With the All-Star break looming, this weekend’s series against the New York Mets presents a pivotal opportunity for the Phillies to regain momentum and potentially overtake their division rivals for first place in the NL East. It’s a critical stretch for Philadelphia, not only in the standings but also as a chance to avenge a three-game sweep by the Mets back in April at Citi Field.
Beginning Friday night, the two teams will meet for a three-game showdown that could have significant postseason implications. Whether it’s the division title or a Wild Card berth on the line, this series may go a long way in shaping how October unfolds.
While fans on both sides are eagerly anticipating this weekend’s matchup, so are the national networks. Each game will be featured on national television or streamed on a major platform.
Friday night’s game, scheduled for a 7:15 p.m. ET first pitch, will be featured on “Friday Night Baseball” on Apple TV+. However, viewers should note that an Apple TV+ subscription is required to stream the game live. Those tuning in can expect to see Zack Wheeler (7–2, 2.76 ERA) take the mound for the Phillies against Justin Hagenman, who is expected to be recalled from Triple-A Syracuse to start for the Mets.
Saturday’s game, set for another 7:15 p.m. ET first pitch, will air on FOX. The expected starters are Mick Abel (2–0, 2.21 ERA) for the Phillies and Griffin Canning for the Mets.
The series finale on Sunday is scheduled for a 7:10 p.m. ET first pitch and will serve as this week’s featured game on Sunday Night Baseball on ESPN. The expected starters are left-handers Jesús Luzardo for the Phillies (6–3, 4.41 ERA) and David Peterson for the Mets.
Heading into Thursday evening, the Phillies trailed the Mets by just one game in the division, as New York has been struggling mightily in recent weeks.
After riding a six-game winning streak that included sweeps of the Colorado Rockies and Washington Nationals, the Mets have since dropped five straight, a season-high. They were swept by the Tampa Bay Rays over the weekend and followed that with back-to-back losses to the Atlanta Braves, falling 5–4 on Tuesday and 5–0 on Wednesday. In Wednesday night’s defeat, the Mets recorded just five hits (all singles). The loss dropped their road record to 18–19.
“We did a good job the first 2 ½ months of playing things through and this is the time of the year we’re going through it,” said Mets superstar shortstop Francisco Lindor. “Every team goes through it and we’ve got to continue to push each other. … Work as hard as you can to get back to the winning side.”
As reported by the New York Post, dating back to the 2022 season, the Mets have lost 25 of their last 35 games against the Braves. This trend could work in the Phillies’ favor as the NL East race tightens.
In contrast to the Mets, the Phillies have been playing relatively well of late. After being swept by the Pittsburgh Pirates in early June, they bounced back by taking two of three from the Chicago Cubs, sweeping the Toronto Blue Jays, and winning two of the first three games in their four-game set against the Miami Marlins heading into Thursday night.
It’s worth noting that despite their current five-game skid, the Mets only dropped one spot in the latest MLB Power Rankings—from No. 2 to No. 3. They still hold the third-best record in the National League at 45–29.
The Phillies, however, aren’t far behind in the MLB Power Rankings, holding steady at No. 6.
This weekend’s matchup could go a long way in deciding who comes out on top in the NL East.
In other Phillies news, starting pitcher Aaron Nola was moved to the 60-day injured list on Thursday afternoon. Out since May 15, Nola is in the second year of his seven-year, $172 million contract. Some reports suggest he may not return to the Phillies’ rotation until August.
The Phillies also optioned Weston Wilson to Triple-A Lehigh Valley and selected the contract of infielder Buddy Kennedy. A right-handed bat, Kennedy has impressed in Triple-A this season, slashing .283/.388/.447 with eight home runs and 40 RBIs. With Bryce Harper still on the IL, Kennedy gives the Phillies another infield option. He has primarily played first base with the IronPigs, along with some time at third, and was named International League Player of the Month for May.
For the latest news on everything happening in Chester County and the surrounding area, be sure to follow MyChesCo on Google News and MSN.