:format(webp)/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/71193124/1410301221.0.jpg "Mets vs. Marlins prediction: Picks, odds, live stream, TV channel, start time on Sunday, July 31")
The New York Mets and Miami Marlins square off on Sunday with first pitch set for 1:40 p.m. ET. The game takes place at LoanDepot Park in Miami and will only be available on local TV or through an MLB.tv subscription. Taijuan Walker is set to start for the Mets, while Pablo Lopez gets the nod for the Marlins.
The Mets have been one of the best teams in baseball this season. In his first year with the club, Buck Showalter has looked like the perfect fit for this team. Right around this time of the year, most Mets teams go on big losing streaks eliminating themselves from the playoffs. I don't expect that to be the case this season. Pete Alonso has been great for the Mets this season as he's hitting .274 with 26 home runs and 84 runs batted in. On the mound, Walker has shocked fans a bit as he's 8-2 with a 2.67 ERA.
This season, the Marlins have been around .500 for a good portion, but they haven't been a contender and seem to be sellers at the trade deadline. They have been one of the worst hitting teams in baseball. It has been reported that they're open moving everyone but Sandy Alcantara. He's not on the mound today but Pablo Lopez is. He's 7-5 with a 3.03 ERA this season.
Mets vs. Marlins
Pitchers: Taijuan Walker vs. Pablo Lopez
First pitch: 1:40 p.m. ET
Mets local broadcast: SportsNet New York
Marlins local broadcast: Bally Sports Florida
Live stream: MLB.tv (subscription)
Odds, picks & predictions
Run Line: Mets -1.5
Run total: 7
Moneyline odds: Mets -150, Marlins +130
Moneyline pick: Mets -150
The Mets are the much better team in this matchup. I expect it to be a good outing from Lopez as it could be his last as a Marlin, but I still expect New York to come out on top.
Player prop pick: Brandon Nimmo over 0.5 base hits (-235)
In his career against Lopez, Nimmo is hitting .294 with a home run. Nimmo has also been far better on the road versus at home this season. It wouldn't surprise me if he put one out today. Look for a big game from Nimmo in this one.