Citi Field, Flushing, Queens, New York
First pitch: 7:10 p.m. EDT
TV: SNY / Padres.TV (SDPA)
Probable starters:
LHP Robbie Ray (Padres, 10-7, 3.28 ERA, 1.33 WHIP, 113 K in 131.2 IP) vs. LHP Zac (Zach) Thornton (Mets, 3-3, 2.78 ERA, 1.10 WHIP, 29 K in 45.1 IP).
This is Game 2 of a three-game series. The Mets took the opener 2-1 on Monday behind strong outfield defense (multiple runners thrown out at the plate) and held on despite a late Padres push. San Diego entered the series tied with Philadelphia for the final two NL wild-card spots and has been one of baseball’s hottest teams since late July (17-5 stretch at one point). The Mets sit last in the NL East but have won 10 of 13 since the trade deadline and ride a four-game home winning streak.
Venue & Weather
Citi Field is a relatively neutral-to-pitcher-friendly park that can suppress offense, especially with wind factors. Dimensions favor pitchers in many matchups. Forecast for first pitch: Partly sunny to mostly sunny after possible early showers, high near 81–90°F, northwest winds around 5–8 mph, low precipitation chance by evening (0–20% later). Humid conditions possible earlier; overall playable with minimal delay risk. Overnight lows in the low 70s.
Injury Reports
Padres:
RP Nick Pivetta (60-day IL, forearm/elbow) – expected ~Sept. 4 or later.
RP Jason Adam (60-day IL, shoulder) – expected ~Sept. 4.
DH/OF Miguel Andujar (10-day IL, wrist) – expected ~Sept. 4.
OF Samad Taylor (10-day IL, oblique) – expected ~Aug. 23.
SP Joe Musgrove (60-day IL, elbow – Tommy John recovery) – rehab progressing.
SP Lucas Giolito (15-day IL, elbow) – expected late August.
OF Ramón Laureano (60-day IL, hip) – longer-term.
RP Bryan Hoeing (60-day IL, elbow) – out for season.
Mets:
OF Juan Soto (10-day IL, calf) – expected ~Sept. 1.
1B/3B Mark Vientos (10-day IL, hand) – expected ~Sept. 4.
RP Devin Williams (15-day IL, shoulder) – expected ~Sept. 4.
RP Austin Warren (15-day IL, forearm) – day-to-day/near return.
RP Cionel Pérez (15-day IL, forearm) – expected ~Sept. 1.
SP Justin Hagenman (60-day IL, ribs) – expected ~Aug. 19.
Longer-term: RP Reed Garrett and SP Tylor Megill (elbows).
Both clubs are missing key contributors, thinning benches and bullpens.
Current Rosters / Key Contributors
Padres key players: RF Fernando Tatis Jr. (.279 range, multi-tool threat), 3B Manny Machado (power leader ~23 HR), CF Jackson Merrill (recent hot stretch with power), 2B Jake Cronenworth, SS Xander Bogaerts, 1B Ty France, C Luis Campusano, OF Gavin Sheets / Luis Rengifo. Rotation includes Ray (acquired at deadline), Michael King, Walker Buehler; bullpen depth tested but capable.
Mets key players: SS Francisco Lindor, 3B Bo Bichette (hot recently), RF Carson Benge (strong defense and production), CF Luis Robert Jr., OF A.J. Ewing, 2B Marcus Semien, C Francisco Alvarez, 1B/INF Christopher Morel (recent call-up). Rotation features Thornton and Nolan McLean; bullpen includes recent additions and Daniel Duarte.
Recent Team Forms
Padres (last 10: 7-3): Excellent stretch overall (strong run prevention and timely hitting). Road record 30-33; they score when collecting 8+ hits (42-17). Monday’s loss was tight and defensive-driven.
Mets (last 10: 7-3): Surging post-deadline with improved defense and timely offense. Home record 29-34; strong when limiting home runs. Four-game home win streak entering Tuesday.
Key Player vs. Player Matchups & Pitcher Notes
Ray vs. Mets: Veteran lefty with solid career numbers vs. New York (historically competitive). Walk rate elevated this year; recent form mixed after deadline move but has quality starts mixed in. Faces a Mets lineup with lefty-friendly bats (Bichette, Robert, etc.). Key threats: Lindor, Bichette, Benge.
Thornton vs. Padres: Rookie lefty with strong early ERA/WHIP in limited innings (quality starts frequent). First career look at San Diego. Induces weak contact; Padres’ power (Machado, Tatis, Merrill) will challenge him. Home park helps.
Bullpens: Both sides have been effective recently; Mets’ late innings held firm Monday.
Series History
Mets lead the 2026 season series 3-1 (including Monday’s 2-1 win). Prior June meetings in San Diego were split with New York taking two of three. Competitive interleague-style NL matchups often feature tight, low-scoring games at Citi Field.
Betting Trends
Padres strong as slight favorites and in higher-hit games. Mets covering as home underdogs recently and strong in low-scoring home wins. Monday went Under. Public has leaned toward the hotter Padres side.
Game Odds
San Diego Padres – 110
New York Mets 8.5
Odds Courtesy of Sports Odds Direct as of Monday, August 17, 2026
