Miami Marlins at NY Mets 4/8/21 - MLB Picks & Predictions

The Thursday MLB schedule will get underway with a matchup between the Miami Marlins and the New York Mets from Citi Field. The Marlins lost five of their first six home games and are coming off a three-game sweep at the hands of St. Louis. On Wednesday, Miami managed just three hits and struck out nine times during a 7-0 loss.

Miami manager Don Mattingly has yet to name a starting pitcher for the series opener. Last season, the Marlins ranked 21st in the majors with a 4.86 team ERA and a subpar 1.45 WHIP.

The New York Mets had their opening series against Washington postponed due to COVID-19 and are off to a 1-2 start. On Wednesday, New York SP David Peterson allowed four runs in the first inning of an 8-2 road loss against Philadelphia. The Mets (1-2) went 1-for-12 with runners in scoring position and 2B Jonathan Villar fell a home-run short of the cycle.

Twenty-eight year old righty Taijuan Walker (4-3 2.70 ERA) will make his first start as a member of the Mets. Walker, who split time between Seattle and Toronto last year, finished with a 1.16 WHIP and 50 strikeouts across 53 plus frames.