Monday, September 16, 2024 • 7:10 p.m.
Citi Field • Flushing, NY
RHP Jake Irvin (10-12, 4.19) vs. LHP Sean Manaea (11-5, 3.35)
SNY • MLBN

The Mets are looking to put a tough three-game weekend against the Nationals in Philadelphia behind them. In Philly, the Mets have lost two games in a row in which they had a lead. Francisco Lindor started for the Mets on Sunday but left the game after one inning because of a back problem. The Mets’ playoff chances looked pretty bleak for most of the day until the Dodgers staged a massive comeback in the ninth inning in Atlanta. The Mets and Braves are still tied for the last spot in the wild card race; the Mets just need to win.

Vincent Carchietta-USA TODAY Sports

Mets lineup

1. Jose Iglesias, SS
2. Jesse WinkerRF
3. JD MartinezDH
4. Pete Alonso1B
5. Brandon NimmoLF
6. Mark Vientos3B
7. Tyrone Taylor, CF
8. Francisco AlvarezC
9. Eddy Alvarez2B

Sean Manaea has pitched 164 innings this season with a 3.35 ERA, 3.78 FIP, 1.098 WHIP and 117 ERA+. Since July 30, he has a 2.64 ERA and 3.04 FIP in 58 innings while striking out 70 batters. That includes a comeback start for Manaea in his last start, where he allowed one run in 6 2/3 innings. In his only start against the Nationals this season, he allowed two runs, one in seven innings. The Nationals have the following career numbers against him:

Opponent formation

1. Dylan CrewsRF
2. James Wood, LF
3. Juan Yepez1B
4. Andrés ChaparroDH
5. Jose Tena2B
6. Ildemaro Vargas3B
7. Keibert Ruiz, C
8. Jacob Young, CF
9. Nasim NunezSS

Jake Irvin is finishing his second major league season, and it’s been a solid one for the 27-year-old. In 172 innings, he has a 4.19 ERA, 4.29 FIP, 1.186 WHIP and 96 ERA+. He’s off to a strong start against the Braves, limiting them to one run on two hits in six innings. In his previous two starts, he allowed 13 runs in 9 2/3 innings. Since the beginning of August, things have been tougher for Irvin in general – he’s allowed nine home runs in 43 2/3 innings and has a 6.39 ERA and 5.33 FIP.

Irvin had two very different starts against the Mets in early July. In his first start, he held the Mets scoreless for eight innings. In his second start five days later, he allowed six runs in six innings. The Mets have the following career numbers against him:

• Pete Alonso 0-8, 3 K
• Francisco Alvarez 1-8, 4 K
• Harrison Bader 3-3
• Francisco Lindor 5-10, 2B, HR, 2K
• Starling Marte 1-2, K
• JD Martinez 2-6, BB, 2 K
• Brandon Nimmo 2-10, HR
• Tyrone Taylor 0-3, 2 K
• Mark Vientos 0-6, K

Game Notes

• Francisco Lindor (lower back) received a clean MRI report on Monday. He hopes to return to play in 2-5 days. Read more Here.
• Before Monday’s game, the Mets revealed a purple memorial seat for the icon Grimace at Citi Field. The seat is located in section 302, row 6, seat 12, for the time Grimace threw out the first pitch on June 12. Grimace will return to Citi Field on Monday.

Three things to look out for

1. I am Jose Iglesias. The Mets now need hitters to step up, and Iglesias has done that over the past week. He is on a nine-game hitting streak in which he has hit 12-of-32 with two doubles and six runs scored. He has a batting average of .393/.452/.464 through the first eight games of the series. This current streak has brought his OPS, which had dipped to .795, back above .800.
2. I’m Mark Vientos. Before the weekend in Philadelphia, Vientos was in a slump, going 0-for-16 with eight strikeouts in five games. He collected three hits in the first two games, but he had a rough day on Sunday, going 0-for-4 with four strikeouts. The Mets need Vientos this week, especially while Lindor is injured.
3. Interested parties begin their division rivalry together. The last time the Mets played against the Nationals, the Nationals called up their most promising talent, James Wood. Luisangel Acuña made his Major League debut a few days ago. Both players will get to know their opponents’ fan base very well in the coming years.

Let’s go, Mets!