The New York Mets (19-21) are ready to square off against Aaron Nola and the Philadelphia Phillies (29-13) in a rare Tuesday afternoon game.
Aaron Nola has been great for the Phillies this year after a rough first outing against the Braves. Over his first 8 starts he holds a 3.67 ERA with 47 strikeouts and a WHIP of 1.20. In the month of April, Nola only gave up 8 earned runs over 35 innings pitched and posted an ERA of 2.06. His last two starts however have been a little shaky with a combined ERA of 5.59 and 13 hits given up. Against the Mets Nola is 9-8 with an ERA of 3.40 and 190 strikeouts in 26 appearances.
José Buttó will get the start for the Mets as he looks to continue his successful season. In his first six appearances of the year Buttó holds an ERA of 3.00 with 34 strikeouts and a WHIP of 1.15. He has managed to pitch six innings in half of his starts this year and in the month of April posted an ERA of 2.86 and 25 strikeouts over 22 innings pitched. His numbers against the Phillies are not great with an ERA of 8.36 in three appearances, but has drastically improved this year as he will look to find success against the Phillies this afternoon.
Pete Alonso and J.D. Martinez have come alive over the last seven days. Pete is currently slashing .400/.455/1.205 over this stretch with six runs batted in. Martinez slashing .350/.381/.981 with four RBIs in the last seven days. With these two at the middle of the order and Lindor/Nimmo coming up with timely hits it seems that the first half of the Mets lineup is starting to come together. The only question is with Francisco Alvarez not being in the lineup who will be the one to step up in the bottom half of the order?