Game Chat: Mets vs Diamondbacks, 3:40 PM

Thursday, August 29, 2024 • 3:40 PM
Chase Field • Phoenix, AZ
LHP David Peterson (8-1, 2.85) vs. RHP Ryne Nelson (9-6, 4.29)
SNY

The Mets will try to toss off Wednesday night’s disappointing loss quickly with the afternoon game today. The Mets bullpen fell apart late, with Edwin Díaz allowing a go-ahead grand slam in the 8th inning. The Braves also won on Wednesday pushing the Mets back to four games out of the third wild card spot.

We always knew that this week would be the most difficult for the Mets, but with a win in today’s rubber game, they can still earn a winning record against the Padres and the Diamondbacks.

Mets Lineup

1. Francisco Lindor – SS
2. Starling Marte – RF
3. Brandon Nimmo – CF
4. Pete Alonso – 1B
5. Jesse Winker – LF
6. J.D. Martinez – DH
7. Jose Iglesias – 3B
8. Jeff McNeil – 2B
9. Luis Torrens – C

The Mets turn to David Peterson to continue his incredible run. Over 15 starts and 85 1/3 innings, Peterson has a 2.85 ERA, 4.20 FIP, 1.324 WHIP, and a 138 ERA+. In August, he pitched 31 2/3 innings with a 1.71 ERA, 3.17 FIP. In his last two starts, he has pitched at least seven innings. The Diamondbacks have the following career numbers against Peterson:

• Josh Bell 4-13, HR, 3 BB, 2 K
• Randal Grichuk 3-7, BB
• Lourdes Gurriel Jr. 1-2, HR
• Jose Herrera 1-2
• Jake McCarthy 0-2
• Kevin Newman 0-1, BB
• Geraldo Perdomo 0-1, BB
• Pavin Smith 3-4, 2B, 2 BB, K
• Eugenio Suarez 0-2, K

Opposing Lineup

1. Geraldo Perdomo – SS
2. Randal Grichuk – DH
3. Lourdes Gurriel Jr. – LF
4. Josh Bell – 1B
5. Jake McCarthy – CF
6. Eugenio Suarez – 3B
7. Corbin Carroll – RF
8. Kevin Newman – 2B
9. Jose Herrera – C

Ryne Nelson has a 4.29 ERA, 3.62 FIP, 1.277 WHIP and a 96 ERA+ over 130 innings. In his last three games he has really turned it on, allowing only five runs, scattering 13 hits over 19 2/3 innings while striking out 22 batters. He has also allowed one home run in three consecutive starts – a weakness the Mets could exploit. The Mets have the following career numbers against Nelson:

• Pete Alonso 3-5, 2 HR
• Francisco Alvarez 1-4, HR, K
• Francisco Lindor 3-4, 2 3B, K
• Starling Marte 1-2
• J.D. Martinez 1-3, 3B, K
• Jeff McNeil 1-5, 2B
• Brandon Nimmo 2-4, 2B, 3B
• Mark Vientos 1-2
• Jesse Winker 2-5, 2 HR, K

Game Notes

Mets 2024 first-rounder Carson Benge has homered in two straight games for Low-A St. Lucie.

The Mets vs. Diamondbacks season series is knotted at 3-3, and New York has won the series against Arizona each season since 2018.

Peterson is 5-0 with a 2.70 ERA (14 ER/46.2 IP) with 18 walks and 30 strikeouts in eight starts on the road in 2024.

Right-handed reliever Vinny Nittoli has opted out of his minor league deal with the Mets. He was pitching with Triple-A Syracuse.

Three Things To Watch For

1. David Peterson. Over the last month or so, David Peterson has moved from “Oh look, he’s getting good results” to “Oh man, he might be the ace of this staff.” If there was ever a time the Mets needed an ace on their staff this season, it’s right now in this moment.
2. Pete Alonso. Pete Alonso hit his 220th career homer a few nights ago, which tied him with Mike Piazza on the Mets all-time list. He is 3-for-5 lifetime against Ryne Nelson with two homers. We have been on 221st watch for a game or so now, and Nelson has allowed a homer in three consecutive games.
3. Mets Bullpen. This has been a tough few games for the bullpen, with the loss on Sunday and Wednesday. These types of losses, especially in the same week, can lead to spiraling. How does the bullpen come out in today’s game? How do they react if things start to go left (several balls in a row, bad calls, etc.).

Let’s go Mets!

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