The New York Mets could really use a long game from starter R.A. Dickey on Thursday afternoon against the Cincinnati Reds. Dickey might be the Mets' best insurance policy against a wobbly bullpen that coughed up a win on Wednesday night against the Reds.
New York's pen has blown four of its last five save chances and surrendered in just over 19 innings of work in the Mets' last seven games. Right-handed reliever D.J. Carrasco was designated for assignment after another rough outing on Wednesday, but the problem extends beyond Carrasco, including Jon Rauch and closer Frank Francisco.
The bats could help too if they can get to Reds' starter Mat Latos. The right-hander held the Nationals to one run in five innings in his last start, which came on the heels of an 11 strike out win over Pittsburgh. Latos is 2-1 with a 3.00 ERA in his career against the Mets.
Thursday's game starts at 1:10 p.m. and can be seen on SNY.
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