The New York Mets host the Miami Marlins for their home opener at Citi Field after a disappointing series loss against the Philadelphia Phillies. Luckily, the Marlins are coming off a three-game sweep to the St. Louis Cardinals and are missing a couple of key rotation arms. The weekend series is a good chance for the Mets to get back into the win column a couple of times before the Phillies come back to town.
There’s no place like home. See you ? @mets! #OpeningDay #LGM pic.twitter.com/LJ0ezAGZ23
— Citi Field (@CitiField) April 8, 2021
The Mets looked a step slow in multiple aspects of the game during their first series. The Mets bullpen pitched to an ERA close to eight and their offense was very inconsistent. It is understandable after getting an unexpected extra time off due to the Washington Nationals Covid outbreak. From game to game, they went from lacking timing at the plate to getting timely hits to leaving runners on base. The one constant was their ability to work deep counts, drawing 15 walks over three games.
The Mets are unlikely to play J.D. Davis in this series while he recovers from a hand injury from getting hit by a pitch. Davis will go for more X-Rays before the Mets make an official decision on his path back to the starting lineup. Luis Guillorme will continue to fill in during his absence.
The fish have been fried early this season with five losses in their first six games. Their offense is only hitting .219 with a .316 slugging percentage. Despite the team struggles, Jesus Aguilar and Starling Marte have started the season on a good note. Aguilar is 6-for-17 (.353) with four walks and has only struck out once. Marte has proven to be a key acquisition for them by starting the season going 8-for-23 (.348) with a stolen base.
Pitching Matchups
Taijuan Walker makes his Mets debut after a solid spring where he had a 3.27 ERA in 11 innings. Walker brings his fastball in the 93-95 range, a slider, changeup, and curveball. Much like Jacob deGrom and Marcus Stroman, we should see Walker stay in the 75-90 range with his pitch count.
The Marlins have not decided on a starter as of nine this morning but it will be either Nick Neidert or Paul Campbell. Neidert made four appearances in 2020 but never got started in any of his outings. Campbell made his MLB debut on Saturday and allowed three runs in two innings pitched.
Matchup To Lookout For
Taijuan Walker vs. Corey Dickerson: 3-for-6 (.500), Triple, 2 Home Runs, Strikeout