Previewing the First Subway Series Games of 2023
The Mets and Yankees sit on opposite ends of the baseball spectrum in 2023, but the Subway Series is always an exciting time (Photo by Adam Hunger, AP)
For the first time in 2023, the Subway Series take the stage. The Mets and Yankees will renew the Big Apple rivalry with two games at Citi Field starting Tuesday night.
Last season saw the Mets and Yankees split the season series, with the home team winning all four games. Although not a true baseball rivalry, the battle for New York City supremacy is always a fun atmosphere regardless of venue.
The Mets enter the Subway Series on a low. After a sweep of the Phillies, the team embarked on a long skid, losing eight of their past nine. There have been inconsistencies throughout their roster, leaving them with a 31-35 record and 9.5 games back of first place Atlanta.
Meanwhile the Yankees are coming off a weekend series with their arch rivals, the Boston Red Sox. The Yankees lost two of three to Boston but remain in a strong position. They enter Citi Field with a 38-29 record, good for second in the American League Wild Card standings.
On the mound, Max Scherzer will square off against Luis Severino on Tuesday. Scherzer enters Tuesday’s game off 5.2 innings of 4 run ball against Atlanta while Severino went five innings allowing four runs.
Wednesday features a marquee matchup of Justin Verlander against Gerrit Cole. Verlander did not pitch well against Atlanta either, only going three innings and allowing five runs. Meanwhile, Cole is coming off a quality start against Boston, going six innings and allowing two in a tough loss.
The Mets and Yankees will be without their star hitters Pete Alonso and Aaron Judge this series, respectively (Photo by Brad Penner, USA Today Sports)
Most notably, both teams will be without their top sluggers. For the Yankees, MVP outfielder Aaron Judge was placed on the injured list last week after suffering a toe injury against the Dodgers. However, a former Met in Billy McKinney has picked up the slack in his absence, batting .294 with a homer since his call up.
For the Mets, first baseman Pete Alonso is also on the shelf with a hand injury. Someone to watch in his absence is catcher Francisco Alvarez, who has impressed all season long. His 12 homers are tied for the most among backstops and he should see a larger role in the lineup with their power hitter out.
Regardless of any possible struggles or worries, the Mets and Yankees should be an enjoyable series. The New York City rivalry sometimes brings out the best in both teams, from fans to players, so it will be interesting to see who steps up to take home the bragging rights.