Series Preview: Mets Finish First Half Against Slumping Rockies

For the first time since May 9, the New York Mets (47-45) are in a playoff spot after sweeping a three-game set with the Washington Nationals. They are 23-12 since the beginning of June, trailing only the Houston Astros for the best record in baseball over that time period. The Mets have completely turned their season around, giving themselves an opportunity to add at the deadline.

That decision could be all but confirmed with a strong series against the Colorado Rockies (33-61), who are 13-34 on the road this season. They are well on their way to a sixth-consecutive losing season after making it to the playoffs in 2017 and 2018. Expect to see some of the Rockies’ best players traded in the upcoming weeks.

Let’s take a look at some notes for the three pitching matchups this weekend.

Friday, July 12, 2024: RHP Tanner Gordon (0-1, 7.11 ERA) vs. LHP Sean Manaea (5-3, 3.43 ERA) 

Tanner Gordon, a 26-year-old right-hander out of the University of Indiana, made his big league debut against the Kansas City Royals on Sunday. He was efficient despite taking the loss, allowing five runs on eight hits in 6 1/3 innings while throwing 78 pitches. Gordon used a four-pitch mix in that outing with a four-seam fastball, changeup, slider and a sinker. His fastball maxed out at 95 MPH with an average velocity of 92.5 MPH. Friday’s start will be Gordon’s first on the road in a big test for the rookie against one of the league’s hottest lineups.

Sean Manaea is 2-0 with a 1.57 ERA over his last five starts, undoubtedly representing his best stretch as a Met. Manaea, however, is still giving out too many free passes. He has allowed three walks or more in three of his last four starts, elevating his career-high 3.9 walks per nine. That number needs to drop, otherwise opposing hitters will eventually take advantage. Manaea has six appearances against the Rockies in his career, five of which were starts. He is 2-2 with a 5.28 ERA in 30 2/3 innings against Colorado.

Saturday, July 13, 2024: RHP Ryan Feltner (1-8, 5.29 ERA) vs. RHP Christian Scott (0-2, 4.15 ERA)

Ryan Feltner has struggled this season, but his performances have been much-improved as of late. He has pitched to a 2.00 ERA over his last three starts, allowing two earned runs or less in each of those outings. During that stretch, Feltner has dropped his ERA from 6.02 to 5.29. Eliminating the long ball has been critical to his success, as while he has given up 12 home runs this season, none of those have come in his last four starts. Feltner is 0-1 with a 7.88 ERA in two career starts against the Mets.

Christian Scott may not have a win just yet, but he has shown a lot of promise in his first seven big-league starts. He thrived in his last outing against the Pittsburgh Pirates on Monday despite pitching on four days rest, surrendering two runs on one hit in 5 2/3 innings. He has relied on his four-seam fastball quite a bit, throwing it 52.7% of the time. Scott is 0-1 with a 3.71 ERA in three home starts. He threw 77 pitches against the Pirates, so let’s see if he will be given a longer leash against the Rockies on Saturday.

Sunday, July 14, 2024: RHP Cal Quantrill (6-7, 4.13 ERA) vs. LHP Jose Quintana (4-5, 3.91 ERA)

Cal Quantrill won a career-high 15 games for the Cleveland Guardians in 2022. But, after a difficult campaign last season, the Rockies acquired the right-hander via trade in November of 2023. Quantrill has been the team’s best starter this season, increasing his value as the trade deadline nears. He has given up three earned runs or less in 13 of his 19 starts, which is impressive when you consider eight of the 19 have been at Coors Field. Quantrill is 0-0 with a 4.50 ERA in two career starts against the Mets, last facing them in May of 2023.

Jose Quintana is in the midst of a great stretch. Over his last five starts, he is 3-0 with a 0.89 ERA in 30 1/3 innings. Quintana has done a great job of providing more length recently, taking stress off the shoulders of the bullpen. He’s turned in two consecutive starts with seven innings pitched, showing just how far he has come since April and May. Quintana will look to build more momentum as he matches up with the Rockies, who he has faced nine times in his career. He is 3-3 with a 5.09 ERA in 46 innings against Colorado.

PLAYERS TO WATCH

Brenton Doyle (COL)

The 26-year-old Doyle has always been known for his defense in center field, but in recent weeks his bat has caught most of the attention. Over his last 13 games, Doyle is slashing .391/.482/.957 with seven home runs and 14 runs batted in. The Rockies’ lineup has a few big threats, one of which is him, so keeping him quiet will be critical for the Mets.

Pete Alonso (NYM)

To the surprise of many fans, Pete Alonso is heading to Arlington for the MLB All-Star game next week where he will also be participating in the Home Run Derby for the fifth-straight season. Luckily for him, Alonso’s final series in the buildup to that event is against a team he has crushed during his career. In 22 games versus the Rockies, the first baseman is slashing .310/.370/.583 with six home runs and 13 runs batted in.

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