The New York Mets will try to snap a six-game losing streak as they visit the Philadelphia Phillies in a battle between the NL East leaders on Friday night.
New York is sending an unproven rookie to the mound against Zack Wheeler, which is why my Mets vs. Phillies predictions are taking Philadelphia to cover the run line.
Let’s dive into my free MLB picks for Friday, June 20.
Mets vs Phillies prediction
My Mets vs Phillies best bet: Phillies -1.5 (+110 at FanDuel)
The New York Mets are suddenly scrambling to find wins, as they’ve been swept in two straight series to bring them back into a tie atop the NL East standings with the Philadelphia Phillies. In particular, New York has struggled to score runs, averaging just 2.33 runs per game during its losing streak.
Tonight, the Mets lineup has a tough task ahead of it, as it will face off against former New York product Zack Wheeler.
Since leaving the Mets after the 2019 season, Wheeler has become one of the best and most consistent pitchers in the National League, posting an ERA below 3.00 in four of his last five seasons.
His WHIP is currently a career low 0.886, and he’s striking out 11.3 batters per nine innings, the highest rate of his career.
If New York is unlikely to score, they’ll need a big pitching performance to have a realistic chance of winning this game. But the Mets are turning to an unproven prospect tonight in Blade Tidwell, who has only one MLB start in his career.
Tidwell was called up on May 4 to pitch the first half of a double-header, and allowed six runs on nine hits in 3 2/3 innings of work.
Tidwell hasn’t been great at the Triple-A level this season either, going 4-4 with a 4.76 ERA. Scouts like Tidwell’s pitch variety — he can throw a sinker, slider, sweeper, and cutter off a four-seam fastball that can touch 98 miles per hour — but he has struggled to get outs against left-handed batters, and has also struggled with his control.
It doesn’t look as though Tidwell is quite yet ready to be a starter at the major-league level. Certainly, he’s not who the Mets would ideally turn to when needing to break a long losing streak against a hard-hitting Phillies lineup averaging 4.64 runs per game and playing in a hitter-friendly park.
Mets vs Phillies same-game parlay (SGP)
Phillies -1.5
Zack Wheeler Over 6.5 strikeouts
Under 8.5
I like the Phillies as big favorites tonight due to the pitching matchup, and that carries over to my same-game parlay for this game.
Along with my run line bet, I’m also taking Zack Wheeler to compile Over 6.5 strikeouts in this game. Wheeler has hit that mark in 11 of his 14 starts this season, and hasn’t struck out fewer than six since early April.
I’m also going to take the Under at 8.5 runs. Sure, I’m concerned about Tidwell, but that alone isn’t enough to guarantee a slugfest tonight. The Mets continue to struggle offensively, having scored one run or less in three of their last four contests.
Meanwhile, the Phillies have played to the Under in three of their last four games, and have played Under 8.5 runs in five of their last seven.
Mets vs Phillies odds
Mets vs Phillies live odds
Mets vs Phillies opening odds
- Moneyline: New York +205 | Philadelphia -233
- Run line: New York +1.5 | Philadelphia -1.5
- Over/Under: Over 8.5 | Under 8.5
Mets vs Phillies trend
The Phillies are 10-4 when Wheeler has been their starting pitcher this season. Find more MLB betting trends for Mets vs. Phillies.
How to watch Mets vs Phillies and game info
| Location | Citizens Bank Park, Philadelphia, PA |
| Date | Friday, 6-20-2025 |
| First pitch | 7:15 p.m. ET |
| TV | Apple TV+ |
| Mets starting pitcher | Blade Tidwell (0-1, 14.73 ERA) |
| Phillies starting pitcher | Zack Wheeler (7-2, 2.76 ERA) |
Mets vs Phillies latest injuries
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Odds are correct at the time of publishing and are subject to change.
Not intended for use in MA.
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