Noah Syndergaard is another of the Mets' young outstanding pitchers. But Jordan Zimmerman is no slouch. He's an established ace with more big-game experience. He is at excellent value in this plus price range. Washington has won 69 percent of Zimmerman's last 102 starts. There are not many pitchers who have such a high win percentage over such a large sampling.



Zimmerman is 5-0 with a 2.70 ERA in his last seven starts versus the Mets. The Nationals have beaten the Mets 13 of the last 16 times Zimmerman has pitched against them, including six of the last seven at Citi Field. Zimmerman is in excellent form, too, with a 2.33 ERA in his last six starts.



This is a pivotal game for the Nationals, who would be swept by the Mets and tied for first place in the division by them if they lose. The Mets' offense has improved following a bunch of pickups at the trade deadline.



However, the Nationals' lineup finally is at near full strength. Bryce Harper is the best player on the field. Washington just faced Syndergaard on July 22. So they won't be taken by surprise.



The Mets have some bullpen fatigue, while the Nationals now have a dominant back end of the bullpen with Jonathan Papelbon and Drew Storen.