Citi Field in Flushing, Queens, New York.
First pitch scheduled for approximately 4:10 p.m. ET (some listings note evening window around 8:10 p.m. ET depending on broadcast; confirm final time).
Broadcast on SNY and NBCS-PH.
This is part of a four-game NL East series. The Mets won Friday 6-3 behind Juan Soto’s three-run homer and solid work from Zac Thornton, snapping a five-game losing streak. The Phillies remain tied with the Cubs and Padres at 85-69 for the three NL wild-card spots (five games ahead of Arizona). The Mets sit last in the division.
Starting Pitchers
Andrew Painter (RHP, Phillies): 3-9, 5.54 ERA, ~1.44 WHIP. Young right-hander who has struggled with consistency and elevated ERA in limited big-league work this season.
Christian Scott (RHP, Mets): 4-5, 3.76 ERA, ~1.26 WHIP. More effective overall with better command and results; holds a clear edge in the matchup on paper.
Both are right-handers. Scott’s superior ERA and peripherals give the Mets a pitching advantage in this rivalry game.
Venue and Weather
Citi Field is a generally pitcher-friendly park with spacious outfield dimensions that can suppress home runs, though wind and conditions matter. Forecast: partly cloudy to cloudy, high near 71°F, light east/northeast winds around 5-9 mph, very low precipitation chance (near 0-2% during game hours). Comfortable conditions with minimal weather impact expected.
Injury Reports
Phillies: Adolis García (lat, 60-day), Brad Keller (elbow), Caleb Kilian (oblique), Felix Reyes (wrist), Johan Rojas, Tanner Banks, and Jonathan Bowlan (groin, day-to-day/available considerations). Bullpen and outfield depth affected.
Mets: Jorge Polanco (ankle, 60-day), Jared Young (concussion/head), Devin Williams (shoulder, potentially nearing return), Cionel Pérez (forearm), Tylor Megill, and others. Core bats like Soto and Lindor available; some bullpen uncertainty.
Projected/Recent Lineups
Phillies: Kyle Schwarber, Trea Turner, Bryce Harper, Luis Arraez or similar, J.T. Realmuto, Bryson Stott, Edmundo Sosa, and supporting pieces (Hill, etc.). Schwarber leads with 45 HR and strong RBI production; Harper and Turner provide contact/power balance.
Mets: Francisco Lindor, Juan Soto, Bo Bichette, Mark Vientos, Carson Benge, A.J. Ewing, and mix of others. Soto has been productive (recent multi-hit games and power); Lindor remains a catalyst.
Key Player vs. Player Matchups and Trends
Painter vs. Soto/Lindor/Bichette (Mets’ top hitters have shown ability to punish mistakes). Scott vs. Schwarber/Harper (Phillies’ power threats).
Season series has been competitive; Mets took Friday’s game, and head-to-head results are mixed across 2026 meetings (Phillies hold edges in some prior series).
Phillies rank better in overall pitching (team ERA ~3.98) and are fighting for a wild-card berth. Mets have more team home runs (191) but weaker record and home results (35-44).
Recent Team Forms
Phillies: 4-6 in last 10, 7-9 in September. Still in the thick of the wild-card race but inconsistent of late.
Mets: 4-6 in last 10, snapped a five-game skid Friday. Playing out the string in last place but capable of spoiler mode at home.
Betting Trends
Mets are slight home favorites despite inferior record, driven by the pitching matchup and Friday’s win. Rivalry games can produce tighter lines. Totals lean lower due to Citi Field factors. Phillies have been favored more often overall this season but are underdogs here.
Pitcher edge: Scott’s lower ERA and better command make him the stronger option against a Phillies lineup that can still mash.
Team edge: Phillies are the superior club and motivated for playoff positioning, but road struggles and Painter’s issues tilt the short-term matchup.
Environment: Mild, dry conditions at pitcher-friendly Citi Field favor lower scoring.
Other: Mets’ home win Friday and ability to jump on early leads; Phillies’ power potential (Schwarber) keeps them dangerous.
Game Odds
Philadelphia Phillies 8
New York Mets – 121
Odds Courtesy of Sports Odds Direct as of Friday, September 18, 2026
