Mets visit the Diamondbacks to open 3-game series
New York Mets (14-23, fifth in the NL East) vs. Arizona Diamondbacks (17-19, third in the NL West) Phoenix; Friday, 9:40 p. m.
EDT PITCHING PROBABLES: Mets: Nolan McLean (1-2, 2. 97 ERA, 0. 94 WHIP, 51 strikeouts); Diamondbacks: Ryne Nelson (1-3, 6.
61 ERA, 1. 44 WHIP, 28 strikeouts) LINE: Mets -142, Diamondbacks +119; over/under is 8 1/2 runs BOTTOM LINE: The Arizona Diamondbacks host the New York Mets to open a three-game series. Arizona is 17-19 overall and 10-8 at home.
The Diamondbacks have the eighth-best team slugging percentage in MLB play at . 402. New York has a 14-23 record overall and an 8-11 record on the road.
The Mets have an 8-1 record in games when they scored at least five runs. The matchup Friday is the fourth time these teams square off this season. TOP PERFORMERS: Ildemaro Vargas has seven doubles, two triples and six home runs for the Diamondbacks.