The New York Mets started off losing both of their games in their spring training debut on Saturday. They dropped split-squad contests against the St. Louis Cardinals and the Miami Marlins.
Now, they will have a chance at revenge against the birds. The Mets will send Steven Matz to the mound, while the Cardinals will start decorated right-handed pitcher Adam Wainwright.
Matz was a 1.6 fWAR pitcher in 2019 and is aiming to improve. He had a 4.21 ERA (4.60 FIP) in 30 starts (32 games) and 160.1 frames. He fanned 8.59 batters per each nine innings and handed 2.92 BB/9.
The game will be at Clover Park and start at 1:10 PM ET.
The Mets lineup:
Amed Rosario, DH
Andres Gimenez, SS
J.D. Davis, 3B
Matt Adams, 1B
Jake Marisnick, CF
Tomas Nido, C
Luis Guillorme, 2B
Ryan Cordell, RF
Tim Tebow, LF
The Mets want to give Davis reps at the hot corner. They want him to be capable of playing there in case Robinson Cano (starting second baseman) needs a break and Jeff McNeil slides to the keystone.
Guillorme is battling several middle infielders, including Eduardo Nunez, to be the backup in the 2020 season.
Besides Matz, other pitchers will be available. Jeurys Familia, Robert Gsellman, Brad Brach, Tyler Bashlor and Franklyn Kilome will likely pitch today.
Familia lost 30 pounds in the offseason and is already turning heads in live batting practice sessions.
The Mets announced early-week pitching plan
The New York Mets also published the pitchers that will take the ball early next week in spring games.
On Monday against the Washington Nationals, the following hurlers are slated to pitch: David Peterson, Paul Sewald, Jordan Humphreys, Erasmo Ramirez and Walker Lockett.
Meanwhile, the Mets will visit the Detroit Tigers in Tuesday. That day, Michael Wacha (a winter free agency signing), Kevin Smith and Matt Blackham are going to pitch.