Reds at Mets
The Cincinnati Reds haven't enjoyed much success at Citi Field of late, losing 13 of their previous 16 before winning the opener of their four-game series in dramatic fashion. The Reds bid for their 12th win in their last 20 contests on Tuesday when they square off against the Mets, who haven't experienced much in the way of a home-field advantage this season (5-7).
Jesse Winker extended his hitting streak to seven games with his team-leading eighth homer off All-Star closer Edwin Diaz with two outs in the ninth inning in Monday's 5-4 win over New York. The 25-year-old Winker is 10-for-24 with two homers, three RBIs and seven runs scored during his hitting streak heading into Tuesday's tilt. While the Reds have split the first four contests of their seven-game road trip, the Mets have been outscored 31-17 while losing four of their last five at home. Amed Rosario has hit safely in 12 of his last 13 games and has four RBIs in his last three.
TV: 7:10 p.m. ET, FS Ohio (Cincinnati), SNY (New York)
PITCHING MATCHUP: Reds RH Luis Castillo (3-1, 1.23 ERA) vs. Mets LH Jason Vargas (1-1, 7.20)
Castillo improved to 3-0 in his last four starts on Thursday after working around a season-high eight hits over six scoreless innings in a 4-2 victory against Atlanta. The 26-year-old Dominican has improved his control, permitting just one walk in his last two outings after issuing 13 free passes in his previous four. Castillo won his lone career start versus the Mets after allowing two runs on three hits in 5 2/3 innings, and the current New York roster is 3-for-17 with five strikeouts against him.
Vargas sustained his first loss of the season on Wednesday to Philadelphia after allowing one run on three hits in his second straight outing, although he failed to complete five innings either time. The 36-year-old's early exit against the Phillies came as a result of the opponent driving up his pitch count (89). Vargas owns a 1-2 mark with a 7.98 ERA and 1.84 WHIP in four career starts versus Cincinnati, with Eugenio Suarez (4-for-7, two doubles, four RBIs) enjoying success in a small sample size.
WALK-OFFS
1. New York RF Michael Conforto is 1-for-14 in his last five games, although he has drawn at least one walk in each contest.
2. Suarez has six RBIs in his last five contests.
3. Mets LHP Justin Wilson (left elbow soreness) is eligible to come off the injured list Tuesday, although manager Mickey Callaway told reporters that is unlikely.