MLB Platinum & Inner Circle Double Play - FRI
- Handicapper
- Jim Feist
- League
- MLB
- Competition
- Miami Marlins vs New York Mets
- Release Date
- 07/31/2026 11:05 AM
- Event Date
- 07/31/2026 07:10 PM
- Bet Type
- Moneyline
- Pick
-
New York Mets -126
(BetOnline)
- Outcome
- Loss
- Analysis
- New York Mets will win Friday’s matchup against the Miami Marlins for several reasons. The Mets carry momentum into the game, boast deeper lineup and match up well at home against Janson Junk.
The Mets took Thursday’s opener 4-2 thanks to efficient pitching and late offensive production. Luis Robert Jr. drove in the go-ahead run, while Francisco Lindor and Francisco Alvarez finished with hits. Miami hasn’t played well recently, enduring a franchise-worst 12-game losing streak earlier in the week. Now they have to take on New York in a matchup they’re likely expected to lose yet again.
Janson Junk is expected to take the mound for Miami. The 28-year-old comes into Friday at 4-6 with a 4.89 ERA. He just returned from an IL stint and can be prone to trouble when hitters force him to middle-in the strike zone. The Mets lineup has plenty of righties and switch hitters that can create traffic at the plate through Lindor, Bo Bichette, Robert, Marcus Semien and Alvarez. Forcing Junk to locate early could spell disaster for Miami early.
New York’s probable starter on Friday will be Freddy Peralta. His overall numbers have been mediocre, but he still flashes electric strikeout potential and owns 113 strikeouts in 113 innings. Miami can struggle to produce at the plate when hitters are forced into deep counts, and Peralta has the swing-and-miss stuff to minimize damage if he limits walks and home runs.
New York has an overall more potent lineup than Miami from top to bottom. Lindor is a great table setter, Bichette provides contact, Robert is speedy with power, and Alvarez is home-run threat near the bottom of the lineup. This Mets team does not need Peralta to shine. Provided he gives them five or six competitive innings, their lineup and bullpen should be able to pick up the slack.
Miami hasn’t necessarily played bad baseball during all of this recent turmoil. They’ve shown flashes of brilliance during stretches of the season but are still hard to trust coming off their historic losing streak. Facing New York at home and putting the more hittable starter on the mound, Miami’s odds don’t seem great in this one. Expect the Mets to take Friday’s game as well.
Jim's Play: 954. Mets (Inner Circle)
