Here are five things to watch and predictions as the Mets and Nationals play a three-game series at Citi Field starting on Friday at 7:10 p.m. on SNY.
5 things to watch
Is this an audition for Brandon Sproat?
Sproat, who gets the start on Friday night, has been impressive over his first two big league starts, allowing just three runs in 12.0 innings while walking four and striking out 10.
And he was unscored upon in his last outing, when he fired 6.0 innings of shutout ball against the Rangers at Citi Field.
If the Mets reach the postseason, the expectation is that Nolan McLean will be a lock to start one of the games in the Wild Card Series. The other start or two? That's up in the air.
Kodai Senga could possibly make a start, but he could also be left off a potential postseason roster. Meanwhile, David Peterson — who was touched up for six runs on Wednesday — has a 5.23 ERA in 65.1 innings spanning 12 starts in the second half of the season.
That potentially leaves a possible piggyback outing from Clay Holmes and Sean Manaea, and a start for Sproat as the other most sensible options in the Wild Card Series.
There's also the possibility Sproat could be used as a late-inning reliever, with the club badly in need of a reliable righty to help bridge the gap to Tyler Rogers and Edwin Diaz.
The Nolan McLean Show
McLean has been phenomenal since debuting, with a 1.19 ERA and 0.98 WHIP in 37.2 innings over six starts. He has allowed just 25 hits while walking 12 and striking out 40.
And what's been just as impressive as McLean's filthy arsenal has been his poise on the mound, his ability to pitch deep into games, and how he has quickly righted the ship and battled through outings where he doesn't have his best stuff.
He enters Saturday's start with a groundball rate of 62.9 percent and having allowed just one home run.
If things stay on track, McLean would possibly be lined up to pitch again next Thursday against the Cubs at Wrigley Field, which could theoretically set him up to pitch Game 1 of the Wild Card Series the following Tuesday — should the Mets be there.
The Mets' offense should feast
The Nationals are a very bad baseball team.
They have the third-most losses in baseball (ahead of just the Rockies and White Sox), and have allowed the second-most runs in the majors (ahead of only the Rockies). The Nats also have the second-worst run differential in the sport, ahead of just the Rockies.
Put it all together and this should be a field day for a Mets offense that has been hit and miss this season — but has looked better lately.
Cade Cavalli and Mitchell Parker are expected to get starts in this series, while MacKenzie Gore is not.
What's the plan for Sunday?
Manaea was placed on paternity leave before Thursday's game, meaning it's possible he won't be able to pitch on Sunday.
The expectation had been that he and Holmes would again piggyback.
Asked before Wednesday's game if Manaea could still pitch on Sunday, Carlos Mendoza was unsure, noting that if Manaea is able to throw while he's on leave that he could potentially be ready.
In a world where Manaea can't go on Sunday, the Mets might have to lean heavily on the bullpen behind Holmes.
The out-of-town scoreboard
The Mets will enter play on Friday still leading the Diamondbacks, Giants, and Reds in the race for the third and final wild card spot in the National League.
As the Mets battle the Nats, here's what their closest competitors will be doing:
Diamondbacks: vs. Phillies for three games
Reds: vs. Cubs for four games
Giants: at Dodgers for four games
Predictions
Who will the MVP of the series be?
Pete Alonso
Alonso has been heating up power-wise
Which Mets pitcher will have the best start?
Nolan McLean
It's McLean until proven otherwise
Which Nats player will be a thorn in the Mets' side?
CJ Abrams
Abrams is Washington's most formidable threat
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