Friday, May 30, 2025 • 7:10 PM

Citi Field • Flushing, NY

LHP Kyle Freeland (0-7, 5.86) vs. LHP David Peterson (3-2, 2.79)

SNY

The Mets look to shake off Wednesday’s clunker of a game this evening against the Colorado Rockies, who are off to a historically bad start this season. In addition to facing the Rockies, both teams will be playing against the weather. There’s a pretty solid chance of rain from 9 PM on, which is expected to get worse as the night progresses.

Mets Lineup

Last weekend, the Mets needed David Peterson. The game before his start had an early 90-plus minute rain delay, and the bullpen covered about ten innings as the Dodgers and Mets ended up playing 13 innings. Peterson would come through for the Mets in the following contest, pitching 7 2/3 innings and holding the Dodgers to only two runs on five hits while striking out seven.

Overall this season, Peterson has thrown 58 innings with a 2.79 ERA, 3.40 FIP, 1.276 WHIP and a 137 ERA+. In his last six starts, he has pitched 36 innings with a 2.50 ERA and 3.57 FIP. He has allowed two runs or fewer in each start and has completed at least six innings in each of his last four outings.

Peterson held the Rockies to one run on four hits over five innings in 2024, and the Rockies have the following career numbers against him:

• Orlando Arcia 1-5, 3 BB, 2 K
• Brenton Doyle 0-2
• Kyle Farmer 3-5, 2B, 2 K
• Hunter Goodman 0-1, BB
• Ryan McMahon 2-4, HR, BB
• Mickey Moniak 1-3, K
• Jacob Stallings 1-4, BB, K
• Michael Toglia 0-2, K
• Ezequiel Tovar 1-3, K

Opposing Lineup

Kyle Freeland has pitched 55 1/3 innings this season with a 5.86 ERA, 3.41 FIP, 1.681 WHIP and a 79 ERA+. He’s in the midst of his third consecutive season with an ERA above five thus far, and he’s currently carrying his lowest ERA+ (79) since 2019, but he’s also having a career-best year in terms of FIP. A major reason for that is the fact that he’s allowing only 0.8 home runs per nine, which is significantly lower than the 1.7 mark he put up in both 2023 and 2024.

Last season, he allowed three runs over 4 2/3 innings against the Mets while striking out seven batters. They have the following career stats against Freeland:

• Pete Alonso 1-3, BB, 2 K
• Francisco Lindor 2-10, 2B, BB, 4 K
• Starling Marte 3-13, 2 K
• Jeff McNeil 0-1, BB
• Brandon Nimmo 4-11, 2B, HR, 3 K
• Juan Soto 5-28, 2B, 3B, 2 HR, 4 BB, K
• Tyrone Taylor 1-11, 2B, 5 K
• Luis Torrens 0-3, K
• Mark Vientos 0-2

Game Notes

• The Mets optioned left-handed reliever Brandon Waddell to Triple-A Syracuse after he threw five innings against the White Sox on Wednesday. The club recalled right-hander Chris Devenski as the corresponding move.
• Per MLB.com’s Anthony DiComo, manager Carlos Mendoza told reporters that right-hander Paul Blackburn (knee) could potentially be activated off the 15-day injured list and start against the Los Angeles Dodgers next week. Additionally, he stated that southpaw Sean Manaea (oblique) completed a 20-pitch live batting practice session on Thursday and is in line to begin a rehab assignment at the beginning of June after facing live hitters again in the near future. For more, check out our article!
• After being designated for assignment by the Mets and subsequently electing free agency, José Azócar signed with the Atlanta Braves and was selected to their major league roster.

Three Things To Watch For

1. Fielding and Walks. The Mets did not look sharp on Wednesday, making multiple errors in the field that led to unearned runs. Mets pitchers walking six batters compounded the fielding problems, giving the White Sox so many chances. Chicago returned the favor by walking eight Mets, but they went 2-for-12 with runners in scoring position and left 11 men on base. If the Mets play a crisp, sharp game tonight, they’ll be fine.
2. Brandon Nimmo. Last Friday, Nimmo exited the game early with neck stiffness. Since returning, he has gone 5-for-12 with a double, three runs and two walks (.417/.500/.500). He looked like his vintage self on Wednesday, collecting two hits and two walks.
3. Familiar Face, New Place. The Braves released Orlando Arcia last weekend, and he officially signed with the Rockies on Wednesday. The middle infielder had been with the Braves since 2021 and enjoyed his best overall season with the bat in 2022 (102 OPS+) before being named an All-Star in 2023. He massively struggled in 14 games for the Braves this year, however, slashing .194/.219/.226 (25 OPS+). In his first game with the Rockies, he went 2-for-3.

Let’s go Mets!