MLB Game Preview: Philadelphia Phillies (76-55) vs. New York Mets (70-61)

Game Details

First pitch is scheduled for 7:10 p.m. EDT.

Betting Trends

• The Philadelphia and New York offenses combined for 16 runs in Monday’s series opener, setting up another high-scoring affair.
• The Mets pace MLB with a .364 wOBA and average 6.05 runs per game this month; the Phillies check in with a .343 wOBA and 5.04 runs per contest in August.

Key Storylines

• This marks the second of a three-game NL East set at Citi Field, with both clubs looking to seize momentum in the tight division race.
• Monday’s opener saw back-and-forth scoring as neither starter lasted into the sixth inning, highlighting a bullpen-driven tilt once again.
• Philadelphia has won three of five trips to Flushing this season, while New York aims to defend home turf and climb back into wild-card contention.

Players to Watch

Philadelphia Phillies

• Kyle Schwarber leads the Phillies with 45 home runs and a .570 slugging percentage, providing the big-hit ability to break open close games.
• Trea Turner has gone 21-for-47 with two doubles, two triples, two homers and nine RBI over his last ten games, heating up as the series shifts to New York.

New York Mets

• Juan Soto paces the Mets with 32 home runs and a .495 slugging percentage, anchoring a lineup that ranks among MLB’s most explosive at home.
• Francisco Lindor is 18-for-46 with four doubles, three homers and seven RBI in his last ten games, giving New York a dual-threat bat in the heart of the order.

Pitching Matchup

• Phillies: Left-hander Jesus Luzardo (12–6, 4.10 ERA, 1.30 WHIP, 170 strikeouts) takes the mound for his 19th start of the season.
• Mets: Southpaw Sean Manaea (1–2, 5.15 ERA, 1.12 WHIP, 45 strikeouts) makes his fifth start after a turbulent August stretch.

X-Factors

• Bullpen Depth: New York’s pen has posted a 4.66 ERA over its last ten games, while Philadelphia’s relief corps sits at 4.81 ERA over the same span.
• Citi Field’s short porch in right can turn hard contact into homers for left-handed power hitters on either side.
• Late-Inning Adjustments: Both managers have leaned on matchup arms early in the series, making situational substitutions key in a tight game.