Series preview: Mets finish first half against struggling Rockies

For the first time since May 9, the New York Mets (47-45) are in a playoff spot after winning three games against the Washington Nationals. They are 23-12 since the beginning of June, second only to the Houston Astros for the best record in baseball during that time. The Mets have completely turned their season around, giving themselves the opportunity to go one better at the deadline.

That decision could be all but confirmed by a strong series against the Colorado Rockies (33-61), who have a 13-34 record on the road this season. They are on pace for their sixth consecutive losing season after making the playoffs in 2017 and 2018. Expect some of the Rockies’ best players to be traded in the coming weeks.

Let’s take a look at some notes on this weekend’s three pitching duels.

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Friday, July 12, 2024: RHP Tanner Gordon (0-1, 7.11 ERA) vs. LHP Sean Manaea (5-3, 3.43 ERA)

Tanner Gordon, a 26-year-old right-hander from the University of Indiana, made his major league debut on Sunday against the Kansas City Royals. Despite the loss, he was efficient, allowing five runs on eight hits in 6 1/3 innings while throwing 78 pitches. Gordon used a four-pitch mix in that outing with a four-seam fastball, a changeup, a slider and a sinker. His fastball maxed out at 95 MPH with an average velocity of 92.5 MPH. Friday’s start will be Gordon’s first road appearance, a big test for the rookie against one of the league’s strongest lineups.

Sean Manaea has a 2-0 record with a 1.57 ERA in his last five starts, undoubtedly his best stretch as a Met. However, Manaea is still allowing too many walks. He has allowed three or more walks in three of his last four starts, tying his career-high of 3.9 walks per nine. That number has to go down or opposing hitters will eventually take advantage. Manaea has six career appearances against the Rockies, five of which have been starts. He has a 2-2 record with a 5.28 ERA in 30 2/3 innings against Colorado.

Saturday, July 13, 2024: RHP Ryan Feltner (1-8, 5.29 ERA) vs. RHP Christian Scott (0-2, 4.15 ERA)

Ryan Feltner has struggled this season, but his performances have improved significantly recently. In his last three starts, he posted a 2.00 ERA and allowed two or fewer earned runs in each of those games. During that time, Feltner was able to lower his ERA from 6.02 to 5.29. Giving up the home run has been crucial to his success, as although he has allowed 12 home runs this season, he has not done so in his last four starts. Feltner is 0-1 with a 7.88 ERA in two career starts against the Mets.

Christian Scott may not have a win yet, but he’s shown plenty of potential in his first seven major league appearances. He shined in his last outing on Monday against the Pittsburgh Pirates despite pitching after a four-day rest, allowing two runs on one hit in 5 2/3 innings. He’s relied on his four-seam fastball quite a bit, throwing it 52.7% of the time. Scott is 0-1 with a 3.71 ERA in three home games. He threw 77 pitches against the Pirates, so let’s see if he gets more leeway on Saturday against the Rockies.

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Sunday, July 14, 2024: RHP Cal Quantrill (6-7, 4.13 ERA) vs. LHP Jose Quintana (4-5, 3.91 ERA)

Cal Quantrill won a career-high 15 games for the Cleveland Guardians in 2022, but after a rough season last season, the Rockies acquired the right-hander via trade in November 2023. Quantrill has been the team’s best starter this season, and his value is increasing as the trade deadline approaches. He has allowed three or fewer earned runs in 13 of his 19 starts, which is impressive considering eight of the 19 games came at Coors Field. Quantrill is 0-0 with a 4.50 ERA in two career starts against the Mets, most recently facing them in May 2023.

Jose Quintana is in the midst of a great streak. In his last five starts, he is 3-0 with a 0.89 ERA in 30 1/3 innings. Quintana has done a great job of adding length and taking the pressure off the bullpen’s shoulders lately. He has made two straight starts with seven innings pitched, showing how far he has come since April and May. Quintana will look to build more momentum when he faces the Rockies, whom he has faced nine times in his career. He is 3-3 with a 5.09 ERA in 46 innings against Colorado.

PLAYERS TO WATCH

Brenton Doyle (COL)

Doyle, 26, has always been known for his defense in center field, but in recent weeks his hitting has garnered the most attention. In his last 13 games, Doyle has a batting average of .391/.482/.957 with seven home runs and 14 runs batted in. The Rockies’ lineup has some big-time threats, one of them being him, so keeping him quiet will be crucial for the Mets.

Pete Alonso (NYC)

To the surprise of many fans, Pete Alonso is traveling to Arlington next week for the MLB All-Star Game, where he will also participate in the Home Run Derby for the fifth consecutive year. Luckily for him, Alonso’s final series leading up to this event will be against a team he has crushed throughout his career. In 22 games against the Rockies, the first baseman has posted a batting average of .310/.370/.583 with six home runs and 13 runs batted in.