As it turns out, the Mets season was not over after the first week of the year. After dropping their first five games, the Amazins have been on an absolute tear. Carlos Mendoza’s squad are winners of 10 of their last 13 games including impressive performances against tough opponents — including the Atlanta Braves.
However, their hot streak is running into arguably the biggest test in baseball as they are set to take on the star-studded Los Angeles Dodgers — led by Mookie Betts and Shohei Ohtani — for three games in Chavez Ravine.
And they will have a front-row seat to what they missed out on in free agency as Yoshinobu Yamamoto is amongst the scheduled starters.
Here’s a preview of what to watch for during the Mets weekend in Los Angeles:
PITCHING MATCHUPS
FRIDAY 10:10 p.m.: Sean Manaea vs. Yoshinobu Yamamoto
Up until his last start, Manaea had the Mets’ faithful buzzing with his stellar performance. However, his last start against the Kansas City Royals left something to be desired entering this weekend. The southpaw surrendered 6 runs over 3.2 innings ballooning his ERA to 4.50. Manaea will look to get back on track Friday, however, the Dodgers lineup is arguably the most difficult to navigate in baseball and the man toeing off against him is a familiar yet unfamiliar face,
Yamamoto — the Amazin’s top target in free agency this past winter — will face the Mets for the first time in his career. The Japanese native’s results have been mostly mixed to start his major league career as his ERA also sits at 4.50. He surrendered three runs over five innings of work in his last start after twirling two scoreless outings.
SATURDAY 4:05 p.m.: Jose Butto vs. Gavin Stone
Butto has arguably been the most impressive pitcher on Mendoza’s staff. The right-hander has struck out 15 batters in 12 innings will recording an ERA of 0.75. However, the 24-year-old will have to navigate a different caliber of lineup this time around.
Stone has struggled to start the season allowing 10 earned runs over 14.2 innings pitched. The red-hot Mets will need to take advantage of this pitching advantage.
SUNDAY 4:10 p.m.: Adrian Houser vs. James Paxton
Houser hasn’t gotten off to the best start in a Mets uniform owning a 4.70 ERA. The veteran has also struggled mightily against the Dodgers in his career as he has pitched to a 9.39 ERA against them in two career starts.
Paxton was a flier for the Dodgers in the offseason and the southpaw has been incredibly effective. The veteran carries his sparkling 2.87 ERA into Sunday’s start against the Mets for his fourth start of the season.
KEY PLAYERS
Tyrone Taylor
Taylor has been a revelation for the Mets. In 15 games this season, the 30-year-old is slashing .341/.378/.463 with one homer and 10 RBI. The former Brewer has played all three outfield positions and has hit everywhere but second and third in the lineup.
Taylor’s hot play remains something to keep an eye on as if it is somewhat sustainable, the Mets could have an incredibly valuable piece on their hands.
Francisco Lindor
It’s time for the Mets’ star to get going. Lindor has been atrocious at the plate to start the season going 11-for-73 to start the season. A big series against the World Series favorites could be the momentum boost needed for the four-time All-Star.
Francisco Alvarez
Alvarez is another key contributor off to a slow start — which makes this recent hot streak that much more impressive. The backstop is slashing .241/.293/.370 with just one homer.
The 22-year-old is an integral part of the Mets’ future and a power surge in Los Angeles may be required if the club want to keep their momentum alive.
