Phillies (Wheeler, 13-9, 2.86) vs. Mets (Walker, 7-9, 4.29)

Neither the Mets nor the Phillies are completely out of contention for the playoffs, but both teams have struggled to make it happen. Can Taijuan Walker return to something resembling his first half self? He has been an enigma this season. He has struggled since the first start after his All-star performance, and has a 9.58 ERA in 2 games in September. In his last outing against the Yankees, he gave up 5 runs in an inning then set down 13 batters straight with 8 strikeouts. So which Walker shows up on Friday?

His opponent for the Phillies is Zack Wheeler. Wheeler has been a force this season, but has also thrown a ton of innings, which resulted in some signs of fatigue in August. His very long starts have been curtailed to some extent, and he has righted himself in his last two starts. He has faced the Mets twice this year and has shut them out over 16 innings.

Both bullpens have struggled mightily in the past few weeks; the Phillies’ with a 6.92 ERA, and the usually dependable Mets’ with a very poor 7.36 ERA. The Mets have been hitting much better than usual, but not as well as the Phillies. The Phillies’ bats really stepped out on Thursday vs. the Cubs.

I like Wheeler and the Phillies in this game. Wheeler, even with his starts shortened, is still good for 6 to 7 innings. Walker is still an unknown at the moment, and the Mets relievers are struggling. Wheeler’s dominance of the Mets has been remarkable; I am surprised that the Phillies aren’t more of a favorite.

Take the Phillies to win outright.