Mets at Marlins
Jacob deGrom has not allowed at least three runs in consecutive starts since mid-April, a streak he hopes to keep intact when the New York Mets continue their three-game series at the Miami Marlins on Saturday afternoon. DeGrom initially was scheduled to start the series opener but was pushed back one day to deal with some family issues.
The slumping Mets have done little to help deGrom, who is 1-3 in his last seven outings - all quality starts - despite giving up a total of nine earned runs in that span. New York edged closer to the National League East basement with an 8-2 drubbing at the hands of the last-place Marlins - its ninth loss in 10 games. JT Riddle belted a three-run homer and Lewis Brinson came up a triple shy of the cycle as Miami halted a three-game slide in the series opener. One night after Sandy Alcantara made his first major-league start, the Marlins will sent right-hander Pablo López to the mound to make his major-league debut against deGrom.
TV: 4:10 p.m. ET, WPIX (New York), FS Florida (Miami)
PITCHING MATCHUP: Mets RH Jacob deGrom (5-3, 1.69 ERA) vs. Marlins RH Pablo López (NR)
DeGrom is coming off what counts as a poor start for him, allowing three runs and five hits over six innings in a loss to the Los Angeles Dodgers on Saturday. That snapped a string of 11 straight starts in which the major-league ERA leader allowed two or fewer earned runs. DeGrom had a no-decision against Miami on May 23 despite scattering four hits and striking out eight over seven scoreless innings.
Lopez will be recalled from Triple-A New Orleans to make his major-league debut after pitching at two levels of the minor leagues this season. The 22-year-old Venezuelan was 1-2 with a microscopic 0.62 ERA in eight starts at Double-A Jacksonville, striking out 51 against only eight walks over 43 2/3 innings. Lopez made four starts for New Orleans, posting a 1-1 mark with a 3.38 ERA.
WALK-OFFS
1. Marlins 2B Starlin Castro is 8-for-19 during a five-game hitting streak.
2. Mets RF Jose Bautista has hit safely in three straight and six of seven games.
3. Marlins LHP Caleb Smith will undergo what is expected to be season-ending surgery on July to repair a Grade 3 lat strain.