Washington Nationals Series Preview: Nats Vs. Mets (9/7-9/9)

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Mandatory Credit: Steve Mitchell-USA TODAY Sports

Jacob deGrom (12-7, 2.40) vs. Stephen Strasburg (8-6, 4.35) – 7:05 PM ET, ESPN/MASN2

While Harvey’s innings limits have been under the microscope, keep in mind that Jacob deGrom has thrown 169 innings this year, which is the second most on the team (Bartolo Colon has 170). However, deGrom has been consistent all season. He has given up three runs or fewer in nine of his last ten starts. The only outing where deGrom struggled was on August 24 against the Phillies (six earned runs over three innings), but he was battling food poisoning that night.

In deGrom’s last start against the Marlins on September 4^th, he went six innings, gave up three runs on nine hits, struck out four, and walked none in a no-decision. Since the All-Star Break, the 27-year-old left-hander is 3-1 in nine outings with a 2.93 ERA. He has had two double digit strikeout games in his last five and his 175 strikeouts are seventh in the NL.

Against the Nats this season, deGrom is 1-2 in four starts with a 3.47 ERA. He is also 1-2 in five starts against Washington in his career with a 3.68 ERA. Ryan Zimmerman is 3-for-8 with a home run and four RBI’s against deGrom.

On Wednesday night, all eyes will be on Stephen Strasburg in the Nation’s Capital as he makes his first start since August 30 against the Marlins because of back tightness. In that game, Strasburg went four innings, gave up four runs on seven hits, struck out three, and walked none.

The problem for Strasburg in that outing was the lack of velocity on his fastball. Strasburg, who is normally in the late 90’s on his fastball in terms of velocity, only averaged 94 miles per hour (according to Brooks Baseball). If he is completely healthy, Strasburg has shown flashes of dominance. He had given up five runs in four prior outings before the Marlins’ start.

In two starts against the Mets this season, Strasburg is 1-1 with a 4.22 ERA, but New York has hit .319 against him in those games. However, he is 4-2 with a 2.64 ERA in eight career starts against New York. Wright is 6-for-19 against him with two RBI’s.

Advantage: This game has the potential to be a real pitcher’s duel when you consider the talent both pitchers will bring to the mound. The problem for the Nats in this game is that it’s tough to figure out which Strasburg will show up in this game. deGrom has been consistent for the Mets all season long and that consistency should help in this game. This one could come down to the bullpen, but I’ll take the Mets to win two out of three.

Next: Rapid Reaction: The Nats Are Rolling

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