The Cardinals, winners Friday night, continue a road series Saturday against the Mets. First pitch is set for 3:05 p.m. Ƶ time.
The game airs on Fox nationally, KTVI (Channel 2) in Ƶ.
Right-hander Sonny Gray (2-1, 1.04) will take the mound for the Cardinals. He suffered his first loss of the season last time out despite giving up two runs in 6 1/3 innings and striking out a season-high 12.
Gray has been the pitcher the Cardinals expected when they signed him in the offseason. He's one of baseball's best in numerous .
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The Mets will counter with right-hander Adrian Houser (0-2, 7.45), a familiar face. The former Brewer debuted against the Cardinals at Busch Stadium in 2015 and has pitched 73 2/3 career innings vs. the Redbirds.
He's pitched well vs. the Cardinals, going 5-6 with a 3.06 ERA.
Houser, 31, has struggled this year. His average exit velocity, strikeout percentage and walk rate are in the majors.
Cardinals shortstop Masyn Winn returns to the lineup after a day off Friday.
The Cardinals are 12-14, last in the NL Central and 5 1/2 games out of first. With a win either Saturday or Sunday, the Cardinals would clinch their second straight series victory.
Pittsburgh, fourth in the division has lost three straight and is just 1/2 game ahead of Ƶ. Not counting the first four days of this season, the Cardinals have been in last since mid-August.
Ƶ has five homers in its last four games after an eight-game stretch without a home run.
The Mets are 13-12, third in the NL East. They're 1-3 in games Houser starts.
Lineups
CARDINALS
1. Brendan Donovan, LF
2. Willson Contreras, C
3. Lars Nootbaar, RF
4. Nolan Arenado, 3B
5. Paul Goldschmidt, 1B
6. Alec Burleson, DH
7. Nolan Gorman, 2B
8. Masyn Winn, SS
9. Michael Siani, CF
P: Sonny Gray, RHP
METS
1. Brandon Nimmo, LF
2. Francisco Lindor, SS
3. Pete Alonso, 1B
4. J.D. Martinez, DH
5. DJ Stewart, RF
6. Jeff McNeil, 2B
7. Tyrone Taylor, CF
8. Brett Baty, 3B
9. Omar Narváez, C
P: Adrian Houser, RHP
Injury report
Tommy Edman (wrist surgery): On the 10-day IL, Edman took swings off a tee from both sides of the plate last week. He will advance through the usual hitting progression (coach pitch, then a pitching machine) as tolerated. Updated April 20
Matt Carpenter (oblique strain): Placed on the 10-day injured list, backdated to April 2 after feeling discomfort in his torso pregame. He received an injection Monday and will go through three days without activity before he resumes hitting. After the three days, Carpenter is scheduled to take swings on pitches from a coach and then from a pitching machine before he likely takes at-bats through a rehab assignment. Updated April 22
Riley O'Brien (flexor tendon): Placed on the 15-day injured list on March 31 retroactive to March 29, O'Brien's right arm tightened up after his opening day appearance. The initial diagnosis is strain of the flexor tendon; scans showed no structural damage. He began his throwing progression Tuesday. Updated April 23
Dylan Carlson (sprained shoulder): On 10-day IL, Carlson took on-field batting practice from both sides of the plate on Monday as he advances on a hitting program. He has been able to hit off a hitting tee, front toss and inside in the batting cage while also going through defensive work. His batting cage work came as a lefty. He will advance as comfortable and hopes to take on-field batting practice this week. Updated April 22
Keynan Middleton (forearm strain): On the 15-day IL, Middleton extended the distance of his catch April 17 and will slowly progress through a throwing program that could put him several weeks away from returning to the mound for any workouts that would be similar to a bullpen session. Updated April 17
Drew Rom (biceps tendinitis): On the 15-day IL, Rom experienced the soreness in his left arm shortly before the end of spring training. He has continued going through plyometric exercises, but is scheduled to be reevaluated in the coming days as his recovery has “stalled.” Updated April 23