Game Chat: Royals vs Mets, 1:10 PM

Wednesday, July 9, 2026 • 1:10 PM
Citi Field • Flushing, NY
RHP Michael Wacha (5-6, 3.45) vs. LHP Sean Manaea (1-4, 4.76)
SNY

Tuesday night was another low point for the Mets this season. They lost 16-12 against the Royals, a game they should have easily won. Last night the Mets had a nice bounce-back win with a five-run rally in the eighth inning. The Mets’ offense seems to be clicking, and maybe there is hope starting to percolate through the surface! A win today would mean the Mets would win the series!

Aug 26, 2025; New York City, New York, USA; New York Mets pitcher Sean Manaea (59) pitches against the Philadelphia Phillies during the first inning at Citi Field. Mandatory Credit: John Jones-Imagn Images

Mets Lineup

A.J. Ewing – CF
Juan Soto – LF
Bo Bichette – SS
Carson Benge – RF
Francisco Alvarez – DH
Jared Young – 1B
Mark Vientos – 3B
Brett Baty – 2B
Luis Torrens – C

Starting Pitcher: Sean Manaea

Sean Manaea has pitched in 19 games this year, totaling 68 innings with a 4.76 ERA, 4.02 FIP, 1.353 WHIP and an 87 ERA+. He allowed six runs, but only three earned, in his last start of five innings against the Braves. Since returning to the rotation, Manaea has pitched 25 innings over five games with a 4.32 ERA and 4.04 FIP while striking out 23 batters. The Royals have the following career stats against him:

Jac Caglianone 0-1, K
Isaac Collins 2-3, 2B, K
Nick Loftin 3-4, BB, K
Luke Maile 0-3, K, BB
Starling Marte 0-2, K
Salvador Perez 6-18, 3 HR, 4 K
Josh Rojas 1-9, 2B, 3 K
Lane Thomas 2-11, 2B, BB, 4 K
Tyler Tolbert 1-1
Bobby Witt Jr. 3-10, HR, BB, 4 K

Opposing Lineup

Lane Thomas – CF
Bobby Witt Jr. – SS
Salvador Perez – 1B
Starling Marte – DH
Nick Loftin – 3B
Jac Caglianone – RF
Isaac Collins – LF
Tyler Tolbert – 2B
Luke Maile – C

The Mets’ bats will face off against former Met Michael Wacha. Wacha pitched for the Mets in 2020 with a 6.62 ERA over 34 innings (eight games). This season, Wacha has made 18 starts and is leading the league with 114 2/3 innings. He has a 3.45 ERA, 3.92 FIP, 1.160 WHIP and a 119 ERA+. He had a pair of good starts to end June, allowing two runs over 14 2/3 innings. In his last start, he allowed four runs from eight hits, including three home runs against the Phillies. The Mets have the following career stats against him:

Francisco Alvarez 1-3
Brett Baty 2-3, 2B
Bo Bichette 7-16, 2B, HR, 2 BB
Francisco Lindor 2-5, BB
Jorge Polanco 3-12, HR BB, 4 K
Juan Soto 4-10, 2B, BB, 3 K
Tyrone Taylor 0-3
Luis Torrens 3-6, K
Mark Vientos 0-2, 2 K
Eric Wagaman 0-2

Game Notes

Luis Robert Jr. played in a rehab game for Double-A Binghamton on Wednesday, collecting two hits.
A.J. Ewing became the fifth different Met to hit a lead-off home run this season, joining Juan Soto, Francisco Lindor, Carson Benge and Bo Bichette. This is the second time in franchise history that has happened – the inaugural 1962 Mets also accomplished the feat.
The Mets optioned Tobias Myers to Triple-A Syracuse and called up righty Dan Hammer. Additionally, the Mets designated Jared Oliva for assignment.

Three Things To Watch For

A.J. Ewing. Ewing has been crushing the ball out of the lead-off spot the last two games. He has gone 6-for-9 with five runs scored, a double and two home runs. He has multi-hit games in three of his last four. He has a 1.8 bWAR and 126 OPS+. The Mets have been scoring a lot lately and a lot of that has to do with Ewing.
Bringing Down the Hammer. Dan Hammer is getting the call-up to make his Major League debut. Hammer was originally drafted by the Orioles and stayed in their system from 2019 until 2025, when he joined the Rays. Between Syracuse and Binghamton this season, Hammer has pitched 27 games totaling 33 1/3 innings with a 2.16 ERA. He has a high heater that can touch 98 mph.
Luke Weaver. Weaver hasn’t pitched since his back-to-back outings last Sunday and Monday. He’s had a tremendous season, pitching 38 innings with a 1.89 ERA, 2.54 FIP, 0.842 WHIP and a 220 ERA+. This season he’s getting hitters to chase him 35% of the time (90th percentile) and Whiff 31.3% of the time (88th percentile). He could be the best bet for the Mets to acquire a serious prospect at the trade deadline if they decide to trade him.

Let’s go Mets!