Venue: Citi Field, Flushing, Queens, New York
First pitch: 1:10 p.m. ET
TV: Padres.TV / SNY (regional)
This interleague matchup features the second-place NL West Padres against the fifth-place NL East Mets. The series is knotted after the Mets’ win on Monday and the Padres’ 5-2 victory on Tuesday (powered by two home runs from Fernando Tatis Jr.). It is the sixth meeting of the season, with the Mets holding a 3-2 edge overall.
Probable Starting Pitchers
Padres: RHP Michael King (8-8, 3.41 ERA, 1.19 WHIP, 124 K in 142.1 IP). Solid, consistent starter who has logged significant innings; coming off recent quality outings with strong strikeout rates.
Mets: RHP Robert Stock (0-2, 6.57 ERA, 1.86 WHIP, 13 K in 12.1 IP). Limited major-league experience this season with elevated ERA and WHIP in a small sample; looking to keep the game close in a spot start.
King holds a clear edge in experience, innings, command, and overall effectiveness.
Current Weather Forecast (Citi Field)
Mostly sunny and warm/hot with highs in the upper 80s°F (around 87–88°F). Game-time temperatures expected in the mid-to-upper 80s°F, lower humidity, light winds (southwest/west around 5–7 mph). Very low precipitation chance (near 0–1%). Excellent conditions for an afternoon game.
Injury Reports
San Diego Padres:
Miguel Andujar (DH/OF) – 10-day IL (wrist).
Samad Taylor (OF) – 10-day IL (oblique); rehabbing.
Lucas Giolito (SP) – 15-day IL (elbow).
Longer-term 60-day IL: Joe Musgrove (elbow), Nick Pivetta (elbow), Jason Adam (shoulder), Ramon Laureano (hip), Bryan Hoeing (elbow), and others.
Key active contributors: Fernando Tatis Jr. (.280 AVG, recent power surge), Manny Machado (24 HR, 71 RBI), Jackson Merrill, Xander Bogaerts, and Jake Cronenworth.
New York Mets:
Juan Soto (OF) – 10-day IL (calf).
Mark Vientos (INF) – 10-day IL (hand).
Cionel Pérez (RP) – 15-day IL (forearm).
Devin Williams (RP) – 15-day IL (shoulder).
Longer-term: Justin Hagenman, Reed Garrett, Tylor Megill (elbow/related).
Key active: Bo Bichette, Luis Torrens (hot recently with multi-HR stretch), Carson Benge, and the supporting cast.
Key Player Matchups & Notable Performers
King vs. Mets hitters: Expect challenges for New York’s lineup missing Soto and Vientos. Bo Bichette and Luis Torrens (recent power) are primary threats.
Stock vs. Padres hitters: Fernando Tatis Jr. (recent multi-homer game) and Manny Machado present major power threats against a pitcher with limited recent success. Jackson Merrill and Jake Cronenworth offer secondary production.
Both teams rank similarly in batting average and runs; Mets hold a slight HR edge, while Padres are stronger on the bases (124 SB). Citi Field can suppress some offense depending on conditions.
Recent Team Forms
Padres: 8-2 in last 10; strong recent stretch including Tuesday’s win. Road record 31-33. Excellent when hitting multiple home runs (23-12).
Mets: 6-4 in last 10; competitive but inconsistent overall. Home record 29-35. Even run differential in the recent stretch.
Series History
Series tied 1-1 in the current set. Mets lead the full 2026 season series 3-2. Prior meetings have been competitive, with both clubs taking series earlier in the year.
Betting Trends
Trends: Padres favored on the road behind the superior starter; Mets competitive as home underdogs but limited by injuries and Stock’s elevated ERA.
Game Odds
San Diego Padres – 130
New York Mets 8.5
Odds Courtesy of Sports Odds Direct as of Tuesday, August 18, 2026
