Mets vs Nationals Pick: New York Tries to Get a Series Split in D.C. (Apr 28)

• Our Mets vs Nationals pick looks at 1st-place New York trying to salvage a split in their 4-game series in D.C.
• Washington mounted a large comeback on Sunday, scoring 7 runs in the final 3 innings to shock New York
• The Mets hope that pleasant surprise Griffin Canning continues his solid work as a low-cost starter
• Washington sends former Met Trevor Williams to the mound

Mets’ Canning Hopes To Continue His Roll

The Mets signed Griffin Canning to a 1-year, $4.25 million deal in the offseason hoping for a solid swingman and they’ve gotten unexpected excellence. He has pitched 5 or more innings in 4 of his 5 starts. He has a 3.30 ERA, has given up 25 hits, and allowed 9 earned runs in 26 innings.

Against Canning, Nats’ backup infielder (and former Met) Amed Rosario is 2 for 3 with a home run. James Wood is 2 for 3 with a double. Jacob Young is 1 for 2 with a double. Nathaniel Lowe is 3 for 13 with 2 home runs.

The Mets’ bullpen is showing some wear after a brilliant start. Edwin Diaz had a hip issue that he seems to have recovered from. A.J. Minter just went on the injured list with a lat strain. Ryne Stanek has blown two saves in the past week. The Nats blasted Jose Buttó on Sunday.

Juan Soto has gotten off to a mediocre start. He’s batting .248 with 3 homers. He has taken his walks with 21.

Nats Have Given the Mets a Fight

Although the Nationals are still rebuilding and their roster’s star power is a white dwarf compared to the Mets, they have shown fight this weekend and throughout the first month of the 2025 MLB season in general. Starter Trevor Williams has been part of the Nats’ competitiveness.

Williams’ first three starts were shaky, but in his last two, he has thrown 10 innings, given up 9 hits, and 2 earned runs.

Against Williams, Pete Alonso is 3 for 13 with a double and a home run. Francisco Lindor is 4 for 14 with 2 doubles and a home run. Jeff McNeil is 4 for 13 with a double and a triple. Jesse Winker is 7 for 11 with a double.

For the Nats, Wood is coming of age with 8 home runs and a .904 OPS. Other young players CJ Abrams and Dylan Crews have been up and down. Crews homered on Sunday. Kelbert Ruiz is batting .297 with a .761 OPS.

Mets vs Nationals Pick: New York Will Rebound Behind Canning

Several Mets hitters have done quite well against Williams. Canning has been reliable all season and that should continue as New York rebounds from its ugly loss on Sunday and salvages a split in D.C.