Mets vs Pirates: Early Season Showdown

0:00On March 26, the New York Mets kick off their season at home against the Pittsburgh Pirates this Thursday at 1.15pm Eastern Daylight Time. Paul Skane starts with the Pirates, while Freddie Peralta takes the mound for the Mets. Betting odds have the Mets as slight favorites at minus 119, with the Pirates at minus 100 and the over-under set at 7 runs. Last season, the Mets finished 83 and 79 overall, with a strong 49 and 32 mark at City Field. They averaged 8.4 hits per game and 3.1 extra base hits. Meanwhile, the Pirates struggled at 71 and 91 and were just 27 and 54 on the road. Their teams slug just 0.350 with the 0.655 on base plus lugging. Both teams enter with key injuries on the pitching side. The Mets are missing AJ. Mentor on the 15-day injured list, with a latch strain plus several relievers on the 60-day list, including Reed Garrett, Tyler McGill, and others, with elbow and rib issues.

1:03Pittsburgh has Jared Jones out 60 days with an elbow problem. Fans are buzzing about this early test with the Mets looking to build on home strength, while the Pirates aim to improve away from PNC Park. It sets up an intriguing opener full of potential. That wraps MLB News Today, brought to you with AI.