New York Mets vs Washington Nationals Series Preview: Mets travel to D.C. without an All-Star

Mets (38-43) vs. Nationals (48-34) Series Info:

Game 1: Monday, July 3 at 6:05 p.m. EST (MASN2/106.7 The Fan)

Game 2: Tuesday, July 4 at 11:05 a.m. EST (MASN/106.7)

Game 3: Wednesday, July 5 at 7:00 p.m. EST (ESPN/106.7)

Pitching Matchups:

Monday: Steven Matz (2-1, 2.67 ERA) vs. Stephen Strasburg (9-2, 3.51)

Tuesday: Seth Lugo (3-1, 3.55) vs. Joe Ross (4-3, 5.12)

Wednesday: Jacob deGrom (8-3, 3.55) vs. Tanner Roark (6-6, 5.27)

What to watch for:

Go ahead, keep underrating Anthony Rendon

Imagine being the league leader in WAR, OPS, on-base percentage and slugging percentage at your position and not making the All-Star Team.

That’s the predicament Anthony Rendon finds himself in today, despite flashing some serious leather and still managing to live up to his nickname of Tony Two Bags.

Luckily for you, Rendon is still up for the Final Vote alongside Justin Bour, Kris Bryant, Mark Reynolds and Justin Turner.

Do the right thing. #VoteRendon

Joe Ross showing some life on the mound

His ERA may be an unsightly 5.12, but Joe Ross has been able to turn things around over his last three starts.

Since being shelled for five runs in less than six innings against the Braves on June 13, Ross has just a 2.29 ERA in 19.2 innings pitched.

He’s still allowed a home run in each of those starts, but he’s been able to work his way out of jams and give the Nats at least six innings — something a team with such a beleaguered bullpen can’t take for granted.

Jacob deGrom, Nat killer?

Despite all the injuries the Mets have endured this season, Jacob deGrom has been the sole constant in this rotation.

In three starts against the Nats this year, deGrom is (2-1) with a 2.61 ERA and 12.2 K/9.

After allowing one run and three hits over eight innings his last time facing the Nats, deGrom shouldn’t be taken lightly.

Who to watch out for: Asdrubal Cabrera

Adam Hunger-USA TODAY Sports

Since returning from the disabled list June 23, Asdrubal Cabrera is hitting a cool .351 with a 1.009 OPS in 41 at-bats.

The former Nat will need to step up big-time in this series as Michael Conforto — the Mets’ only All-Star — just landed on the 10-Day DL with a bruised hand.

New York may not be a playoff-caliber team but they know the Nats as well as anybody and should provide for a tough series.