Watching Phillies vs. Mets: TV Broadcast, Online Stream, Odds as NL East Rivals Kick Off Crucial Series in Philadelphia
Locked and loaded for an electrifying showdown, the Philadelphia Phillies and New York Mets are as even as can be in the National League East race. Let's take a peek at the current standings:
- New York Mets: 45-30
- Philadelphia Phillies: 45-30
- Atlanta Braves: 34-39 (11 GB)
- Washington Nationals: 31-44 (15 GB)
- Miami Marlins: 29-44 (16 GB)
The Mets edge the Phillies in the tiebreaker due to their 3-0 record in head-to-head games this season. With the expanded playoff field, there are no more tiebreaker games – instead, head-to-head record decides ties.
Both teams are boasting impressive playoff odds, with Our Sports Almanac giving the Mets 85.9% and the Phillies 91.6% chances of making it to the big dance. But the real prize is a first-round bye in the NL bracket, and with such a fierce NL East race, every game counts.
Let's dive into the pitching matchups for this must-win series at Citizens Bank Park:
| Date | Start time | Starting pitchers | TV || --- | --- | --- | --- || Fri., June 20 | 7:15 p.m. ET | RHP Blake Tidwell (0-1, 14.73) vs. Zack Wheeler (7-2, 2.76 ERA) | Apple TV || Sat., June 21 | 7:15 p.m. ET | RHP Griffin Canning (6-3, 3.80 ERA) vs. Mick Abel (2-0, 2.21 ERA) | FOX || Sun., June 22 | 7:10 p.m. ET | LHP David Peterson (5-2, 2.60 ERA) vs. LHP Jesús Luzardo (6-3, 4.41 ERA) | ESPN |
Fri., June 20
Friday's contest could tilt heavily in the Phillies' favor. Wheeler is dominating opposition once again this season, with a stellar 2.76 ERA, 110 strikeouts, and a 3.05 FIP. In stark contrast, the Mets are forced to call up Tidwell for his second career start due to Tylor Megill's 15-day injured list stint caused by a throwing elbow sprain. The Mets' rotation has also been rocked by injuries to Kodai Senga, Sean Manaea, and Frankie Montas.
7:15 p.m. ET
The Mets may have lost some momentum with a six-game losing streak, but the Phillies haven't slowed down, winning eight of their last 10 games. The upcoming series against the Mets marks the start of a grueling 21-game stretch, with 18 games against winning teams and 15 against teams in playoff position. The only respite is a trio of games against the improving Braves.
RHP Blake Tidwell (0-1, 14.73) vs. Zack Wheeler (7-2, 2.76 ERA)
There's no lack of intrigue ahead, so let's dive into four key factors to keep an eye on:
Apple TV
These teams are on completely different paths
The Mets, who held a five-game division lead as recently as June 11, are currently on a losing streak, having lost six consecutive games against the Tampa Bay Rays and Atlanta Braves. The Mets were outscored 41-14 during this stretch, and it's their longest losing streak since they dropped seven in a row in early June of 2023.
Sat., June 21
Conversely, the Phillies have surged, winning eight of their last 10 games, accomplishing a two-of-three series against the Chicago Cubs, sweeping the Toronto Blue Jays, and claiming three of four from the Miami Marlins. The Mets series marks the start of a challenging schedule stretch for Philly.
7:15 p.m. ET
Juan Soto is finding his groove
RHP Griffin Canning (6-3, 3.80 ERA) vs. Mick Abel (2-0, 2.21 ERA)
After a slow start to his first season with the Mets, Juan Soto has been heating up in June. Over the month, he's hit .310/.481/.621 with 5 home runs in 58 at-bats and 18 walks against just 10 strikeouts. This stretch has helped him bump his overall OPS+ to 143.
FOX
The Phillies need Jesús Luzardo to turn things around
In a potential rubber match, the Phils will take the mound with Jesús Luzardo, who they acquired in a trade from Miami. Luzardo has been inconsistent of late, allowing 25 runs and 9 walks in 16 2⁄3 innings over his last four starts.
Sun., June 22
The Phillies and Mets won't meet again for a while
7:10 p.m. ET
Whatever the outcome of this series, the effects will be felt for a long time. After Sunday, the Mets and Phillies won't face off again until a three-game series set for Aug. 25-27. The regular-season series will wrap up with four games in Philly from Sept. 8-11. With such a tight division race, every game could have playoff implications.
LHP David Peterson (5-2, 2.60 ERA) vs. LHP Jesús Luzardo (6-3, 4.41 ERA)
In conclusion, the Phillies and Mets are locked in a fierce NL East battle, with every game potentially weighing heavily on the season's outcome. The Mets and Phillies have strong playoff odds, and the eventual NL East champion could earn a coveted bye in the first round. The Phillies have the edge in the opening matchup with their powerful pitching, and Juan Soto is starting to show signs of his old form. Keep an eye on Jesús Luzardo as he seeks to right himself in a crucial rubber match.
ESPN
- The current MLB standings show a tight race in the National League East, with the New York Mets and Philadelphia Phillies leading at 45-30 each, followed by the Atlanta Braves, Washington Nationals, and Miami Marlins.
- The Mets have an advantage in the tiebreaker due to their 3-0 record against the Phillies this season, as every game now decides ties with the expanded playoff field.
- Our Sports Almanac predicts an 85.9% chance for the Mets and a 91.6% chance for the Phillies to make it to the playoffs, with the goal of securing a first-round bye in the NL bracket.
- The upcoming series between the Phillies and Mets at Citizens Bank Park promises intrigue, featuring pitching matchups between Zack Wheeler, Griffin Canning, Mick Abel, and Jesús Luzardo.
- This series comes at a crucial time for both teams, marking the start of a challenging 21-game stretch for the Phillies, with 18 games against winning teams and 15 against playoff-positioned teams.
- The Phillies and Mets are on differing paths, as the Mets are currently on a six-game losing streak, while the Phillies have won eight of their last ten games. The regular-season series won't be continued until August 25-27, making every game potentially crucial for the division race and potential playoff implications.
