Mets Host Playoff-Bound Padres in Crucial Three-Game Series
The New York Mets (77-73) face a critical test as they welcome the San Diego Padres (82-68) to Citi Field for a three-game series. With playoff aspirations on the line, the Mets, currently trailing San Diego in the Wild Card race, need a strong showing to stay in contention. This series is crucial as the Padres swept the Mets earlier this year. Any loss will cede the tiebreaker to San Diego, who are five games up with 12 to play.
Mets' Recent Performance
The Mets are coming off a series loss to the Texas Rangers. Jacob deGrom made his return to Citi Field on Friday night. Unfortunately, Jonah Tong struggled in the 8-3 defeat. Francisco Alvarez homered, but it wasn’t enough. Saturday’s game was a heartbreaker, with a 3-2 loss despite six shutout innings from Brandon Sproat. Juan Soto homered, but a catcher's interference call and a late run allowed by Edwin Díaz sealed the Mets' fate.
Sunday’s game saw the Mets secure a 5-2 walk-off victory. Nolan McLean pitched six scoreless innings. Brandon Nimmo hit a home run. Ultimately, Pete Alonso ended an eight-game skid. He hit a three-run home run in the tenth, reminiscent of his homer in Game 3 of last year's Wild Card round.
Wild Card Race Overview
The Mets are currently 1.5 games ahead of the Diamondbacks, their closest competitor, with the Giants and Reds trailing. New York holds the tiebreaker over the Giants but would lose to the Reds. The tiebreaker with Arizona depends on divisional record. The Padres, five games ahead of the Mets in the Wild Card standings, took three of four from the Rockies. They are also hoping to close the gap behind the Dodgers in the NL West.
Padres' Key Players
The Padres' offense is powered by Fernando Tatis Jr. and Manny Machado. Tatis Jr. leads the team in runs scored (102) and stolen bases (30). Machado leads the club with 25 home runs and 88 runs batted in. The Mets will not face Xander Bogaerts, who is injured.
Pitching Matchups
Tuesday, September 16: Clay Holmes vs. Michael King, 7:10 PM EDT on SNY
Clay Holmes (2025): 151.0 IP, 122 K, 3.75 ERA. The Mets plan to piggyback Sean Manaea with Holmes. Michael King (2025): 62.2 IP, 67 K, 2.87 ERA. King is making his return after injury setbacks.
Wednesday, September 17: David Peterson vs. Nick Pivetta, 7:10 PM EDT on SNY
David Peterson (2025): 162.1 IP, 148 K, 3.77 ERA. Peterson has struggled since August. Nick Pivetta (2025): 171.1 IP, 180 K, 2.73 ERA. Pivetta is having a career year.
Thursday, September 18: Jonah Tong vs. Dylan Cease, 1:10 PM EDT on SNY
Jonah Tong (2025): 11.2 IP, 13 K, 8.49 ERA. Tong looks to rebound after a disastrous start. Dylan Cease (2025): 157.0 IP, 201 K, 4.59 ERA. Cease has reached 200 strikeouts for the fifth straight season.
Mets vs. Padres: Best Bet, Odds, Prediction
Stitches, the New York Post's baseball handicapper, is backing the Mets in Tuesday’s showdown. Despite Michael King getting the start for the Padres, and Clay Holmes' recent struggles on the road, Stitches is confident in the Mets' chances at home.
“Gotta be brave to take the Mets with the Padres in town.”
The Play: Mets -120 (FanDuel)