Washington Nationals at Mets Preview (7/7-7/10)

Lucas Giolito (0-0, 0.00 ERA) vs. Bartolo Colon (7-4, 2.87) – 7:10 p.m ET, broadcast on MASN/MLB Network

With Joe Ross now out of the rotation due to going on the disabled list, his spot goes to Giolito for the time being. The question will be can the 21-year-old shake off the rust from not pitching since June 28?

Giolito’s Major League debut was shortened because of the rain delay that night, but he still made some good first impressions. In four innings, he gave up only one hit, walked two, and struck out one on a mere 45 pitches.

In that outing, Gioltio showed that he had a great curveball and a fastball that can touch 96 miles per hour. The key for him is going to be that command of the fastball because the Mets lineup can make you pay if you give them extra outs. The only Met with a hit that night was Curtis Granderson, who led off the game with a single.

Tonight, Giolito will go up against someone who is over double his age, but Colon has been showing that age is only a number. Against the Cubs on July 2, the 43-year-old went six innings, gave up two runs on four hits, struck out five, and walked three in a win.

When people talk about the Mets rotation, Colon does get overlooked. He has given up three runs or fewer in nine straight starts and he had a 1.67 ERA in five starts in the month of June (2-1 record). Colon mainly relies on his fastball since he uses almost 88% of the time (Fangraphs).

Colon has faced the Mets twice this season and is 1-1 with a 3.09 ERA. He is 4-6 with a 3.15 ERA in 11 games against the Washington Nationals. Anthony Rendon is 6-for-19 (.316) with a home run and four RBI’s against him.

Prediction: I think the key for this game is going to be which pitcher shows better command of his fastball. When both pitchers have good command, this can be a pitcher’s duel. I think it will be that type of game, but I will give the veteran Colon a slight edge.

Next: Tomorrow's Matchup