The New York Mets begin the second half of the season with a six game homestand that starts against the Los Angeles Dodgers on Friday at 7:10 p.m. at Citi Field.
A disappointing season up to this point, the Mets ended the first on a high note as they won six of their last eight games leading up to the All-Star Break. New York won series against the San Francisco Giants and Arizona Diamondbacks before dropping two out of three against the San Diego Padres.
Los Angeles also finished strong as it won four straight and scored 21 runs in its final two games before the All-Star Break.
Will the Mets make a second half push or can the Dodgers overtake the Diamondbacks for the division lead in the NL West? Here are my picks and predictions for this three game set in Queens this weekend.
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Friday, 7:10 p.m.: Justin Verlander (3-4, 3.60) vs. Julio Urias (6-5, 4.76)
It was an off outing for Verlander in his last start of the first half. While he allowed two earned runs in six innings, the 40-year-old had more walks (3) than strikeouts (2). It’s only the second time this season that’s happened and the two punch outs are tied for a season-low in 2023. While he’s won just one start since May 27, Verlander has surrendered two or fewer runs in five of seven appearances since June. The good news is the 2011 MVP has been much better at home than on the road this season. Verlander is 2-2 with a 2.19 ERA in 37 innings at Citi Field compared to a 1-2 record with a 6.18 ERA in 33 innings when not pitching in Queens.
It’s been a down season for Urias. After going 17-7 in 31 starts with a 3.71 ERA and finishing third in the NL Cy Young voting last year, he’s on pace for a career-high in ERA and his fewest wins since he became a full-time starter. Urias has made only two starts since May 18 as he missed nearly two months due to a hamstring strain. The 26-year-old has struggled especially on the road. In six starts, Urias…
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