One step forward. One step backwards. One step forward. One step backwards.
For a good portion of the Mets season, immediately after the Mets take a step forward – they take a step backwards back into their previous situation but with less time. A few days ago the Mets won and put themselves 1.5 games out of the wild card spot. Then they lost. Then they won again and put themselves 1.5 games out of the wild card. Then they lost. That was yesterday.
So like two days ago (and four days ago) the Mets find themselves in a must win game except now there are even less games remaining for the Mets to back themselves into the playoffs. At least the Mets have exactly the pitcher they would want to go tonight in this position. Jacob deGrom makes his 11th start tonight, looking to bounce back from his early (injury induced) exit his last time out. Over 56.0 innings this year he has a 2.09 ERA, 2.01 FIP, 0.929 WHIP and a 205 ERA+. Jacob left his last start due to a hamstring spasm after 2.0 innings, allowing 3 earned runs, the most earned runs he has allowed in a start this year. The Rays have the following numbers against him:
- Willy Adames 1-3, HR, K
- Hunter Renfroe 3-9, 2B, 2 HR, 2 K
- Kevin Kiermaier 2-6, 2B, 2 K
- Manuel Margot 2-9, 3B, 2 K
- Brett Phillips 0-2, BB
- Joey Wendle 0-3
- Mike Zunino 0-5, 3 K
The Mets draw Pete Fairbanks who is having a terrific year for the first place Rays – as a reliever. Pete has pitched in 24 games and only start, totaling 23.0 innings with a 2.74 ERA, 2.71 FIP, 1.435 WHIP and 156 ERA+. His only start this year happened on the 16th where he allowed 1 hit over an inning and that was on purpose. He then pitched an inning the next day. He has not faced anyone on the Mets roster in an official game.
Let’s Go Mets!
