The Mets and Padres are set to face off on Monday in Queens, kicking off a three-game series at Citi Field.

San Diego comes into this matchup after sweeping the Brewers and recently winning six straight games before the streak was snapped by the Guardians. Meanwhile, the Mets continue their strong second half of the season push following a sweep of the Nationals on Sunday.

Nolan McLean (8-8, 3.42 ERA) will take the mound for the Mets, while the Padres send two-time World Series champion Walker Buehler (7-5, 4.88 ERA) to counter.

The Mets are -131 favorites on DraftKings Sportsbook, with the over/under settling in at 8.5 runs.

Mets vs. Padres prediction, best bet

McLean was solid in his previous outing against the Padres. 

In that game, he pitched six innings, allowing just one earned run on three hits and three walks, along with five strikeouts, back in early June. The right-hander is expected to utilize his signature sinker, which accounts for 32.5% of his pitch arsenal according to StatCast.

For the Mets to maintain their recent success, they must contain Fernando Tatis Jr., red-hot Ty France and the Padres’ powerful lineup while also receiving contributions from their own hitters.

With Juan Soto currently on the injured list with a calf injury, Francisco Lindor has stepped up as the Mets’ top slugger, delivering impressive performances since the All-Star break.

Lindor delivered a crucial RBI single in the bottom of the ninth against Nationals relief pitcher Yovanny Cruz, leading the Mets to a 5-4 come-from-behind victory on Saturday. 

The shortstop rebounded from a calf strain that sidelined him earlier in the season and has become a key player for the Mets’ second-half surge, despite trade rumors swirling around him near the trade deadline. 

Lindor is one of the Mets’ strongest hitters against right-handed pitchers and has already hit a home run off Buehler in one of his five career at-bats. 

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I expect his recent hitting success to continue against Buehler and believe he can cover his 1.5 total bases line in this game.

This matchup has all the makings of a high-scoring one, and if a clutch play is necessary, Lindor will likely be ready to deliver in any dramatic moment.

The Play: Francisco Lindor to record over 1.5 total bases (+121, DraftKings)

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