First Pitch is scheduled for 7:10 p.m. ET (4:10 p.m. MST)
Venue: Citi Field, Flushing, Queens, New York (Mets home game
)This evening rubber match concludes a three-game interleague series between two NL clubs battling for early momentum. The Diamondbacks sit second in the NL West, while the Mets hold third in the NL East. After splitting the first two games (Mets won Game 1 in 10 innings, 4-3; Diamondbacks took Game 2, 7-2), pitching and timely hitting in cool Citi Field conditions will decide the series winner.
Weather Updates
Citi Field is an open-air ballpark. Game-time forecast in Queens calls for cool temperatures around 44-52°F with light winds (variable, 5-10 mph) and partly cloudy skies. No precipitation is expected and no delays are anticipated. The brisk early-season air will suppress ball carry slightly, favoring pitchers and keeping the total in check.
Injury Report
Arizona Diamondbacks (key absences):
Pavin Smith (1B) – 10-Day IL
Merrill Kelly (SP) – 15-Day IL
Carlos Santana (1B) – 10-Day IL
Lourdes Gurriel Jr. (LF) – 10-Day IL (knee)
Tyler Locklear (1B) – 10-Day IL
Jordan Lawlar (INF) – 10-Day IL (wrist)
The D-backs are thin at first base and in the outfield, putting pressure on depth players and the lineup’s middle-order production.
New York Mets (key absences):
Juan Soto (RF) – 10-Day IL (calf)
A.J. Minter (RP) – 15-Day IL (lat)
Dedniel Núñez (RP) – 60-Day IL (elbow)
Tylor Megill (SP) – 60-Day IL (elbow)
Brandon Waddell (RP) – 7-Day IL
Soto’s absence is the biggest blow to the Mets’ lineup power and on-base ability; the bullpen is also stretched.
Player Matchups & Starting Pitchers
Eduardo Rodriguez (LHP, ARI) vs. Nolan McLean (RHP, NYM)
Rodriguez (0-0, 0.00 ERA, 0.92 WHIP, 8 K in limited IP): The veteran lefty has been dominant early, posting a shutout ERA and excellent control. His changeup and slider play well against right-handed lineups, and he thrives in cooler weather that limits hard contact.
McLean (1-0, 2.61 ERA, 0.87 WHIP, 12 K): The young right-hander brings elite strikeout stuff and has looked sharp in his first start-plus. He relies on a lively fastball and breaking ball but can be vulnerable to lefty bats if command slips. Citi Field’s dimensions should help him.
Key Offensive Matchups
Diamondbacks threats: Corbin Carroll (hot with extra-base hits recently) and Ketel Marte provide speed and contact; the lineup has shown pop but ranks middling in runs scored.
Mets threats: Francisco Lindor, Mark Vientos, and the heart of the order remain dangerous despite Soto’s absence; New York ranks higher in runs per game but has been inconsistent vs. lefties.
Team Records & Recent Forms
Diamondbacks (6-6, 1-4 on the road): Second in NL West. They are 5-5 in their last 10 and snapped a skid with Wednesday’s 7-2 road win behind strong offense. Bullpen has been serviceable, but road woes persist.
Mets (7-5, 3-2 at home): Third in NL East. They are 6-4 in their last 10 but saw a four-game win streak end with Wednesday’s loss. Home pitching remains solid, and the offense has been efficient when clicking.
Series History
The 2026 season series is tied 1-1. Historically, the all-time series is nearly even (Diamondbacks hold a slight edge overall), but recent matchups at Citi Field have been competitive and low-scoring. The Mets have owned extra-inning games lately, while Arizona has shown resilience on the road.
Betting Trends
Mets are 3-2 ATS at home; Diamondbacks are 1-4 ATS on the road but covered in Wednesday’s win. Totals have stayed under in cool-weather games, and both starters’ peripherals support run suppression.
Game Odds
Arizona Diamondbacks 7
New York Mets – 168
Odds Courtesy of Sports Odds Direct as of Wednesday, April 8, 2026
