New York aims to overcome Juan Soto's absence as they face Arizona at Citi Field this afternoon
Category: Sports
On April 7, 2026, the New York Mets will host the Arizona Diamondbacks at Citi Field, with first pitch scheduled for 4:10 p.m. ET. The Mets, currently riding a three-game winning streak, are looking to maintain their momentum against the Diamondbacks, who are seeking to break a three-game road losing streak.
The Mets enter the game with a record of 6-4, having recently completed a successful West Coast road trip where they went 4-3, including winning three straight games against the San Francisco Giants. Unfortunately for New York, they will be without star outfielder Juan Soto, who has been placed on the 10-day injured list due to a calf strain sustained last week. Soto is expected to miss two to three weeks, leaving a notable gap in the Mets' lineup.
In Soto's absence, the Mets will rely on contributions from other players. Tyrone Taylor stepped up with a three-run homer during Saturday’s game, and Jared Young had a three-hit performance on Sunday. The team will need these role players to continue their strong performances to keep the offense rolling. The Mets have averaged 4.90 runs per game this season, ranking ninth in the league, and their pitching staff has been impressive, boasting a 2.52 ERA, which is the third-best in MLB.
On the mound for the Mets will be right-hander Freddy Peralta, who holds a record of 1-0 with a 4.35 ERA and has struck out 14 batters in 10.1 innings pitched this season. Peralta's last outing was particularly strong, as he allowed just one earned run over 5.1 innings against the Cardinals. His ability to generate strikeouts will be a key factor in the matchup against the Diamondbacks.
The Diamondbacks, currently at 5-5, have shown signs of improvement after a rough start to the season. They were swept in their opening series against the Los Angeles Dodgers but have bounced back by winning five of their last seven games. Arizona averages only 3.50 runs per game, which has been a concern for their offense, particularly as they continue to work through various early-season slumps.
Starting for the Diamondbacks is Zac Gallen, who has a record of 1-1 and a 3.60 ERA. Gallen has had a mixed start to the season, with a recent outing where he pitched six scoreless innings against the Tigers. His performance will be examined as he faces a Mets lineup that, even without Soto, has shown it can produce runs.
Weather conditions have prompted the Mets to adjust their game times, moving the start of this game up to 4:10 p.m. ET due to a cold front expected to bring temperatures down into the low 30s. This shift was made to accommodate fans and players alike, ensuring a more comfortable viewing experience. The Mets are also offering a limited number of complimentary tickets for the altered game times, available on a first-come, first-served basis.
As both teams take the field, the Mets will be looking to capitalize on their strong home record, which includes a 49-32 mark last season. They are second in the NL East and will aim to solidify their standing with a win against the Diamondbacks, who are currently second in the NL West.
In terms of betting odds, the Mets are favored at -162, with the Diamondbacks listed as underdogs at +135. The total runs for the game are set at seven, indicating expectations for a potentially low-scoring affair. Both teams have shown vulnerabilities in their offensive production, making the under a viable option for bettors.
Injuries continue to plague both teams, with the Mets missing several key players alongside Soto, including Brett Baty (day-to-day with a thumb injury) and several others on the injured list. The Diamondbacks are also dealing with injuries to players like Jordan Lawlar (10-day IL, wrist) and Lourdes Gurriel Jr. (10-day IL, knee).
This matchup marks the first meeting between the two teams in the 2026 season, and both clubs are eager to establish dominance early on. The Mets' pitching staff, with a 1.15 WHIP, is expected to challenge the Diamondbacks' struggling offense, which has only managed a .211 batting average on the road.
As the game approaches, fans are reminded to bundle up for the chilly temperatures and prepare for what an exciting contest. With both teams eager to secure a win, the stage is set for a thrilling afternoon of baseball at Citi Field.
The game will be broadcast on SNY and Dbacks.TV, with streaming options available on Fubo. Fans attending the game are encouraged to arrive early, as gates will open at 3:10 p.m. and parking lots at 2:40 p.m.
As the Mets look to extend their winning streak, they face a Diamondbacks team that is hungry to improve its road record. The outcome of this game could set the tone for the rest of the series, making it a must-watch for baseball fans.