Pirates at Mets
With an eye toward the approaching trade deadline, the New York Mets will put one of their trade chips on display Friday in the opener of a three-game series with the visiting Pittsburgh Pirates. Right-hander Zack Wheeler is scheduled to come off the injured list to make the start in what the organization hopes is a showcase for potential suitors.
The 29-year-old was placed on the IL earlier this month with shoulder fatigue and rejoins a team that is coming off a 4-0 win Thursday afternoon in the rubber match of a three-game series with San Diego. Losers of five straight and in last place in the National League Central, the Pirates also figure to be sellers at the deadline. They finished a 1-6 homestand with a 6-3 loss to St. Louis on Thursday. Pittsburgh turns to promising rookie Dario Agrazal on Friday as it looks to take the first meeting between the teams in 2019.
TV: 7:10 p.m. ET, AT&T SportsNet Pittsburgh, SNY (New York)
PITCHING MATCHUP: Pirates RH Dario Agrazal (2-0, 2.25 ERA) vs. Mets RH Zack Wheeler (6-6, 4.69)
Agrazal has allowed exactly one run over six innings in three of his last four starts, including an outing against Philadelphia his last time out in which he received a no-decision. He struck out a career-high five Phillies while walking two after recording seven strikeouts and eight free passes over his first four starts. The Panama native will be facing the Mets for the first time.
Wheeler gave up six runs over five innings against Philadelphia in his last start before going on the IL. He lasted at least six frames in 15 of his previous 16 starts and the Mets were 9-7 with Wheeler on the mound during that span. The Georgia native owns a 1.42 ERA in three career starts versus Pittsburgh.
WALK-OFFS
1. The Pirates recalled RHP Alex McRae from Triple-A Indianapolis and optioned RHP Luis Escobar to Indianapolis.
2. Mets closer RHP Edwin Diaz left Thursday's game after taking a liner off his left foot.
3. Pirates CF Starling Marte is 13-for-26 with eight RBIs during a six-game hitting streak.