With eight wins in their last 10 games, the New York Mets are slowly but surely gaining ground back in the NL East in the premature stages of the 2024 season.
They’ll play host to the surprisingly hot Pittsburgh Pirates on Monday night. Let’s look at how these two trending teams square up in the series opener and what plays present consideration on the betting board.
Pirates vs. Mets odds
| Team | Runs Line | Moneyline | Total |
|---|---|---|---|
| Pirates | -1.5 (+162) | +106 | o8 (-110) |
| Mets | +1.5 (-196) | -124 | u8 (-110) |
Pirates vs. Mets prediction
What a short-term signing Martín Pérez has been for the Pirates through his first three outings.
A World Series champion a year ago with Texas, Pérez has kept his foot on the gas pedal into 2024 after signing a one-year deal with Pittsburgh to help bolster an injury-ridden pitching staff.
He has sustained a 1.90 ERA through 19 innings that have showcased the veteran’s durability.
He spun seven strikeouts and allowed one earned run in his most recent no-decision against the Tigers.
On Monday in Queens, I like Pérez’s outlook for another deep outing, which can be fortified by a bullpen tied for third in saves.
Adrian Houser, who came over to the Mets from Milwaukee in free agency, is desperate to find a rhythm with his new club.
He was blasted for eight hits (six of which came consecutively) and five earned runs in his previous start against the Braves and carries a -3 pitching run value, per Statscast.
Houser isn’t fooling any batters; he generated only six swinging strikes in 95 pitches and hit two Braves players to boot.
Speaking of strikes, the right-handed veteran has only struck out four in his 10 innings of work this season and sits in the bottom three percent in strikeout rate.
His concerningly high exit velocity offers some upside to a Pirates lineup that’s batting .269 against right-handed pitching.
Houser is giving up too many balls in play, and even though the Pirates don’t hit the ball hard, they get on base — a big reason why they’re virtually tied atop the NL Central standings with Milwaukee.
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Pirates vs. Mets pick
The Pirates present a strong case in this series opener as slightly undervalued, plus-money underdogs.
Take them on the moneyline on Monday night at Citi Field.