The new MLB schedule leads to fewer games between division opponents.
That is part of the reason why the Philadelphia Phillies and New York Mets have not yet played each other this season.
Both teams are set to meet 13 times this year, with their first series beginning on Tuesday night.
These two teams are heated rivals and present great matchups each season.
Also, there is a lot on the line in their first series of the year.
Both teams have gotten off to slow starts over the year.
The Mets have a record of 27-27, while the Phillies enter this series at 25-28.
They sit in third and fourth place respectively in the NL East.
According to SNY Mets, New York is five games out of first place in the division and one game out of a Wild Card spot.
The Mets head into their first series of the year against the Phillies tonight with a .500 record.
They are 1 game behind the Giants and Marlins for the final National League Wild Card spot. pic.twitter.com/CnB2pzQlMr
—SNY Mets (@SNY_Mets) May 30, 2023
Despite having strong rosters, both the Phillies and Mets have struggled to play up to their potential.
The Mets are 16th in the league in runs scored with 243 while the Phillies are 22nd with 227 runs.
Both teams can benefit from having more production from their lineup.
The Mets have the MLB leader in home runs in Pete Alonso, who has smashed 21 home runs.
But, other than him, the team has been underwhelming.
Also, the Phillies have not gotten what they were expecting from shortstop Trea Turner.
He signed a massive deal with the Phillies and has struggled to get going at the plate this year.
This series is a big one for both teams as they have an opportunity to win a few games on a division opponent.
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The Cardinals Offense Has Shown Significant Regression
