The 2024 Subway Series between the New York Mets and New York Yankees is set to reach its climax next week in the Bronx, promising high-stakes drama and playoff implications.
A Tale of Two Cities
Last month, the Mets delivered a commanding two-game sweep at Citi Field, setting the stage for the Yankees to seek revenge on their home turf. Both teams find themselves in similar predicaments, fighting tooth and nail for their postseason dreams.
Since June 1, the Mets have enjoyed a remarkable run, boasting a 25-13 record and an overall record of 49-46. Currently, they occupy the third National League wild-card spot, making every game critical as they vie for a coveted postseason berth.
Pitching Plans and Absences
The Mets have announced that Jose Quintana and Sean Manaea will be their starting pitchers for the two games at Yankee Stadium. Notably absent from the lineup is pitcher Luis Severino, who will not face his former team. Severino parted ways with the Yankees during the recent offseason and has since thrown 109 2/3 innings with a 3.78 ERA this season.
Severino’s Take
Severino, in a candid disclosure about his relationship with his former teammates, shared, "We have a group chat, the guys who've been through the Yankees and stayed with the Yankees. They talk s--- about me, like, 'You're afraid of us'. I said, 'I'm not afraid of you guys. Right now you only have two good hitters.' I can walk those two guys. It's always friendly competition with players I've already played with."
Despite his absence from this series, Severino looks forward to future encounters, adding, "It's going to be fun, and hopefully in the future I can face them."
Yankees’ Current Form
The Yankees, on the other hand, hold a 58-40 record and find themselves just one game shy of the AL East lead. With the fourth-best record in baseball, they remain a formidable opponent. However, it's been a tale of two lineups since June 22. Aaron Judge and Juan Soto have combined to hit .291/.431/.575 with 11 home runs, while the remainder of the lineup has struggled, hitting just .214/.283/.354 with 16 home runs across 19 games.
Injury Concerns
The Yankees have also had to contend with injuries, most notably to Giancarlo Stanton, who was sidelined with a hamstring injury on June 22. Before his injury, Stanton had belted 18 home runs with a .795 OPS and has recently resumed full agility drills, signaling a potential return to form.
Offensive Firepower
Despite these struggles, the Yankees enter the second half of the season as the highest-scoring team in baseball, averaging 4.98 runs per game. Their ability to generate offense has been a key factor in their success and will be crucial in the upcoming series against the Mets.
Significant Implications
This installment of the Subway Series carries significant implications for both teams. With postseason berths at stake, the games will have substantial playoff ramifications, making them must-watch events for baseball fans.
As the Mets and Yankees prepare to clash in the Bronx, fans can expect intense competition, high stakes, and memorable moments in a rivalry that epitomizes the thrills of Major League Baseball.