Mets, Diamondbacks Close Series in Chilly New York

NEW YORK (Interstat) — The New York Mets look to salvage a series split when they host the Arizona Diamondbacks in a brisk matinee at Citi Field on Thursday.

First pitch is scheduled for 1:10 p.m. EDT under clear skies with a game-time temperature near 40 degrees Fahrenheit.

The clubs have split the first two contests of this four-game set. The Diamondbacks (6-6) evened the series with a 7-2 victory Wednesday, powered by a strong start from right-hander Ryne Nelson and three hits from Corbin Carroll. The Mets (7-5) won Tuesday’s opener 4-3 in 10 innings.

Arizona will send left-hander Eduardo Rodriguez (0-0, 0.00 ERA) to the mound for his first start of the 2026 season. He will be opposed by Mets right-hander Nolan McLean (1-0, 0.00 ERA), who is also making his season debut as a starter.

The Mets’ Sean Manaea, who took the loss Wednesday, will be a player to watch in relief. He has struggled early, allowing three earned runs over 9.1 innings in three appearances. Nelson, who earned Wednesday’s win with 5.2 innings of one-run ball, is a key figure for an Arizona bullpen that may be called upon early behind Rodriguez.

Both teams enter play with identical 3-2 records over their last five games. Following this series, the Diamondbacks continue their road trip with three games in Philadelphia, while the Mets host the Athletics for a weekend series.

According to Interstat’s game simulator, the Mets are projected to win 5-3. New York has been installed as a pregame favorite with a spread of -1.5 runs. The over/under is set at 7.5 runs.