelphia. He owns a 2.92 ERA, 1.01 WHIP, and a 143 ERA+ since signing in 2020. He hasn’t just lived up to his contract — he’s shattered expectations.
Stack his numbers against the legends: Steve Carlton posted a 3.09 ERA with a 1.21 WHIP and 120 ERA+ over 15 years. Cole Hamels delivered a 3.30 ERA, 1.15 WHIP, and 124 ERA+ across a decade. Wheeler hasn’t pitched as long in Philly, but in terms of peak performance and command, he’s right there, if not ahead.
Then there's October. Wheeler has emerged as one of the most dominant postseason pitchers in club history. In 11 starts, he’s compiled a 2.18 ERA over 70 1/3 innings with a microscopic 0.73 WHIP, the kind of numbers that don’t just win games, they define eras. His presence on the mound in big moments has mirrored that of Halladay, Schilling, and Hamels — and often exceeded them.
Wheeler may not have the backstory of a homegrown ace, but he’s authored his own legacy, one dominant start at a time.
When the Phillies’ all-time rotation gets discussed, he’s already earned a seat at the table.
