Phillies and Mets Set for High-Stakes Showdown in National League East
The weekend brings a thrilling three-game series at Citizens Bank Park as two iconic National League East rivals, the Philadelphia Phillies and the New York Mets, clash in a pivotal contest. Both teams are freshly tied at the top of the division, adding extra excitement to an already tense matchup. Here’s a look at the current standings:
- New York Mets: 45-30
- Philadelphia Phillies: 45-30
- Atlanta Braves: 34-39 (10 GB)
- Washington Nationals: 31-44 (14 GB)
- Miami Marlins: 29-44 (15 GB)
The Mets currently have the advantage due to their 3-0 record against the Phillies this season, thanks to a sweep in April. With the playoff field expanded to 12 teams, tiebreaker games are a thing of the past. Now, head-to-head records determine playoff positions if teams are tied at the season’s end. Accordingly, SportsLine favors both teams to enter the playoffs, giving the Mets an 85.9% chance and the Phillies a 91.6% chance. However, final rankings remain crucial, as the NL East winner could secure a precious first-round bye in the playoffs.
This race for the division title is intense, and every game holds significant weight. Here’s a glance at the starting pitchers for the series:
| Date | Time | Starting Pitchers | TV |
|---|---|---|---|
| Fri., June 20 | 7:15 p.m. ET | RHP Blake Tidwell (0-1, 14.73) vs. Zack Wheeler (7-2, 2.76 ERA) | Apple TV+ |
| Sat., June 21 | 7:15 p.m. ET | RHP Griffin Canning (6-3, 3.80 ERA) vs. Mick Abel (2-0, 2.21 ERA) | FOX |
| Sun., June 22 | 7:10 p.m. ET | LHP David Peterson (5-2, 2.60 ERA) vs. LHP Jesús Luzardo (6-3, 4.41 ERA) | ESPN |
Friday’s opening game could see a lopsided pitching duel, with Wheeler, a Cy Young candidate, facing rookie Tidwell, who is making just his second MLB start after being recalled from Triple-A. Tidwell steps in for Tylor Megill, sidelined with a throwing elbow injury, while the Mets also cope without Kodai Senga, Sean Manaea, and Frankie Montas due to injuries. DraftKings favors the Phillies in the opener and over the series.
As for team momentum, the Phillies head into the series riding high, winning eight of their last ten games, including impressive victories over the Cubs, Blue Jays, and Marlins. Conversely, the Mets have stumbled, arriving on a six-game losing streak after sweeps by the Rays and a previously struggling Braves team. During this slump, the Mets were outscored 41-14, marking their longest losing streak since June 2023, a stark contrast from their prior top spot in MLB.
This series kicks off a challenging stretch for the Phillies, with 18 of the next 21 games against competitive teams, and the Mets series serves as their gateway into these crucial matchups. Juan Soto is finding his groove again after a hard start to his season with the Mets. Recently, he’s been hitting .310/.481/.621, showcasing the talent that led to his blockbuster $765 million deal. His resurgence could be pivotal as the Mets seek to rebound this weekend.
As the series progresses, the Phillies will hope Jesús Luzardo can regain form. Acquired in a major trade with Miami, Luzardo has faced recent struggles, surrendering 25 runs across 16 ⅔ innings over his last four starts. However, the Mets have performed worse against lefties, providing a possible advantage for Luzardo.
After this series, fans will have to wait until late August for another showdown between these rivals, with only four more games on the schedule in September. Given the stakes, each game could influence the division’s ultimate outcome. Predictions favor the Phillies to secure two wins, with Luzardo delivering a strong performance in the finale.