Marlins at Mets (Game 2)
The New York Mets surprised some by buying instead of selling in front of the trade deadline and the team is rewarding its front office's faith by bashing its way into wild card contention in the National League. The Mets can jump above .500 with a strong showing when they host the Miami Marlins in a straight doubleheader on Monday.
New York was nine games under .500 after a loss to the San Diego Padres on July 24 but has since won nine of 10, capped by a 13-2 triumph over Pittsburgh on Sunday, to pull to 55-56 and within shouting distance of a wild card spot. "I think the biggest goal right now is getting back to .500," Mets outfielder J.D. Davis, who homered and drove in three on Sunday, told reporters. "I think it would be a huge thing, especially with the hole that we dug ourselves into. And after we accomplish that goal, we can start looking to more of getting into the playoffs and winning series that we're supposed to win. But right now, we're just enjoying it." The Marlins (42-67) own the worst record in the NL and are losers of four of five after beginning a six-game road trip with a pair of losses at Tampa Bay over the weekend. New York will send right-handers Jacob deGrom and Walker Lockett to the mound on Monday while Miami counters with righties Sandy Alcantara and Robert Dugger.
TV: 7:40 p.m. ET, FS Florida (Miami), SNY (New York)
PITCHING MATCHUP: Marlins RH Robert Dugger (NA) vs. Mets RH Walker Lockett (1-1, 7.82 ERA)
Dugger is expected to make his major league debut after joining the team on Sunday. "It's what you always dream about," Duggar told reporters. "I always wanted to be a Major League baseball player, and the time has come. It's just ... I don't even really have any words for it. I'm numb, I'm anxious to get out there and pitch and just get those nerves out." Dugger went 8-9 with a 5.33 ERA across two levels of the minors this season, most recently posting a 9.34 ERA in seven starts at Triple-A New Orleans.
Lockett is expected to be recalled to make the start in the nightcap, which will mark his fourth major-league outing of the season. The 25-year-old earned his first career win in his last outing, scattering one run and five hits over five innings while striking out five at San Francisco on July 20. Lockett is 3-2 with a 4.00 ERA in 11 games - 10 starts - across two levels of the minors this season.
WALK-OFFS
1. Mets 2B Robinson Cano suffered a strained left hamstring Sunday and is scheduled for an MRI on Monday.
2. Miami INF Neil Walker (finger) sat out Sunday and is day-to-day.
3. New York OF/INF Jeff McNeil is 6-for-13 with eight runs scored in the last four games.