MLB Game Preview: Cincinnati Reds (28-25) vs. New York Mets (22-32)

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New York Mets logo

First Pitch: 7:10 PM ET

Venue: Citi Field — Queens, New York

Probable Pitchers: RHP Corbin Burns (CIN) vs. TBD RHP (NYM)

Venue Profile — Citi Field

  • Location: Flushing Meadows, Queens
  • Dimensions: LF 335 ft, CF 408 ft, RF 330 ft
  • Park Factor: Slightly pitcher-friendly, especially at night
  • Surface: Kentucky bluegrass
  • Notes:
    • Deep right-center alley suppresses HRs.
    • Wind patterns often swirl, affecting fly-ball carry.

Weather Forecast

  • Temperature: 68–71°F at first pitch
  • Wind: 9–12 mph blowing in from right-center
  • Humidity: 60%
  • Precipitation: <10%
  • Impact:
    • Home run suppression, especially to RF.
    • Favors elite command pitchers like Burns.
    • Run environment leans under unless bullpens collapse.

Injury Report

Cincinnati Reds

  • Matt McLain — 60‑day IL (shoulder)
  • TJ Friedl — 10‑day IL (hamstring)
  • Nick Lodolo — Day-to-day (back)
  • Alexis Díaz — 15‑day IL (forearm)

New York Mets

  • Francisco Lindor — Day-to-day (ankle)
  • Pete Alonso — 10‑day IL (wrist)
  • Kodai Senga — 60‑day IL (shoulder)
  • Brooks Raley — 15‑day IL (elbow)

Team Records & Recent Form

Cincinnati Reds (28–25)

  • Last 10: 6–4
  • Road Record: 13–13
  • Run Differential: +12
  • Trend: Burns stabilizing rotation; offense streaky but dangerous.

New York Mets (22–32)

  • Last 10: 3–7
  • Home Record: 11–16
  • Run Differential: –45
  • Trend: Injuries + inconsistent pitching = prolonged slump.

Pitching Matchup Breakdown

CIN — RHP Corbin Burns

  • 2026 Stats: 3.21 ERA | 1.09 WHIP | 10.2 K/9
  • Profile:
    • Cutter remains elite; generates weak contact.
    • Curveball usage up; swing-and-miss pitch vs. LHB.
    • Excellent road numbers (career trend).
  • Matchup Notes:
    • Mets missing Alonso + Lindor limited = huge advantage.
    • Citi Field + wind in = perfect environment for Burns’ fly-ball tendencies.

NYM — TBD RHP (Assumed League-Average Profile)

  • Projected Profile:
    • 4.20–4.60 ERA range
    • Fastball/slider mix
    • Vulnerable to LHB power
  • Matchup Notes:
    • Reds’ left-handed bats (Steer, Benson, Fraley) match up well.
    • Cincinnati ranks top‑10 in MLB in hard-hit rate vs. RHP sliders.

Key Player Matchups

Reds Hitters vs. Mets Pitching

  • Elly De La Cruz: Speed + power; Citi Field’s gaps suit him.
  • Spencer Steer: Excellent vs. RHP; doubles machine.
  • Christian Encarnacion-Strand: HR threat even with wind in.

Mets Hitters vs. Burns

  • Brandon Nimmo: Best matchup; patient LHB who handles cutters.
  • Jeff McNeil: Contact bat but limited power vs. Burns’ movement.
  • Starling Marte: Struggles vs. elite spin; tough matchup.

Series History

  • 2025 Season: Mets won 4–3.
  • 2026 Season (so far): First meeting.
  • At Citi Field (last 3 years): Mets 8–6.
  • Trend: Historically competitive, but current Mets roster is depleted.

Betting Trends

Cincinnati Reds

  • 6–1 in last 7 Burns starts
  • Under is 7–3 in last 10 road games
  • Reds 8–3 in last 11 vs. losing teams

New York Mets

  • 2–8 in last 10 overall
  • Under is 6–2 in last 8 home games
  • Mets 1–7 in last 8 vs. teams above .500

Head-to-Head

  • Under is 5–2 in last 7 meetings
  • Road team is 4–1 in last 5

Game Odds

Cincinnati Reds                 – 118

New York Mets                 7.5

Odds Courtesy of Sports Odds Direct as of Monday, May 25, 2026