Series preview: Let’s pick up where we left off

New York Mets (47-40) vs. Pittsburgh Pirates (34-56), July 16-18, 2021

Location: PNC Park, Pittsburgh, PA

TV: AT&T Sports Pittsburgh

Radio: KDKA-AM

Mets SB Nation Site: Amazin’ Avenue

The Pirates kick off the second half of the season how they ended off the first half, a three-game set with the New York Mets.

Here’s a look at what we can expect this weekend:

Projected Starters

Friday, 7:05 p.m. EST

Marcus Stroman (6-7, 2.75 ERA) vs. TBD

Saturday, 7:05 p.m. EST

TBD vs. TBD

Sunday, 1:05 p.m. EST

TBD vs. TBD

Projected Lineups

Mets

1. Brandon Nimmo (CF)
2. Francisco Lindor (SS)
3. Dominic Smith (LF)
4. Pete Alonso (1B)
5. Jeff McNeil (2B)
6. Michael Conforto (RF)
7. Jonathan Villar (3B)
8. James McCann (C)
9. Starting Pitcher

Pirates

1. Adam Frazier (2B)
2. Ke’Bryan Hayes (3B)
3. Bryan Reynolds (CF)
4. Jacob Stallings (C)
5. John Nogowski (1B)
6. Ben Gamel (LF)
7. Kevin Newman (SS)
8. Jared Oliva (RF)
9. Starting Pitcher

After a much-needed break, the second half of the season kicks off this weekend at PNC Park with the Mets visiting the Pirates.

The Buccos were able to grab a split against these same Mets last weekend in a four-game set in New York, so this series will help settle a score.

As of publication, the Pirates had not announced any starters this weekend and the Mets had only announced Friday’s starter, Marcus Stroman.

Stroman pitched Saturday in the first game of a doubleheader and surrendered three runs in a loss. Tonight, he’ll be able to get his revenge.

This weekend also marks a two-week timer until the Trade Deadline, so this weekend also serves as one final audition in front of the Mets for Adam Frazier, who is expected to be one of the hottest names at the deadline.