Here are five things to watch and predictions as the Mets and Brewers play a three-game series in Milwaukee starting on Friday at 8:10 p.m. on SNY.
5 things to watch
The Frankie Montas situation
Montas allowed seven runs on seven hits during his last start, leading manager Carlos Mendoza to be non-committal after that game about the right-hander's immediate future.
But Montas will pitch on Saturday against the Brewers in a role that's to-be-determined, with Mendoza explaining that it's possible New York will use an opener in front of him.
Despite continued dominance from Nolan McLean and Brandon Sproat, Mets president of baseball operations David Stearnssaid on Monday that New York is not quite ready to call either of them up.
If Montas keeps struggling, though, something is going to have to give soon.
Montas has a 6.68 ERA (5.07 FIP) and 1.54 WHIP in 33.2 innings pitched over seven starts, has allowed a whopping 11.2 hits per nine, and is averaging nearly two home runs allowed per nine.
Cedric Mullins' playing time
Mullins has mostly struggled against left-handers during his career, but has excelled against them this season — slashing .291/.382/.465 in 103 plate appearances.
Despite that, it was Tyrone Taylor who was in the lineup on Tuesday night against Guardians left-hander Logan Allen.
"Cedric will play against lefties, too," Mendoza said before Tuesday's game. "I just thought today was, looking what's ahead and where we're at, I thought it was a good day for TT. But Cedric, he's not going to be in a strict platoon here where if we're facing a lefty he's not going to play; he will play."
Taylor has struggled badly at the plate this season, with a .546 OPS and 57 OPS+.
Can Kodai Senga find his form?
Senga was strong in his first start after coming back from a hamstring injury, tossing 4.0 scoreless innings against the Royals on July 11.
Since then, things have not gone well.
Over his last three starts, Senga has allowed 11 runs on 13 hits in 12.0 innings while walking 11 and serving up four home runs. His ERA over that span is 8.25.
In addition to the control problems and run-prevention issues is the fact that Senga has been averaging 4.0 innings per start since returning — something that is a serious problem when you factor in that every other Mets starter except David Peterson has also been failing to provide length.
Senga gets the ball on Friday night for the series-opener.
The Brewers are banged up, but on fire
The Brewers are without one of their best hitters (Jackson Chourio), their designated hitter (Rhys Hoskins), and their young ace (Jacob Misiorowski), but they're continuing to roll over every team in their way.
Entering play on Wednesday, the Brewers were riding a five-game winning streak, had an 8-2 record of their last 10 games, and has the best record in baseball at 69-44.
Milwaukee's run differential of +126 is the best in baseball, and their 565 runs scored rank fourth.
Over their last 24 games, the Brewers are a ridiculous 20-4.
Brandon Woodruff has been dominant
Since returning from shoulder surgery, Woodruff has been lights out.
In 28.1 innings over five starts, he has a 2.22 ERA and 0.63 WHIP.
Woodruff is striking out a career-best 11.8 batters per nine and walking a career-low 1.3 batters per nine.
If there's one knock on him, it's that he's been susceptible to the home run ball, allowing five dingers.
Woodruff gets the start on Friday.
Predictions
Who will the MVP of the series be?
Alvarez has been a different hitter since returning from Triple-A Syracuse.
Which Mets pitcher will have the best start?
Sean Manaea
Manaea hit a wall in the sixth inning of his most recent start, but has been largely dominant in his five appearances this season.
Which Brewers player will be a thorn in the Mets' side?
Sal Frelick
Frelick is having the best offensive season of his young career, entering play Wednesday with an OPS+ of 116.
