Mets Game Preview: (4/22/21) @ Chicago Cubs (8-9)

The New York Mets look to rebound from their 16-4 loss against the Chicago Cubs and take the final game of the three-game series at Wrigley Field. After making four errors on Wednesday, manager Luis Rojas opts to add defense into the lineup for Thursday night’s game.

Luis Guillorme takes over the leadoff spot as Brandon Nimmo is still nursing a hip injury. Guillorme also gets the start at third base, which is a major upgrade from the defense of J.D. Davis. Jeff McNeil also gets a night off for the switch-hitting Jonathan Villar, who is playing second base. With Kevin Pillar in center field, this is a major upgrade for their team defense, especially with a contact pitcher on the mound.

The Mets also made a move before the game to bring up Sean Reid-Foley and send Trevor Hildenberger to the alternate site. Hildenberger allowed a grand slam to Javier Baez during last night’s loss. We should not expect to see Reid-Foley unless another blowout occurs in tonight’s game.

Pitching Matchups

Joey Lucchesi makes his second start with the Mets after a bumpy first start in Colorado. Lucchesi allowed three runs in the same amount of innings and was limited in the number of pitches he was allowed to throw. After burning through their bullpen in the first two games, Lucchesi should get more of a leash from Rojas tonight.

Trevor Williams takes the mound for the Cubs and has sandwiched one bad start between two good ones. He held the Atlanta Braves to just one run in five innings pitched and worked around seven base runners. Williams comes into the night with a 5.02 ERA in 14.1 innings during the young season.

Matchups To Lookout For

Joey Lucchesi vs. Javier Baez: 5-for-6 (.833), 2 Doubles, 2 Home Runs

Joey Lucchesi vs. David Bote: 4-for-5 (.800), 2 Doubles, Strikeout

Trevor Williams vs. Michael Conforto: 4-for-11 (.364), Double, Home Run, Walk, Strikeout