Series Preview: Mets at Phillies, April 11-13

Coming off of a series win on Opening Weekend, the Phillies hope to continue their success as they face the division-rival Mets on Monday, Tuesday, and Wednesday of this week.

Thanks to the long ball and starting pitching, the Phillies were able to take two of three games from the depleted Oakland A’s. Similarly, the Mets just wrapped up a series against the Nationals—the team expected to finish last in the NL East.

While the Phillies were busy making moves to improve their roster once the lockout ended, the Mets busied themselves as well. They traded for starting pitcher Chris Bassitt, and they signed outfielders Mark Canha and Starling Marte.

Wheeler’s debut

After a long 2021 season for Wheeler where he carried a heavy workload, we will finally get to see him make his debut on Sunday.

In 2021, Wheeler had a 2.78 ERA. He struck out 247 batters over 213.1 innings of work. Due to arm fatigue and the flu, he began Spring Training late, so it is expected that his pitch count will be very limited.

Offensive comeback

The Phillies started off the season with hot bats, but not only did the bats get cooled down, they might have even been taken away! The Phillies only had three hits during Sunday’s contest—a single from Johan Camargo, a bunt single from Garrett Stubbs, and a Jean Segura home run.

The Phillies, who will be facing much better pitching this series, will need production from their entire lineup to be successful.

More Bryson Stott?

While Stott isn’t slated in Monday’s lineup, we should definitely get to see him get a good amount of playing time this series. The Mets will send a right-handed pitcher to the bump all three games this series.

In the first series, Bryson Stott got the Opening Day start, and he went 2-4 with an RBI. He struggled defensively, but it is important to remember that he was not at his natural position.

Alec Bohm will bat eighth and get the start at third base for game one. Bohm is 4-10 in his career against Mets righty Taijuan Walker.

Pitching matchups

Game 1: Ranger Suarez (LHP, 8-5, 1.36 ERA) vs. Taijuan Walker (LHP, 7-11, 4.47 ERA)

Game 2: Zach Wheeler (14-10, RHP, 2.78 ERA) vs. Tylor Megill (RHP, 4-6, 4.52 ERA)

Game 3: Aaron Nola (RHP, 9-9, 4.63 ERA) vs. Max Scherzer (RHP, 15-4, 2.46 ERA)

Note: All statistics are from the 2021 season.

The numbers

• Run Differential:
• Phillies: 3
• Mets: 11

• Runs Scored Per Game:
• Phillies: 4.67
• Mets: 4.75

• Runs Allowed Per Game:
• Phillies: 3.67
• Marlins: 2

Game times and broadcasts

• Monday, April 11, at 6:45pm ET on NBC Sports Philadelphia, Fox Sports One, WTTM 1680, 94.1 WIP
• Tuesday, April 12, at 6:45pm ET on NBC Sports Philadelphia, MLB Network, WTTM 1680, 94.1 WIP
• Wednesday, April 13, at 1:05pm ET on NBC Sports Philadelphia, WTMM 1680, 94.1 WIP

Game coverage will be available on Philly Sports Reports’ Twitter page.