Two historic National League East rivals are set to clash in a vital weekend series, as the Philadelphia Phillies and New York Mets are now tied for first place in their division.
Updated Standings
- New York Mets: 45-30
- Philadelphia Phillies: 45-30
- Atlanta Braves: 34-39 (10 GB)
- Washington Nationals: 31-44 (14 GB)
- Miami Marlins: 29-44 (15 GB)
The Mets currently hold the tiebreaker, having gone 3-0 in direct matchups against the Phillies this season, having swept their series in late April. With the recent expansion of the playoff format, head-to-head records now serve as the primary tiebreaker.
Both teams have substantial odds of reaching the playoffs, with the Mets at 85.9% and the Phillies at 91.6%. These upcoming games are crucial, as seeding might impact their chances of receiving first-round byes in the playoffs.
Upcoming Pitching Matchups
Here’s a look at the starting pitchers for this three-game series at Citizens Bank Park:
| Date | Start Time | Pitching Matchups | TV |
|---|---|---|---|
| June 20 | 7:15 p.m. ET | RHP Blake Tidwell vs. RHP Zack Wheeler | Apple TV+ |
| June 21 | 7:15 p.m. ET | RHP Griffin Canning vs. LHP Mick Abel | FOX |
| June 22 | 7:10 p.m. ET | LHP David Peterson vs. LHP Jesús Luzardo | ESPN |
In the opener, Wheeler comes in with a strong sub-3.00 ERA, while Tidwell makes his second career start after being called up from Triple-A.
Recent Trends
The Mets, who held a five-game division lead just over a week ago, are now in a six-game losing streak. Conversely, the Phillies have been on a tear, winning eight of their last 10 games.
Player Spotlight
Juan Soto, who recently moved from the Yankees to the Mets on a record 765 million dollar deal, seems to be finding his form again, hitting well and getting on base frequently. Meanwhile, Jesús Luzardo from the Phillies faces scrutiny as he attempts to rebound from recent struggles.
Long-Term Rivalry
This series is critical, not just for immediate standings but also for long-term division battles. After this weekend, these rivals won’t meet again until late August, making every game count in the current NL East race.
