Phillies vs. Mets Odds
Phillies Odds | +100 |
Mets Odds | -120 |
Over/Under | 7.5 |
Time | 7:10 p.m. ET |
TV | FS1 |
Odds via Caesars. Get up-to-the-minute MLB odds here. |
The New York Mets made history Friday night, throwing a combined no-hitter in a game started by Tylor Megill. It was the second no-hitter in the history of the franchise, the other being Johan Santana's no-hitter on June 1st, 2012.
Even sweeter is that the no-hitter came against their National League East-rival Philadelphia Phillies.
The Phillies entered the season with hopes of winning the division after a splashy offseason that saw them land sluggers Kyle Schwarber and Nicholas Castellanos in free agency, but find themselves five game back of the Mets early in the season.
Saturday marks Game 2 of an important early-season series. Who will get the job done?
Phillies' Gibson Solid So Far
Kyle Gibson will get the start for the Phillies in this one and he's been solid so far this year.
In four starts, Gibson has a 3.47 ERA and 0.99 WHIP and 23 strikeouts in 23 1/3 innings. Since the start of last season, his xFIP is 4.31. Gibson has seen an uptick in strikeouts so far this season as he has a 25% K% this year compared to a 20% K% last year.
One note on the Phillies lineup is that Bryce Harper is dealing with what's being called a mild elbow strain. For now, Harper is staying in the lineup as the Phillies designated hitter, but he admitted recently that his elbow didn't feel great after playing catch in the outfield.
Castellanos has been playing right field in his stead, making a shaky Philadelphia defense even shakier for the time being.
What Can Mets Expect From Walker?
Taijuan Walker will start for the Mets. Walker has only started one game on the season due to some shoulder trouble, but he's said to be stretched out enough to throw 80-85 pitches Saturday.
Since the beginning of last season, Walker has a 4.96 xFIP, which is quite a bit higher than Gibson's.
Considering Gibson is also a veteran pitcher who has made all of his starts this year and is completely stretched out, I have to believe the Phillies have the starting pitching advantage here.
Phillies-Mets Pick
The Phillies' and Mets' offenses have been fairly even to begin the season. The Mets have scored one more run than the Phillies so far this season.
That's as close as two teams can get without tying, but I give Gibson a clear edge in the starting pitching matchup over Walker.
Forget about the bullpens and hop on the line for the Phillies first five innings, which is +105 at DraftKings.
Pick: Phillies F5 +105