As of 1:30pm EST today, here are today’s Mets minor league starting pitchers:
Tucson Padres @ Las Vegas 51s, 10:05pm EST
Jason Lane (2-2, 5.72 ERA) vs. Carlos Alvarado (5-4, 3.49 ERA)
The 51s are prepping for the playoffs for the first time since 2002, and Alvarado takes the mound tonight for his postseason tuneup. He last tossed on August 27th against Colorado, taking the no decision. The right-hander allowed six runs (four earned) on eight hits, three walks, and eight strikeouts in six innings pitched. He’s enjoyed pitching in front of the Cashman Field crowd; he has a 4-1 record, 3.34 ERA and .272 opponent batting average at home, compared to a 1-3 record, 3.67 ERA, and .308 opponent batting average on the road.
New Hampshire Fisher Cats @ Binghamton Mets, 6:35pm EST
Marcus Walden (6-13, 3.74 ERA) vs. Logan Verrett (12-6, 4.28 ERA)
Instead of Peavey taking the hill for his scheduled start, Verrett will take the mound in the second-to-last regular season game in Binghamton. He last pitched on August 27th against Bowie, earning his second consecutive victory. He allowed one run on six hits, one walk, and one strikeout in five innings pitched.
Jupiter Hammerheads @ St. Lucie Mets, 10:30am EST
Jake Esch (2-9, 4.01 ERA) vs. Domingo Tapia (2-9, 4.86 ERA)
St. Lucie also got rained out last night, pushing yesterday’s pitching match-up to today’s regular season finale for St. Lucie. Tapia is still walking way too many people. His last start came against Charlotte on August 26th. He allowed two runs (none earned) on three hits, five walks, and four strikeouts in seven innings pitched. It’s the second straight start he’s walked five hitters, and the fourth time in a row he’s walked at least three in a game. He hasn’t won a game since April, and has a 7.56 ERA with 17 walks against 15 strikeouts in 16.2 August innings.
Greenville Drive @ Savannah Sand Gnats, 2:05pm EST
TBD vs. Seth Lugo (2-1, 2.42 ERA)
Lugo took his first loss with the Sand Gnats on August 25th against West Virginia. He allowed four runs on nine hits (one homer), two walks, and seven strikeouts in seven innings pitched. Through four starts in the South Atlantic League, Lugo has thrown at least six innings every time, and has struck out less than seven in a start just once. He already has more strikeouts (31) in 26 innings pitched for the Gnats than he did in Brooklyn (27) in 34.1 innings pitched.
Aberdeen Ironbirds @ Brooklyn Cyclones, 5:00pm EST
Hunter Harvey (0-1, 3.52 ERA) vs. Dario Alvarez (2-4, 3.44 ERA)
Alvarez earned his first win in about a month and a half on August 25th against Tri-City. He allowed one run on four hits, three walks, and five strikeouts in five innings of work. He’ll be trying to help the Cyclones move back into first place today, as they play at MCU Park for the regular season finale. Despite allowing 13 walks in 20 August innings, it was the best month of Alvarez’s season. He’s 1-1 with a 0.90 ERA and 18 strikeouts during that time.
Kingsport Mets @ Greeneville Astros, 6:00pm EST
Chris Flexen (8-1, 2.09 ERA) vs. Chris Lee (2-2, 3.10 ERA)
Kingsport’s first playoff game since 1996 was postponed last night because of rain. They’ll be looking to get things started right with Flexen on the mound tonight in Greeneville. Not enough can be said about the type of season he’s been having; since losing his season debut on June 30th, he’s won his last eight decisions, and has done it in dominating fashion. He last threw on August 26th against Pulaski, getting the win while allowing one run on five hits, no walks, and six strikeouts in six innings of work. In 69 innings this season, he’s walked 12 and struck out 62 hitters.