This is a low price to get the much superior starting pitcher in a matchup of Marcus Stroman versus Jeff Hoffman. Neither bullpen is worth bragging about so starting pitching takes on added importance.

Stroman is 2-to-3 levels above Hoffman, who has a 4.61 ERA and last pitched on June 26. He's been out due to a sore right shoulder. Hoffman has a 7.43 lifetime ERA against the Mets in six appearances, including four starts.

Stroman should have extra incentive after a poor performance in his last start, a 4-1 loss to the hapless Pirates this past Friday. Stroman may not have to deal with the Reds' best player, Nick Castellanos, who has just two at bats the last five days because of a sore wrist.

The Mets have been highly successful playing in Cincinnati winning 16 of the past 23 times there.