Preview for Friday, September 18, 2026. Schedule and player information can change.
Philadelphia Phillies at New York Mets
Philadelphia and New York meet with Andrew Painter starting for the Phillies and Zac Thornton on the mound for the Mets. Thornton has thrown approximately 73.3 innings this season with an ERA of 3.44, though his WP-calculated FIP sits higher at 4.53, suggesting his surface-level run prevention has outpaced the underlying peripherals. The Phillies as a team carry a 3.96 ERA and a 3.87 FIP, both figures that line up closely with each other and are better than New York's team marks of 4.16 ERA and 4.16 FIP.
Offensively, Philadelphia's WP-estimated wOBA of 0.308 is slightly ahead of the Mets' 0.305, giving the Phillies a modest edge on that side of the ball as well. Combined with their better team ERA and FIP figures, Philadelphia's pitching and hitting numbers both point in the same direction heading into this matchup.
Several injury statuses are on record for this game. Moises Chace and Adolis Garcia are both listed on the 60-Day IL for the Phillies, while Nestor Cortes is listed on the 7-Day IL for Philadelphia. For the Mets, Boston Baro is listed on the 60-Day IL, Danis Correa is listed on the 7-Day IL, and Daniel Duarte is listed on the 15-Day IL. Taken together, the team-level statistics favor Philadelphia, whose ERA, FIP, and wOBA all compare favorably to New York's corresponding figures, even as Thornton's ERA on the mound for the Mets stands out as a strong individual number relative to his own FIP.
Statistical scope: MLB Stats API; 2026 regular season season-to-date; exact statistical through-date not supplied.
No rated WP selection is available in this article snapshot.
WP home-run candidate for Mets: Francisco Lindor. The selection uses roster and season-stat inputs; it does not establish a confirmed batting lineup or favourable betting odds.
WP home-run candidate for Phillies: Bryce Harper. The selection uses roster and season-stat inputs; it does not establish a confirmed batting lineup or favourable betting odds.
Predictions are uncertain; no outcome is guaranteed. Check the picks page for the latest available selections.