Series preview: Mets end road trip in Pittsburgh

The New York Mets (42-43) had a good chance of winning another set during the week, but two consecutive losses against the Washington Nationals have slightly slowed their positive momentum. Edwin Diaz’ The absence in the bullpen has been more noticeable than ever and has exposed the team’s biggest weakness even more clearly. Although he returns from suspension this weekend, bullpen reinforcements will be a priority if the front office decides to make a trade at the deadline.

The Mets now get a second look at the Pittsburgh Pirates (41-45), who have lost six of their last 10 games. They have plenty of talent on the pitching end, but an offense that ranks 24th in runs per game will need reinforcements before the trade deadline if the Pirates want to compete for a playoff spot.

Before the four pitching duels in this game, let’s take a look at some notes.

Friday, July 5, 2024: RHP Luis Severino (5-2, 3.42 ERA) vs. RHP Paul Skenes (4-0, 2.06 ERA)

Luis Severino had a solid June, going 2-0 with a 3.24 ERA in five starts. The most noticeable difference during that span was his strikeout rate, which dropped from 7.1 strikeouts per nine in May to 5.4 in June. Severino managed to get through seven innings against the Houston Astros last Sunday, though he allowed four runs on eight hits. Length hasn’t been an issue for the right-hander this season, as he’s thrown at least six innings in seven of his last eight starts. Severino is 3-0 with a 0.53 ERA in his career against the Pirates.

Paul Skenes may only be 22 years old, but he is already one of the most electrifying pitchers in the game. The right-hander doesn’t seem to be overwhelmed at this level, allowing two runs or less in seven of his first nine starts. Batters have been aggressive early and often in Skenes’ recent starts, as evidenced by the fact that Yandy Diaz And Jarred Kelenic have hit leadoff home runs against him in two consecutive games. Francisco Lindor steps into the box tonight. Skenes has a 2-0 record and a 2.89 ERA in five home starts this season.

Mandatory Photo Credit: Rafael Suanes-USA TODAY Sports

Saturday, July 6, 2024: LHP David Peterson (3-0, 3.51 ERA) vs. LHP Bailey Falter (4-6, 3.87 ERA)

David Peterson has impressed since returning to the major leagues in late May, allowing two earned runs in five of six starts this season. The 28-year-old threw 6 1/3 innings against the Nationals on Monday, allowing two runs on seven hits. Peterson has definitely improved recently, although he has gotten lucky at times. His expected ERA is 5.82, much higher than his current 3.51. Peterson has a career ERA of 3.00 against Pittsburgh.

Bailey Falter is a name the Mets have known since his days with the Philadelphia Phillies. The left-hander was a key piece at the bottom of the Pirates’ rotation and ranked second on the team in starts. While his season-long numbers are strong, his month of June wasn’t as great, as he posted a 5.63 ERA and a 1.667 WHIP in 24 innings. The 27-year-old allowed a season-high four walks in five innings against the Atlanta Braves on Sunday and still managed to pick up the win. In five career games against the Mets, he is 1-2 with a 2.95 ERA.

Photo by Rafael Suanes-USA TODAY Sports

Sunday, July 7, 2024: LHP Sean Manaea (5-3, 3.67 ERA) vs. TBD

Sean Manaea had arguably his best start of the season last time out against Washington, throwing a season-best seven innings for the Mets. 7:2 victory on Tuesday, as he was able to pitch effectively and efficiently while avoiding long innings for most of the evening. He allowed just one earned run on five hits and had five strikeouts. Manaea hopes to continue his strong performance against the Pirates, a team he has yet to beat in four career appearances (two starts).

Jared Jones was scheduled to start in this series, but was placed on the 15-day injured list on Thursday due to a right latissimus injury. The most likely option to replace the young right-hander is Luis Ortiz. 20 of his 45 career major league appearances have been as a starter, although he has made just one this season. That appearance came on June 26 against the Cincinnati Reds, when he allowed one run on four hits and had seven strikeouts in six innings. Ortiz is 1-1 with a 4.21 ERA in 11 home appearances (25 2/3 innings) this season.

Mandatory Photo Credit: Rafael Suanes-USA TODAY Sports

Monday, July 8, 2024: RHP Christian Scott (0-2, 4.32 ERA) vs. RHP Mitch Keller (9-5, 3.48 ERA)

Christian Scott returned to the major leagues with an impressive performance, at least until he made a critical error. He was one out away from completing six strong innings against the Nationals on Wednesday when manager Carlos Mendoza let him in the face Luis Garcia Jr. with runners on the corners. The right-hander hit a sweeper over the middle of the plate, which the second baseman smashed over the wall in right field and extended the Mets’ lead to 5-4 on the way to a 7-5 defeat. Scott would ultimately end up with a no-decision on his record, as he allowed four runs on six hits in 5 2/3 innings. He is now 0-1 with a 4.96 ERA in three career road games. Scott will be hoping for a better outing as he continues to wait for the first win of his career.

Mitch Keller may not get as much attention as Skenes or Jones, but he has been a key player in the Pirates’ rotation for several years. The right-hander has already pitched 103 1/3 innings after throwing a career-high 194 1/3 innings last season. Keller did not have a great start to the year, finishing the month of April with a 5.18 ERA. Since then, however, he is 7-2 with an excellent 2.42 ERA in 10 starts. The Mets will certainly have their hands full with Keller, as he is 2-1 with a 1.89 ERA in three career starts against them.