After the New York Mets postponed their game on Thursday, they open up a packed weekend series in the Bronx with their crosstown rival, New York Yankees. They will attempt to fit five games over three days, which includes doubleheaders on the first and last days of the series. All players will wear 42 as their number in honor of Jackie Robinson Day, usually celebrated on April 15.
Probable Pitching Matchups:
Friday, (8/28) @ 4:05 p.m. ET: Michael Wacha (1-2, 6.43 ERA) vs. Jordan Montgomery (2-1, 4.66 ERA)
Friday, (8/28) @ Following Game 1: TBD vs. TBD (Mets are the Home Team)
Saturday, (8/29) @ 1:05 p.m. ET: TBD vs. J.A. Happ (1-1, 6.39 ERA)
Sunday, (8/30) @ 1:05 p.m. ET: TBD vs. TBD
Sunday, (8/30) @ Following Game 1: TBD vs. TBD (Mets are the Home Team)
Our lineup for game 1. #LGM pic.twitter.com/AvlL5pf8iy
— New York Mets (@Mets) August 28, 2020
The current Yankees offense is the equivalent of the Mets’ starting rotation, both completely in shambles and barely giving each team a chance to win. The game one lineup for the Yankees features five hitters batting under .200 and a player making his major league debut. For the Mets, after Michael Wacha, they have no clue who to pitch after that.
Get Back to .500
A series against the ailing Yankees is what they need before they face stiffer competition. The Yankees are not a bad team, but they do not have the talent they assembled when the season began. For Wacha, this is a good lineup for him to face in his first start off the injured list. It does not strike the same fear a lineup consisting of Aaron Judge, Giancarlo Stanton, and Gleyber Torres.
It is tough not to speak of sports without mentioning the boycotts and protests that have taken place. After Thursday’s postponement, it seems the Mets heads are a lot clearer and are mentally in a better position than they were yesterday. Assumingly, there will likely be plenty of Black Lives Matter discussions, but nothing points to another postponement this weekend.
If the Mets take four out of five from the Yankees, they can get to .500 with 26 games left in the season. They will get an off day before playing the Baltimore Orioles, which can put them in a good streak towards the end of the season.
Matchups to Lookout For
Aroldis Chapman vs. Wilson Ramos: 0-for-10 (.000), 5 Strikeouts
Robinson Cano Career at New Yankee Stadium: .311/.368/.535, 81 Home Runs, 100 Doubles, 486 Hits
Michael Wacha Career in Day Games: 24-12, 3.55 ERA, 1.30 WHIP
Pete Alonso When Batting 4th in 2020: .154/.267/.385, Home Run, 2 Walks, 3 Strikeouts