Cincinnati @ New York preview

Last Meeting ( Aug 16, 2012 ) NY Mets 8, Cincinnati 4

The Cincinnati Reds are suddenly vulnerable in the ninth inning. The Reds will try to get struggling closer Aroldis Chapman a day off when they visit the New York Mets for the opener of a three-game series on Monday. Chapman blew a save at Miami on Thursday and did not pitch again until Sunday, when he allowed two solo home runs in the ninth inning of a 3-2 loss. The Mets have no such problems in the back of their bullpen.

New York leaned on its bullpen for four perfect innings to take the rubber game at the Chicago Cubs on Sunday, and closer Bobby Parnell has not been scored upon in eight straight appearances. The Mets have gotten just enough offense to get by when the pitching comes together like that. David Wright and Daniel Murphy did the bulk of the damage while taking two of three from the Cubs. Cincinnati had won seven of eight before falling on Sunday and Joey Votto has been on fire. The star slugger is batting .515 with seven RBIs during an eight-game hitting streak.

TV: 7:10 p.m. ET, Fox Sports Ohio (Cincinnati), SNY (New York)

PITCHING MATCHUP: Reds RH Johnny Cueto (1-0, 2.60 ERA) vs. Mets RH Shaun Marcum (0-4, 6.75)

Cueto has been on the disabled list with a strained right lat since April 15 but has been declared ready to return and will be activated for the start on Monday. The right-hander was strong during his rehab starts and is expected to pick up right where he left off. He struck out 18 in 17 1/3 innings before suffering the injury. Cueto has struggled to a 1-3 mark with a 5.45 ERA in six career starts against New York. Wright (5-for-17, four RBIs) and Rick Ankiel (7-for-16) have been tough on him.

Marcum had his best start since joining the Mets at St. Louis last week, lasting a season-high 6 2/3 innings and allowing three runs (two earned) and five hits. He did not get much support, however, and ended up with a loss. The veteran right-hander has made four starts against the Reds and owns a 1-1 record with a 3.42 ERA. Votto is 5-for-9 with three walks against Marcum.

WALK-OFFS

1. Mets rookie OF Juan Lagares hit his first major-league homer on Sunday and added a double for his first career multi-hit game.

2. Cincinnati SS Zack Cozart (illness) is day-to-day.

3. Murphy has 15 hits in his last 32 at-bats and was promoted to the leadoff spot for New York on Sunday.

PREDICTION: Reds 7, Mets 2