Here are five things to watch and predictions as the Mets and Nationals play a four-game series in Washington, D.C. beginning on Friday at 6:45 p.m. on SNY.
Preview
The returns of Francisco Alvarez and Jeff McNeil
Alvarez and McNeil are expected to be activated from the IL ahead of Friday’s series-opener after spending the first chunk of the season working their way back from injuries that were suffered in spring training.
Asked earlier this week whether Alvarez would be the starting catcher upon his return, David Stearns did not give a clear yes or no. So the playing time situation between Alvarez and Luis Torrens bears watching.
Regarding McNeil, he’s returning at a time when Luisangel Acuña is starting to put his stamp on things at the plate. Acuña carried a 107 OPS+ into play on Wednesday, and was hitting .353/.421/.471 over his last 38 plate appearances.
So it stands to reason that Acuña and McNeil will split time at second base.
McNeil also got some time in center field while on his rehab assignment, so it’s possible he’ll get some burn there in addition to second base and the corner outfield. Carlos Mendoza recently said he’s also comfortable using Acuña in center.
Clay Holmes is starting to go long
While making the transition from reliever to starter, Holmes went just 4.2 innings in each of his first two starts. Since then, he’s started to provide more length.
Holmes went 5.1 innings on April 8, 5.0 innings on April 14, and a season-high 6.0 innings against the Cardinals on April 20 at Citi Field.
Along the way, he’s been trusting his expanded arsenal more. Holmes featured six pitches against the Cards, relying heavily on his sinker, slider, four-seam fastball, and changeup, while mixing in the occasional sweeper and one cutter.
As Holmes has gotten more comfortable in his new role, the results have followed.
In 11.0 innings over his last two starts, Holmes has allowed just two runs on six hits while walking four and striking out 14. His ERA for the season is down to 3.16.
Ryne Stanek has been dominant
Stanek has announced his presence with authority this season while serving as one of the main bridges to Edwin Diaz.
The hard-throwing right-hander has held the opposition scoreless in nine of his 10 appearances spanning 9.1 innings, posting a 0.96 ERA and 1.07 WHIP to go along with 10 strikeouts.
Stanek’s fastball has averaged 97.9 mph this season, which is in the 95th percentile, with hitters slugging just .192 against the offering.
Washington’s starting pitching has been strong
With the exception of old friend Trevor Williams (who has a 5.95 ERA and 1.62 WHIP), the Nationals’ starting pitching has been very good.
Jake Irvin and Mitchell Parker are two of the Nats that Mets will face during this series, and they’re both riding high.
Irvin is coming off a strong start in Colorado, where he allowed two runs in 6.1 innings while striking out nine. In his prior start in Pittsburgh against the Pirates, he fired 7.0 scoreless frames.
Parker has been phenomenal all season, with a 1.39 ERA and 0.93 WHIP. He twirled eight shutout innings against the Orioles during his last start, allowing just one hit.
James Wood is becoming a star
Wood impressed last season during his rookie campaign, posting a .781 OPS in 79 games in what was his age-21 season.
This year, he’s taken things to another level.
Entering play on Wednesday, Wood was slashing .253/.350/.552 with seven home runs, five doubles, 17 RBI, and 16 runs scored.
Out of all the players in the National League, only Fernando Tatis Jr. and Tommy Edman (who each have eight homers) have hit more long balls than Wood.
Predictions
Who will the MVP of the series be?
Mark Vientos
Vientos has turned it on, hitting safely in eight of his last nine games.
Which Mets pitcher will have the best start?
Kodai Senga
Senga hasn’t allowed a run since his season debut on April 1, firing 17.2 consecutive scoreless innings over his last three starts.
Which Nationals player will be a thorn in the Mets’ side?
James Wood
As much as the Mets will try to limit the damage Wood does, it won’t be easy,
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