Game Preview: Nationals vs Mets

Yesterday was another lackluster day for the New York Mets, and today is the day that has been a mystery on the calendar for about half a week now. Last night the Mets got a solid start by Porcello, allowing 2 runs in 6.0 innings, and then three innings of scoreless relief from Hughes and Diaz. When you get pitching like that, you have to win. The Mets were only able to plate one of their 7 hits and 3 walkers and just looked lost when they had runners in scoring position.

A few days ago the Mets added Michael Wacha to the Injured List with no clear person to start tonight’s game, which will be some version of a bullpen game. Robert Gsellman was named today’s starter and he’ll probably be followed at some point by Walker Lockett. Gsellman has seen action in one game this season, allowing 1 hit in his only inning of work. Last year he was in 52 games, pitching 63.2 innings with a 4.66 ERA, 4.12 FIP, 1.366 WHIP and 87 ERA+. He did not enjoy pitching against the Nationals last year – allowing 8 runs over 8.0 innings over 9 games. The Nationals have the following numbers against him:

Yan Gomes 2-3
Michael A Taylor 5-8, HR, 2 K
Victor Robles 3-6, 2B, 3B
Josh Harrison 3-5, 2B
Juan Soto 1-3, 2B, BB, K
Howie Kendrick 3-8, 2B, BB, 3 K
Kurt Suzuki 4-12
Adam Eaton 2-6, K
Trea Turner 4-17, 2B, BB, 3 K
Starlin Castro 0-5, K

Anibal Sanchez gets the start for the Nationals tonight. Over his first two starts Anibal has allowed 9 runs from 16 hits (4 homers!) and 4 walks in 10.1 innings while striking out 11. Last season he made 30 starts and logged 166.0 innings posting a 3.85 ERA, 4.44 FIP, 1.271 WHIP and 118 ERA+. Against the Mets he made three starts, pitching 11.1 innings, and allowed 10 runs from 16 hits (3 homers) while walking 5 and striking out 7. The Mets have the following numbers against Sanchez: