Phillies at Mets
The Philadelphia Phillies and the New York Mets are both trying to stay in the wild-card race in the National League while dealing with some struggles at the back end of the bullpen. The Phillies will try to avoid another bullpen letdown and even the series at one win apiece when they visit the Mets on Saturday.
Philadelphia gave up late runs in each of the last three games - all losses - and sits tied with the Mets, four games behind the Chicago Cubs in the race for the second NL wild card. Phillies right-hander Nick Vincent gave up a walk-off home run in a 4-3 loss at Cincinnati on Thursday and failed to record an out again Friday, when he came on with two runners on in the bottom of the ninth and hit a batter to load the bases before walking Pete Alonso to force in the winning run. The Mets only needed a rally in the bottom of the ninth on Friday because embattled closer Edwin Diaz came on in the top of the frame and surrendered a game-tying two-run homer to Philadelphia catcher J.T. Realmuto - the 31st home run surrendered in the ninth by New York this season. Phillies left-hander Drew Smyly and New York righty Marcus Stroman will try to keep the ball away from their respective bullpens when they square off on Saturday.
TV: 7:10 p.m. ET, Fox Sports 1, NBCS Philadelphia, SNY (New York)
PITCHING MATCHUP: Phillies LH Drew Smyly (3-6, 6.65 ERA) vs. Mets RH Marcus Stroman (7-12, 3.28)
Smyly owns a 4.57 ERA in eight starts since joining Philadelphia and earned a win at Cincinnati on Monday while allowing one run and four hits in 5 1/3 innings. The 30-year-old, who was designated for assignment by Texas before catching on with the Phillies, failed to complete six innings in any of his last six outings. Smyly spent most of his career in the American League and is making his second appearance against New York.
Stroman turned in his first quality start in six chances since joining the Mets prior to the trade deadline when he held Philadelphia to two runs and seven hits in six innings on Sunday. The Duke product posted a 2.96 ERA in 21 starts with Toronto but is sitting at 4.55 in six starts for the Mets. Stroman was held out of the decision on Sunday after watching the New York bullpen allow three runs in the final two innings.
WALK-OFFS
1. Phillies RF Bryce Harper (hand contusion) left Friday's game after being hit by a pitch and is day-to-day.
2. Mets INF Jed Lowrie (leg) is on a rehab assignment with short-season Class A Brooklyn and could return before the end of the regular season.
3. Realmuto is 7-for-17 with three homers in his last four contests.