New York Mets vs. Philadelphia Phillies Picks and Prediction for Thursday, July 16, 2026
Use Code SSWC The New York Mets visit the Philadelphia Phillies on Thursday at 7:00 PM ET at Citizens Bank Park in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. The opener marks the first game for both clubs following the All-Star break. New York owns a 40-57 record and sits fifth in the NL East after dropping its final three games before the break, including a 3-2 loss to Boston in 10 innings last Sunday. Philadelphia is 54-43 and second in the NL East, two games behind Atlanta. The Phillies closed the first half with consecutive victories over Detroit, including a 5-0 win last Sunday. Build your bankroll with our free MLB picks.
New York Mets Looking to End Their Three-Game Skid
The Mets have struggled to generate consistent offense this season, batting .234 while scoring 398 runs through 97 games. New York has collected 761 hits, 112 home runs, a .303 on-base percentage, and a .381 slugging percentage. Juan Soto has carried the lineup with a .290 batting average, 21 home runs, 51 RBIs, and a .405 on-base percentage. Carson Benge is batting .263 with 11 home runs, while Bo Bichette has recorded a team-high 97 hits. Mark Vientos has added 11 home runs.
The Mets have received mixed results from their pitching staff this season. New York ranks 18th in MLB with a 4.27 ERA and a 1.31 WHIP while holding opponents to a .238 batting average. The staff has recorded 885 strikeouts against 351 walks and has allowed 107 home runs through 97 games. Limiting free passes and keeping runners off the bases will be important if the Mets hope to improve during the second half of the season.
Injuries: Bo Bichette (Day-To-Day), Luis Robert Jr. (60-Day IL), Dedniel Nunez (60-Day IL), Marcus Semien (10-Day IL), Austin Warren (15-Day IL).
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Philadelphia Phillies Looking to Stay Near the Top of the NL East
Philadelphia has relied on timely power throughout the season. The Phillies are batting .236 with 424 runs, 770 hits, 124 home runs, a .303 on-base percentage, and a .398 slugging percentage. Kyle Schwarber leads the club with 32 home runs and 59 RBIs while posting a .254 batting average. Brandon Marsh has produced a .301 average with 102 hits and 15 home runs, and Bryce Harper has contributed 20 home runs and 57 RBIs. Trea Turner has also scored 62 runs to help set the table at the top of the lineup.
Philadelphia's pitching staff has posted solid overall numbers despite some inconsistency during the first half. The Phillies rank 16th in MLB with a 4.23 ERA and a 1.31 WHIP while opponents are batting .255 against them. Philadelphia pitchers have recorded 949 strikeouts compared to only 280 walks and have allowed 115 home runs through 97 games. The ability to miss bats has helped the Phillies remain near the top of the National League East standings.
Injuries: Justin Crawford (Day-To-Day), Lou Trivino (15-Day IL), Tanner Banks (15-Day IL), Johan Rojas (60-Day IL), Adolis Garcia (60-Day IL).
Pitching Matchup
New York Mets – Christian Scott
Scott is 2-1 with a 3.17 ERA and a 1.30 WHIP across 54.0 innings this season. The right-hander has allowed 44 hits, 26 walks, and seven home runs while striking out 65 batters. Scott has limited damage well for much of the season and gives the Mets a solid opportunity to stay competitive whenever he takes the mound.
Philadelphia Phillies – Undecided
Philadelphia has not announced a starting pitcher for Thursday's opener. The Phillies will finalize their rotation following the All-Star break, leaving their starting assignment unknown heading into the first game of the series.
New York Mets vs. Philadelphia Phillies Game Pick
- Philadelphia Phillies
Philadelphia has the stronger lineup and finished the first half with back-to-back victories. Schwarber, Harper, and Marsh have combined for another productive season, while the Phillies have hit 124 home runs compared to 112 for New York. Scott has pitched well, but Philadelphia has more depth throughout the lineup and has played better baseball over the course of the season. Playing at Citizens Bank Park also adds another advantage for the Phillies.
New York Mets vs. Philadelphia Phillies Over/Under Pick
- Under
Scott has posted a 3.17 ERA and has done a good job limiting hard contact through his first 54 innings. Philadelphia ended the first half with a pair of strong pitching performances, while New York scored only four total runs during its final three games before the break. With both clubs returning from several days off and the Mets struggling at the plate before the break, this matchup has the look of a lower-scoring contest, with the under cashing.
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