The Mets take on the Philadelphia Phillies in a two-game series across the pond in London.
Here are five things to watch as the NL East foes go toe-to-toe...
Bats heating up since team meeting
Francisco Lindor called a team meeting following the Met’s 10-3 loss to the Los Angeles Dodgers on May 29, and whatever was said behind closed doors seems to have had the desired effect. Since that date, the Mets have gone 5-2, including a three-game sweep of the Washington Nationals.
While the starting pitching has been strong for most of the season, the bats needed to get going, and they certainly have as of late. Lindor is hitting .429 with two homers and five RBI over his last seven games, Mark Vientos is hitting .385 with a couple of homers and six RBI, and J.D. Martinez is riding a 10-game hitting streak. And aside from those three, the Mets seem to be getting contributions from up and down the lineup.
The Mets scored 25 runs in their three-game sweep of the Nats, and they’re hoping that the bats can stay hot for their two-game set in London
How much playing time for Jeff McNeil?
The Mets have been facing a strong of left-handed pitchers lately, and McNeil has found himself on the bench in favor of the recently called-up Jose Iglesias as a result. McNeil has been on the bench for three straight games overall, and four straight games against lefty starters.
The Phillies will have lefty Ranger Suarez, who has been one of the best pitchers in baseball this season, on the mound for the opener. And McNeil finds himself on the bench again for Saturday, but expects to play Sunday. It’s been a season to forget, to this point, for McNeil, who is slashing .227/.296/.320 with three homers and 14 RBI. And aside from just McNeil struggling, his replacement, Jose Iglesias, has been thriving at the plate, hitting .389 with three RBI and three runs scored in five games this season.