Mets vs Phillies Expert Picks & Predictions

• The New York Mets begin a three-game series against the Philadelphia Phillies Thursday, June 18th
• The pitching matchup is between two veterans in Sean Manaea versus Aaron Nola
• See the odds and MLB player props market for this N.L. East division rivalry battle

The Philadelphia Phillies (40-34) open a series as home favorites against the New York Mets (33-41) Thursday night. First pitch is scheduled for 6:40 PM ET / 3:40 PM PT at Citizens Bank Park with the Phils the favorites in the MLB odds.

New York arrives fresh off a decisive 9-1 road victory over the Cincinnati Reds, fueled by a 15-hit offensive explosion. Meanwhile, Philadelphia looks to bounce back after a 12-4 blowout loss to the Miami Marlins, despite piecing together a solid ten-hit effort. Keep reading for my predictions, see the odds and public betting splits for this matchup.

Mets vs Phillies Picks & Predictions

• The Pick: New York Moneyline (+105 at BetMGM)
• My Best Player Prop: Sean Manaea Under 5.5 Pitcher Strikeouts (-158 at FanDuel)

Aaron Nola has struggled uncharacteristically this season, carrying a bloated 5.86 ERA and a 1.47 WHIP over his 70.2 innings of work. New York counters with Sean Manaea, who has also experienced turbulence, posting a 4.78 ERA.

Nola has surrendered ten earned runs in 14 innings in his three June starts, whereas Manaea has a very rock solid 3.33 ERA in his last 27 innings, not allowing more than two earned runs in each of his last eight outings. I prefer the Mets based on the fact they’re the plus money underdog, with a hurler more reliable as of late.

As for the MLB player props, despite Manaea pitching much more solidly lately, he’s not exactly been racking up the strikeouts. He thrown for six or more K’s in just three of 15 outings on the campaign, considering he’s worked as a bulk reliever.

He’s tossed at least three innings in his last six outings, and has reached the milestone just twice. With him not being fully stretched out, I suspect he won’t go deep in the game, therefore less chances for strikeouts.

Mets vs Phillies Odds & Team Statistics

Odds as of June 18 at 10:54 am ET from Caesars Sportsbook. Click here for a Caesars Sportsbook promo code before betting on Mets vs Phillies.

*Offensive statistics for Philadelphia reflect home game splits.
**Offensive statistics for New York reflect away game splits.

Sean Manaea vs Aaron Nola Pitching Matchup

The MLB probable pitchers feature Sean Manaea against Aaron Nola. The Phillies’ starter’s campaign has been uncharacteristically rocky. Despite maintaining a respectable 9.04 K/9 strikeout rate, his top-line results have hurt Philly. He holds a 3-4 record and allows opponents to bat .285. Over his last 48.1 innings, his ERA ballooned to 6.70.

Manaea’s swing-and-miss stuff remains elite, striking out batters at a blistering 10.64 K/9 rate recently.

Mets vs Phillies Public Betting Splits

In the MLB public betting splits, 79% of the wagers are on the home squad to record a victory, with 73% of the cash placed on Philly. As for the runline, 83% of the tickets are on the Phillies, and 84% of the moola placed on them as well. In terms of the game total, a whopping 85% of money and 88% of the handle is on over 9.5 total runs being accumulated.

NYM vs PHI Injury Report

How to Watch Mets vs Phillies

TV Network: SNY, NBC Sports Philadelphia, MLB Network

Away Team: New York Mets

Home Team: Philadelphia Phillies

Date: Thursday, June 18th

Game Time: 6:40 PM ET / 3:40 PM PT

Venue: Citizens Bank Park

Location: Philadelphia, Pennsylvania