The New York Mets (9-11) open a three-game series against the Philadelphia Phillies (5-9) Friday night. First pitch is set for 7:05 p.m. ET at Citizens Bank Park. We analyze the Mets-Phillies betting odds and lines, with MLB picks and best bets.
Mets at Phillies: Projected starting pitchers
RHP Jacob deGrom vs. RHP Spencer Howard
Through four starts in 2020, deGrom has been lights out once again. He boasts a 2.45 ERA in 22 innings, along with 28 strikeouts (11.5 K/9).
- He has made seven career starts at Citizens Bank Park, where he has posted a 2.43 ERA and 0.98 WHIP, with 44 strikeouts in 40 2/3 innings.
- He has had great success against the Phillies recently. In four starts over the past two seasons, deGrom has pitched a total of 25 innings against them, and has allowed just two earned runs (0.72 ERA).
Howard made his major league debut against the Atlanta Braves Sunday. He lasted 4 2/3 innings, allowing seven hits (including two homers) and whiffing four batters.
- He made 15 starts across three levels of the minors in 2019, during which time he recorded a 2.03 ERA and 94 strikeouts in 71 innings (11.9 K/9).
- In a normal season, Howard would have spent part of the season in the minors, as he entered the year with just six starts (and 30 2/3 innings) above Single-A. That was with Class Double-A Reading, where he posted a 2.35 ERA and 11.2 K/9.
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Mets at Phillies: Key injuries
Get the latest injury news here.
Mets
- 3B Jeff McNeil (knee) doutbtful
- 2B Robinson Cano (groin) questionable
- SS Amed Rosario (illness) questionable
Phillies
- OF Adam Haseley (wrist) out
- RP Seranthony Dominguez (elbow) out for season
Mets at Phillies: Odds, lines, picks and betting tips
MLB odds courtesy of BetMGM; access USA TODAY Sports for a full list. Odds last updated at 12:40 p.m. ET.
Prediction
Mets 5, Phillies 2
Moneyline (ML)
The METS (-200) are pretty heavy favorites in this contest with their ace deGrom on the mound. He hasn’t allowed more than two runs in a start this season, after ending last year with just one total run allowed in his final four starts. Even in a hitter-friendly park, the Philadelphia offense will have a tough time getting anything going.
Howard, meanwhile, is considered one of the top pitching prospects in the game, but there are going to be some bumps in the road, given his lack of experience in the upper levels of the minors. The Mets offense has scored 19 runs in the past two games, and while they won’t stay that hot, they should do enough today to pull off the victory. Take the METS (-200).
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Run line/Against the spread (ATS)
The Mets are -2 (+100) on the run line, while the Phillies enter the contest at +2 (-121). The Mets should win the game, but counting on them to win by more than two runs is a risky investment. Take it down to METS -1.5 (-125) on the alternate line or just PASS on the run line.
Over/Under (O/U)
The Under has hit in 12 of 20 games for the Mets this year, and in two of the four games started by deGrom. He has been dominant so far, and should be able to keep the Phillies bats quiet.
Howard is still a wildcard and isn’t likely to be a dominant starter right away. Chances are, he’ll avoid disaster in this one, and help keep the total UNDER 8.5 (-110).
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