Mets on a Roll
The Mets entered this series riding a five-game winning streak and their 6-4 record over the past 10 is a far cry from their awful, 3-4 start and recent four-game losing streak. New York is 4.5 games behind the Atlanta Braves in the NL East standings and are 13-15 as the away team and have a seventh-best 105 wRC+ against right-handed pitching.
Kodai Senga says he "appreciates" that the Mets "think about him" with giving him an extra day of rest between starts
"Having those extra days helps" pic.twitter.com/xfM1ygdHzR
— SNY (@SNYtv) May 23, 2023
Senga (4-2, 3.77) is coming off a three-hit, one-run away outing where he struck out a dozen Rays for an 8-7 extra-inning win. Senga whiffs nearly a dozen hitters but allowing 5.4 free passes per nine frames and the 1.24 dongs per nine has raised his xFIP a full run higher than his 3.77 ERA.
Cubs Underwhelming Play
Chicago entered this series hoping to end a two-game losing streak and have dropped seven of their past 10 contests. The Cubs are 4.5 games behind the Pittsburgh Pirates in a strong NL Central division. Chicago is 12-11 at Wrigley Field and has battled right-handers well, recording a NL seventh-best 105 wRC+.
Marcus Stroman, Filthy 90mph Cutter. ✂️
Bend the Knee pic.twitter.com/vDae6zLhNx
— Rob Friedman (@PitchingNinja) May 20, 2023
Stroman (3-4, 3.05) has been a steady presence in the Cubs rotation with eight of his 10 starts being graded as quality starts.
The veteran righty boasts the most strikeouts and fewest walks and bombs allowed per nine innings pitched over his eight-year career. The Mets sticks have slashed .284/.369/.351/.720 with seven runs and 21 hits with 14 punchouts over 74 plate appearances against Stroman.
Phil’s Mets vs Cubs Best Bet: Cubs F5 -119 (Barstool)
Stroman has a personal beef with the Mets and he’s going to come out firing Wednesday night. He may not get his eight per nine but he should get enough free outs against an inconsistent Mets offense.
Senga has surrendered nine earned runs over his past two away starts and while he may enjoy his usual 10-12 strikeouts against the Cubs, they should push past a couple of early runs and let Stroman do the rest.
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