MLB Game Preview: New York Yankees (27-17) vs. New York Mets (18-25)

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New York Mets logo

First Pitch: 7:10 PM ET

Television: YES Network / SNY / MLB Network (select markets)

The Subway Series returns to Queens with two teams heading in opposite directions. The Yankees (27–17) enter as one of the American League’s hottest clubs, while the Mets (18–25) continue to search for consistency amid injuries, bullpen volatility, and an offense that has struggled to produce in key moments. The pitching matchup is unusual and intriguing: the Yankees hand the ball to Drew Schittlier, a young right‑hander making his early‑career mark, while the Mets counter with Clay Holmes, who has transitioned from elite reliever to short‑stint starter/“opener” due to rotation injuries.

VENUE — CITI FIELD

  • Location: Queens, New York
  • Dimensions: 335 ft (LF), 408 ft (CF), 330 ft (RF)
  • Park Factor: Slightly pitcher‑friendly
  • Surface: Natural grass

Citi Field suppresses home runs to center and right‑center but rewards left‑handed pull hitters.

WEATHER REPORT — NEW YORK, NY

Forecast at First Pitch:

  • Temperature: 68°F
  • Wind: 10–13 mph blowing out to right field
  • Humidity: 57%
  • Chance of Rain: <10%
  • Conditions: Mildly hitter‑friendly for left‑handed power

Expect a slight boost for lefty bats like Soto, Rizzo, and Nimmo.

INJURY REPORT

New York Yankees

  • RF Juan Soto — Probable (forearm tightness) Expected to play; centerpiece of the Yankees’ offense.
  • 1B Anthony Rizzo — Probable (back) Expected to return to the lineup.
  • SP Gerrit Cole — Out (elbow) Rotation still adjusting without its ace.
  • RP Jonathan Loáisiga — Out (shoulder) Bullpen depth weakened.

New York Mets

  • SS Francisco Lindor — Probable (ankle) Expected to play; essential to Mets’ lineup.
  • 1B Pete Alonso — Out (wrist) Major loss to Mets’ power production.
  • SP Kodai Senga — Out (shoulder) Rotation stretched thin.
  • RP Edwin Díaz — Probable (fatigue) Expected to be available but workload monitored.

TEAM FORM & MOMENTUM

New York Yankees (27–17)

  • Last 10 Games: 7–3
  • Runs/Game: 5.0
  • Runs Allowed/Game: 4.1
  • Trend: Offense surging, rotation stabilizing, bullpen strong.
  • Identity: Power + plate discipline + deep lineup.

New York Mets (18–25)

  • Last 10 Games: 3–7
  • Runs/Game: 4.0
  • Runs Allowed/Game: 4.9
  • Trend: Inconsistent offense, bullpen volatility, rotation injuries.
  • Identity: Contact‑oriented lineup + shaky pitching depth.

STARTING PITCHER BREAKDOWN

Drew Schittlier — RHP, Yankees

  • 2026 Stats: 3.68 ERA, 1.22 WHIP, 41 K in 36 IP
  • Road ERA: 3.40
  • Pitch Mix: 4‑seam fastball, slider, curveball, changeup
  • Strengths: Swing‑and‑miss slider, strong vs. righties
  • Weaknesses: Command lapses, vulnerable to left‑handed power

Matchup Notes: The Mets’ left‑handed bats (Nimmo, McNeil, Vientos) must capitalize early before Schittlier settles in.

Clay Holmes — RHP, Mets

  • 2026 Stats: 3.95 ERA, 1.28 WHIP, 22 K in 20 IP
  • Role: Opener / short‑stint starter
  • Pitch Mix: Sinker, slider, sweeper
  • Strengths: Ground‑ball machine, elite movement
  • Weaknesses: Not stretched out, vulnerable to lefties, inconsistent command

Matchup Notes: Holmes likely goes 2–3 innings before the Mets turn to a taxed bullpen — a major concern vs. the Yankees’ deep lineup.

KEY PLAYER MATCHUPS

1. Juan Soto vs. Clay Holmes

Soto crushes sinkers and sliders — a nightmare matchup for Holmes. Advantage: Yankees

2. Francisco Lindor vs. Schittlier’s Slider

Lindor handles breaking balls well but has struggled vs. high‑spin sliders this season. Advantage: Yankees

3. Aaron Judge vs. Mets Bullpen

Judge has a massive platoon advantage vs. several Mets relievers. Advantage: Yankees

4. Brandon Nimmo vs. Schittlier’s Fastball

Nimmo’s on‑base skills are key to Mets’ run creation. Advantage: Even

SERIES HISTORY

  • 2025 Season: Yankees won 3–1
  • Last 10 Meetings: Yankees lead 6–4
  • At Citi Field: Yankees have won 4 of last 6

The Yankees have controlled the recent Subway Series, especially in Queens.

BETTING TRENDS

New York Yankees

  • 6–2 in last 8 road games
  • 5–1 in Schittlier’s last 6 starts
  • Overs hit in 4 of last 6 games

New York Mets

  • 2–7 in last 9 games
  • 1–4 in Holmes’ last 5 appearances
  • Unders hit in 3 of last 5 games

Matchup Trends

  • Yankees have scored 5+ runs in 7 of last 10 vs. Mets
  • Unders hit in 4 of last 6 meetings at Citi Field

Game Odds

New York Yankees           – 147

New York Mets                 7

Odds Courtesy of Sports Odds Direct as of Thursday, May 14, 2026