Mets vs. Nationals: 5 things to watch and series predictions | July 9th to 11th

Here are five things to watch and predictions like the Mets and the Washington Nationals play a three-game series at Citi Field starting Tuesday night…

Preview

JD Martinez is fighting

After a torrid period in June that included five multi-hit games, Martinez has calmed down recently.

He has just two hits in his last 25 at-bats and has scored just once in his last 12 games.

Martinez has helped carry the Mets offense over the past month and – for the most part – the club has been able to weather its recent struggles.

But as one of the most important bats in the middle of a Mets lineup that has two major problem spots right now (more on that soon), it will help the team a lot if Martinez rediscovers his form sooner rather than later.

“At some point, big hitters will go through a phase where it won’t be easy for them,” said the manager Carlos Mendoza said Monday. “And even when probably [have] I haven’t seen the results, the hits are there. He still throws quality hits, he still walks. Your approach is unbelievable. He’s just not getting results now, a bit wrong. But other than that, in terms of health, he is fine. Don’t worry.”

The Mets bullpen should be at full strength*

The asterisk here denotes the fact that even Sean Reid-Foley returns (perhaps a little after the All-Star break) and the Mets receive some outfield reinforcements, the bullpen will still be an issue.

But with Edwin Diaz back, they will probably be as close to full strength as possible by then.

Diaz, Dedniel NuñezIt is Reed Garrett had Monday’s game off after each pitch in back-to-back games on Saturday and Sunday, so they should be fresh and ready for the start of New York’s series against the Nats.

If the Mets need more new arms in the coming weeks after the call-up Eric OrzeFellow Triple-A relievers Wilkin Ramos It is Max Kranick could be options.

O DJ Stewart situation

Simply put, Stewart has been a drag on the Mets lineup this season. And the injury Mars Starlingwhich resulted in regular playing time for Stewart, compounded the problem.

Overall this season, Stewart is hitting .172/.325/.313 with five homers in 166 appearances in 63 games. And his problems at the plate deepened as the season progressed.

Since May 25, Stewart has slashed .096/.230/.154 with one home run and 19 strikeouts in 61 appearances across 23 games.

With Jeff McNeil also struggling, but in the lineup most days (whether at second base or in the outfield), it might make sense for the Mets to use Tyron Taylor regularly until Mars returns.

Taylor hasn’t done much offensively (his OPS entering the game on Monday was .641), but he provides more defense and speed. He’s also fared relatively well against righties this season, with four home runs and an OPS just below .700.

How are you Luis Severino jump back?

After his most dominant start to the season, when he fanned 10 Cubs in 6.0 scoreless innings on June 23 in Chicago, Severino was solid against the Astros on June 30 – allowing four runs but lasting 7.0 innings.

In his most recent match, Severino doubled.

In 6.0 innings against the Pirates in Pittsburgh, he allowed seven runs on nine hits while walking two and striking out three as his ERA rose to 3.83.

Severino is a starter in the second game of the series, on Wednesday.

James Wood started running

Wood, who made his major league debut last week against the Mets, was incredible early in his career.

Entering play on Monday, Wood was hitting .320/.452/.480 with a home run and a double, and had almost as many walks (six) as strikeouts (seven).

Along with Wood, the Mets will have to be especially cautious with electricity CJ Abrams and outfielder Jessie Winkerwho is having a great season at the base.

Predictions

Who will be the series MVP?

Pedro Alonso.

Alonso has crushed lefties this season with an .849 OPS against them.

In this series, he will face two left-handed starters: the talented MacKenzie Gore and the veteran Patrick Corbin. Corbin has a 5.49 ERA and a 1.53 WHIP, and has surrendered 14 home runs in 18 starts.

Which Mets pitcher will have the best start?

David Peterson.

Peterson has the ability to miss at an elite rate (he hit 10.4 per nine in 2023 after hitting 10.7 per nine in 2022), but has yet to find his groove in that regard this season.

That will change against the Nats.

Which Nat will be a thorn in the side of the Mets?

Luis Garcia Jr.

Garcia hit two home runs against the Mets last week and added another against the Cardinals. Your hot stretching will continue.