Here are five things to watch and predictions as the Mets and Mariners play a three-game series at Citi Field starting on Friday at 7:10 p.m. on SNY.
5 things to watch
Nolan McLean's debut
Following a rough stretch from Frankie Montas, the Mets shifted him to the bullpen and are turning to McLean, who will make his major league debut on Saturday.
The 24-year-old right-hander, who features an elite sweeper and mid-90s fastball that will touch 97 mph, was tremendous this season for Double-A Binghamton and Triple-A Syracuse.
In 113.2 innings, McLean had a 2.45 ERA and 1.12 WHIP with 127 strikeouts — a rate of 10.1 K's per nine.
He tossed 109.2 innings last season, meaning he should have plenty left in the tank down the stretch if the Mets give him a long look in the rotation — which manager Carlos Mendozahinted is likely.
The No. 4 prospect in New York's farm system on SNY contributor Joe DeMayo's latest Top 30 list, McLean got the call before fellow right-hander Brandon Sproat, though Sproat could possibly be called on down the stretch.
How will Clay Holmes fare?
Holmes had a short outing his last time out, making it through just 3.2 innings while allowing five runs.
It was Holmes' second start out of three where he tossed only 3.2 frames, with his other most recent start being a 5.0 inning performance where he was sharp — Holmes gave up two runs on three hits while walking one and striking out six in that one
Holmes has thrown 126.0 innings this season as he pitches far beyond his previous high for innings during what is his first season transitioning from reliever to starter.
Still, when asked before Thursday's game whether the Mets were paying closer attention to Holmes' workload, Mendoza said no, adding that the expectation is that he's going to remain in the rotation.
In a world where New York decides to eventually slide Holmes to the 'pen for the rest of the season, it could make sense to wait until Sept. 1 to do it.
The Helter Skelter Fab Four
With the Mets having Beatles Night on Friday, it seemed fitting to work two puns into this section.
The quartet of Francisco Lindor, Juan Soto, Pete Alonso, and Brandon Nimmo — who were in a collective slump recently — have all started to come out of it.
Alonso has three homers and seven RBI over the last week, Soto has four homers in his last 12 games (and has hit safely in 11 of those contests), Nimmo had a pair of hits on Tuesday and reached base twice on Wednesday, and Lindor broke a long hitless streak on Wednesday as he reached base four times (two hits, two walks). He then went 3-for-4 with a homer, two singles, a stolen base, and two RBI on Thursday.
New York is getting more contributions from the catcher spot (Francisco Alvarez has been hot since returning from Triple-A) than they were earlier this season, taking a bit of pressure off the top four guys.
But the Mets still need their big boppers to step up if they hope to get where they want to go.
The Mariners have been red hot
The M's are 10-3 over their last 13 games, though they were knocked down a peg the last two days as they lost to the Orioles twice.
Still, Seattle is right there with the Astros for first place in the AL West, and have one of the most well-rounded teams in baseball.
Their offense added Eugenio Suarez at the deadline, and also features home run monster Cal Raleigh, Julio Rodriguez, Randy Arozarena, and Josh Naylor.
The Mariners' bullpen is led by closer Andres Munoz, who has a 1.34 ERA and 1.00 WHIP with 60 strikeouts in 47.0 innings this season.
As far as the rotation…
Seattle's starting rotation is outrageously good
The Mariners have one of the best starting staffs in baseball, and the Mets will get three of their four best this weekend.
Luis Castillo, who starts the series-opener, has a 3.19 ERA and 1.19 WHIP with 120 strikeouts in 138.1 innings.
Bryan Woo, getting the ball on Saturday, flirted with a no-hitter against the Yankees back on July 10. Overall this season, he has a 3.08 ERA and 0.95 WHIP with 145 strikeouts in 146 innings.
Starting the final game of the series will be George Kirby, who has some of the best command in the sport. Kirby has a 3.71 ERA and 1.07 WHIP, walking just 20 batters in 85.0 innings. His career walk rate is 1.3 per nine.
Predictions
Who will the MVP of the series be?
Francisco Lindor
Lindor looks to have righted the ship.
Which Mets pitcher will have the best start?
Sean Manaea
Manaea will rebound after a start to forget his last time out.
Which Mariners player will be a thorn in the Mets' side?
Eugenio Suarez
Suarez has just one homer since the M's traded for him. He's been too quiet.
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