Matchday: Friday, June 13, 2025
First Pitch: 7:10 PM ET
Venue: Citi Field, Queens, NY
Broadcast: MLB Network, SNY, Bally Sports Sun
Overview: Rays vs. Mets – Interleague Battle in Queens
The New York Mets (45-24) host the Tampa Bay Rays (36-32) in the first game of a three-game series at Citi Field. The Mets enter the matchup riding a six-game winning streak, including a series sweep over the Washington Nationals, while the Rays had a travel day Thursday after splitting their last series.
New York has been dominant at home, boasting a 27-7 record at Citi Field, while Tampa Bay has been solid on the road (13-12).
New York Mets: Home Dominance & Power Hitting
The Mets have been one of the most consistent teams in MLB, ranking third in batting average (.260) and fourth in slugging percentage (.443). Their lineup features power hitters like Pete Alonso and Juan Soto, who have combined for 30 home runs this season.
Key Players to Watch:
- Pete Alonso – .298 AVG, 17 HR, 21 doubles; leads Mets in slugging
- Juan Soto – .252 AVG, 13 HR, 55 walks; elite plate discipline
- Francisco Lindor – .282 AVG, 14 HR, 12 doubles
Starting Pitcher:
- Clay Holmes (5-2, 3.45 ERA, 62 K) – Mets’ reliable starter looking to extend their winning streak
Injury Report:
- Out: Kodai Senga (shoulder), Edwin Díaz (elbow), Starling Marte (quad)
Tampa Bay Rays: Seeking Road Upset
The Rays have been competitive but inconsistent, going 6-4 in their last 10 games. Their offense has been powered by Junior Caminero, who leads the team with 15 home runs and 41 RBIs.
Key Players to Watch:
- Junior Caminero – .271 AVG, 15 HR, 15 doubles; Rays’ top slugger
- Yandy Díaz – .256 AVG, 10 HR, 13 doubles; key run producer
- Jonathan Aranda – .314 AVG; Rays’ most consistent hitter
Starting Pitcher:
- Taj Bradley (4-3, 4.12 ERA, 58 K) – Young right-hander looking to contain the Mets’ offense
Injury Report:
- Out: Shane McClanahan (triceps), Ha-Seong Kim (shoulder), Richie Palacios (knee)
Head-to-Head: Mets vs. Rays
- Season Series: First meeting of 2025
- Last Meeting: Mets won 2-1 (September 2024)
- At Citi Field: Mets are 27-7 at home
Tactical Breakdown & Prediction
The Mets will look to capitalize on their home-field advantage, relying on Holmes’ pitching and their power-hitting lineup. The Rays, meanwhile, must find ways to manufacture runs and avoid falling behind early.
Game Odds
Tampa Bay Rays 8
New York Mets – 167
Odds Courtesy of Sports Odds Direct as of Thursday, June 12, 2025
