Reds vs Mets Preview: Heroes Rise in Week 61

Nick Lodolo takes the mound for Cincinnati, and the Reds need him big-time. Hunter Greene, their ace, is out until July. That leaves Lodolo and Andrew Abbott shouldering heavy lifting for the whole rotation. The Reds sit at 27-25, clinging to competitive hopes. Their young offense keeps them in games, but the pitching staff must hold things together. Lodolo's performance tonight sets the tone. If he delivers strong innings, the Reds stay alive in this matchup. Cincinnati just won their last game—momentum is on their side heading to New York.

The Mets are hurting. They've dropped three straight games and sit at 22-31. Injuries stacked on top of injuries make things tougher. Francisco Lindor (shortstop) is still healing from a calf strain. Luis Robert Jr. can't get his back right. Francisco Alvarez, the catcher, needs eight weeks after surgery. Nolan McLean steps up as the probable starter for New York. The Mets need this win badly to stop the bleeding. Can they bounce back at home against the streaking Reds? Citi Field needs to become a fortress right now.

The Reds bring young bats with energy and hungry hitters. Cincinnati's offense keeps them in games even when pitching wobbles. The Mets counter with veterans who've been here before. But injuries are cutting deep into New York's roster. Juan Soto (left fielder) is day-to-day with illness. Jorge Polanco works his way back from an Achilles injury. The Reds sit 27-25 while Mets sit 22-31. Cincinnati won last game and rides momentum into Citi Field. New York needs to find answers fast or fall further behind. This matchup tests both teams' ability to overcome obstacles and stay fighting.