Game Chat: Nationals vs Mets, 7:10 PM

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

The Mets look to shake off a tough weekend in Philadelphia with a three-game set against the Nationals. The Mets dropped back-to-back games where they had the lead in Philly. Francisco Lindor started the game on Sunday for the Mets but left after an inning due to a flare-up in his back. Things felt pretty dark for the Mets’ playoff chances most of the day until the ninth inning in Atlanta, where the Dodgers mounted a massive comeback. The Mets and Braves are still tied for the last spot in the Wild Card race; all the Mets need to do is win.

Mets Lineup

1. Jose Iglesias, SS
2. Jesse Winker, RF
3. J.D. Martinez, DH
4. Pete Alonso, 1B
5. Brandon Nimmo, LF
6. Mark Vientos, 3B
7. Tyrone Taylor, CF
8. Francisco Alvarez, C
9. Eddy Alvarez, 2B

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

• CJ Abrams 3-10, 3 K
• Joey Gallo 4-20, 2 HR, BB, 9 K
• Luis Garcia Jr. 2-5, 2 K
• Keibert Ruiz 3-6
• Ildermaro Vargas 1-9, 3B, K
• James Wood 0-3
• Jacob Young 1-2, 2B, BB

Opposing Lineup

1. Dylan Crews, RF
2. James Wood, LF
3. Juan Yepez, 1B
4. Andrés Chaparro, DH
5. José Tena, 2B
6. Ildemaro Vargas, 3B
7. Keibert Ruiz, C
8. Jacob Young, CF
9. Nasim Nuñez, SS

Jake Irvin is wrapping up his second major league season, and it’s been a solid one for the 27-year-old. Over 172 innings, he has a 4.19 ERA, 4.29 FIP, 1.186 WHIP and a 96 ERA+. He’s coming off a strong start against the Braves, holding them to one run from two hits over six innings. In his two starts prior, he allowed 13 runs over 9 2/3 innings. Things have been rougher for Irvin since the start of August generally – he’s allowed nine homers over 43 2/3 innings with a 6.39 ERA, and 5.33 FIP.

Irvin had two very different starts against the Mets at the start of July. In his first start, he held the Mets scoreless over eight innings. In his second start five days later, he allowed six runs over 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, 2 K
• Starling Marte 1-2, K
• J.D. 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 within 2-5 days. Read more here.
• Before Monday’s game, the Mets unveiled a commemorative purple seat for icon Grimace at Citi Field. The seat is located in section 302, Row 6, Seat 12, for when Grimace threw out the first pitch on June 12. Grimace will return Monday to Citi Field.

Three Things To Watch For

1. José Iglesias. The Mets need hitters to step up right now, and Iglesias has been doing that over the last week. He has a nine-game hitting streak, where he has gone 12-for-32 with two doubles and six runs scored. He’s slashing .393/.452/.464 over the first eight games of the streak. This current streak has pushed his OPS, which dipped to .795, back above .800.
2. Mark Vientos. Coming into the weekend in Philadelphia, Vientos was mired in a slump, going 0-for-16 over five games with eight strikeouts. He collected three hits over the first two games but had a tough day on Sunday, going 0-for-4 with four strikeouts. The Mets need Vientos to step up this week, especially while Lindor is hurt.
3. Prospects starting their division rivalry together. The last time the Mets played the Nationals, the Nationals called up their top prospect, James Wood. Luisangel Acuña made his Major League debut a couple of days ago. Both players will become very familiar with the fan bases of their opponents over the next several years.

Let’s go Mets!

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