The New York Mets continue their run of playing some of the league's weaker teams when they travel to Washington, DC tonight to take on the Nationals. The Mets have won four straight games and will look to continue their surge up the standings with a strong series against a division foe. Make no mistake about it, we need to see the Mets beat up on some of the top-tier teams before any grand proclamations are made, but in order for those games to mean something, they need to take advantage of an early favorable schedule.
Chris Young will make his return to the disabled list after suffering from biceps tendonitis. He hasn't pitched since the one-hitter he fired against the Nats at home on April 10. Dillon Gee will remain on the roster and while Young's rotation spot is not in jeopardy, the organization is showing that whoever produces will get to stake a claim in the success of this team. Ryan Zimmerman is still on the disabled list for the Nationals, making their lineup that much weaker.
The Mets will go to bat against Washington's most talented pitcher (currently), Jordan Zimmermann. Zimmermann threw against the Mets on April 8, earning his only win of the season in a 5 1/3-outing, while allowing two earned runs on six hits. The 24-year-old has a 3.70 ERA and 1.15 WHIP on the year.
With the Nats one win better than the Mets, this series presents a chance for the Mets to make their move out of last place and build on a very good homestand.