Here are five things to watch and predictions as the Mets and Red Sox play a three-game series in Boston starting on Monday at 6:45 p.m. on SNY.
5 things to watch
Where has the offense gone?
The Mets scored just six runs during their three-game series in the Bronx over the weekend, which is shocking considering how much offense is usually generated at the band box that is the new Yankee Stadium.
Also shocking? The Mets didn’t hit a single home run all weekend.
The offensive rut started before the Yankees series, though, with New York managing only six runs during its three-game set against the Pirates that preceded it.
In fairness to the Mets, two of those games against Pittsburgh featured starting pitchers Paul Skenes and Mitch Keller. But the Mets have to be better.
If you want the easiest answer as to why they’ve had so much trouble scoring runs lately, you can look to the top three in the order, with Francisco Lindor, Juan Soto, and Pete Alonso all in mini slumps.
Kodai Senga looks to stay hot
Senga continued his dominance during his last start against the Pirates, when he allowed one run in 5.2 innings while giving up five hits, walking two, and striking out seven.
At the time, the lone run — which scored because of a literal hole in Mark Vientos‘ glove — was earned. But a scoring change after the game correctly removed that earned run from Senga’s ledger.
Because of that, Senga now leads the majors with a 1.02 ERA (among all starters with 44.0 innings pitched or more).
He’ll get the ball for Monday’s series-opener.
How much more burn will Mark Vientos get at third base?
As much as Vientos has worked to improve at third base (and he’s worked a ton), he continues to struggle there. And it’s hurting the Mets.
His error early on Sunday against the Yankees opened the door for two runs.
And Vientos’ recent struggles at the hot corner aren’t an aberration.
Going by Outs Above Average, he has graded out as one of the worst defenders in all of baseball this season — in the first percentile.
With Jesse Winker out, Brett Baty up, and the DH spot open, it’s fair to wonder how much longer the Mets will continue to roll with Vientos at third.
Can the Mets get to Garrett Crochet?
The prize of Boston’s offseason, Crochet has gotten off to a torrid start.
In an American League-leading 63.0 innings over 10 starts, Crochet has been close to untouchable.
He has a 2.00 ERA and 1.06 WHIP to go along with 73 strikeouts.
Crochet gets the start on Wednesday.
The Red Sox have yet to find their footing
Boston enters this series with a 23-25 record, in second place in the AL East, and trailing the first-place Yankees by 5.0 games.
It’s been a season of fits and starts, and the Red Sox are in a cold snap right now — having won just one of their last six games (they were swept by the Tigers and just lost two of three to the Braves).
The Red Sox are seemingly too talented to have this go on much longer, though.
One good sign for them is that star outfielder Jarren Duran is starting to heat up.
Predictions
Who will the MVP of the series be?
Pete Alonso
Alonso will take out his frustration over Sunday’s game-changing error at Yankee Stadium.
Which Mets pitcher will have the best start?
Kodai Senga
It’s impossible to list anyone else at this point.
Which Red Sox player will be a thorn in the Mets’ side?
Rafael Devers
Devers is having another MVP-level season, with a .921 OPS.
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