Mets vs. Phillies: Predictions, Where to Watch for Free (9/9/25)

The New York Mets (76–68) play the second game of their four-game set against the Philadelphia Phillies (84–60) tonight at Citizens Bank Park.

The Mets dropped Monday’s opener 1–0, wasting another fantastic start by rookie Nolan McLean, who allowed just one run across seven innings. The offense couldn’t back him up, producing no support in the shutout loss.

With that defeat, the Mets fell eight games behind the Phillies in the NL East race. Their cushion for the third Wild Card spot is now down to three games over the surging San Francisco Giants, who have won seven of their last 10. The Cincinnati Reds, Arizona Diamondbacks, and St. Louis Cardinals also remain within striking distance.

As the NL East slips further from reach, New York now faces the very real possibility of slipping out of playoff position entirely.

Aaron Nola, who tossed six scoreless innings last night, has been Philadelphia’s weakest rotation link this season. If he settles in down the stretch, the Phillies will be even more formidable heading into October.

Tonight’s matchup favors the Phillies. Ranger Suárez gets the start, continuing his role as the rotation’s workhorse since returning from the IL in May. The lefty enters with an 11–6 record and a 2.89 ERA, and he’s found form again after a rocky stretch in August. He’s allowed just three runs across his last three starts (24.2 innings), including six shutout innings against the Brewers in his most recent outing.

The Mets hand the ball, reluctantly, to Sean Manaea, whose season has trended in the opposite direction. Strong out of the gate in July after returning from the IL, Manaea has been hit hard since, posting a 7.81 ERA over his last six starts. He gave up five earned runs in just 3.2 innings in his most recent outing.

The Mets’ six-man rotation now features three stellar rookies and three struggling veterans, with Kodai Senga in the minors. If they make the postseason, deciding who takes the ball will be a major question. But for now, the immediate challenge is just staying in the race.

Predictions

The Phillies’ momentum, combined with Suárez’s dominance and Manaea’s struggles, make the outcome feel lopsided. Expect Philadelphia to take control early and keep their foot on the gas against a Mets offense that continues to sputter.

Prediction: Phillies 6, Mets 3

Starting Lineups

New York Mets

1. Francisco Lindor – SS

2. Juan Soto – RF

3. Pete Alonso – 1B

4. Mark Vientos – 3B

5. Brandon Nimmo – LF

6. Starling Marte – DH

7. Francisco Alvarez – C

8. Jeff McNeil – 2B

9. Jose Siri – CF

Starting Pitcher: Sean Manea (LHP) — 1–2, 5.60 ERA

Philadelphia Phillies

1. Harrison Bader – CF

2. Kyle Schwarber – DH

3. Bryce Harper – 1B

4. J.T. Realmuto – C

5. Nick Castellanos – RF

6. Edmundo Sosa – SS

7. Weston Wilson – LF

8. Bryson Stott – 2B

9. Otto Kemp – 3B

Starting Pitcher: Ranger Suarez (LHP) — 11–6, 2.89 ERA

How to Watch Mets vs. Phillies

First pitch for tonight’s game between the New York Mets and Philadelphia Phillies is set for 6:45 PM Eastern at Citizens Bank Park in Philadelphia.

The game airs live on SNY and NBC Sports Philadelphia, and streams live on MLB.TV.

New York Mets vs. Philadelphia Phillies

Date: Tuesday, September 9, 2025

First Pitch: 6:45 PM Eastern

Venue: Citizens Bank Park, Philadelphia, PA

TV: NBCSP (Philadelphia), SNY (New York)

Streaming: MLB.TV (out-of-market)