New York Mets

Mets aim to build on Flexen's win vs. Rangers (Aug 09, 2017)

Published Aug. 9, 2017 3:29 a.m. ET

NEW YORK -- The New York Mets hope that right-hander Rafael Montero can become the second young starter in as many games to produce an effort he can build upon.

The Texas Rangers hope their second unexpected starter in as many games, left-hander Martin Perez, fares better than the first.

The Mets will look to complete a sweep of the two-game interleague series Wednesday afternoon when they host the Rangers at Citi Field. Montero (1-7, 5.78 ERA) is scheduled to oppose Perez (5-10, 5.46 ERA) in the rare early afternoon start.

New York rookie right-hander Chris Flexen recorded his first big league win as well as his first career hit Tuesday night, when he allowed three runs over 5 2/3 innings as New York edged Texas 5-4.

"It was a good win for Chris," Mets manager Terry Collins said. "He's got a good arm, and he's got good stuff. And I think this kind of thing may get him going to where (you) see a lot better stuff in the next few outings."

Flexen bested emergency Rangers starter A.J. Griffin, who gave up four runs over five innings after being pressed into duty when scheduled starter Andrew Cashner was scratched due to a stiff neck.

The dual accomplishments by Flexen, who doubled in the fifth inning, provided the Mets (50-60) a rare burst of sunshine in an otherwise downcast year. Flexen, who never pitched above Double-A prior to his recall, is a starter because four-fifths of New York's Opening Day rotation -- everyone except ace right-hander Jacob deGrom -- is on the disabled list.

"Certainly, (the season) hasn't gone like we want, but it's nice to see Noah in the clubhouse tonight and 'Harv,'" Collins said, referring to rehabbing right-handers Noah Syndergaard and Matt Harvey, the latter of whom threw a 20-pitch simulated game on Tuesday.

Montero, 26, will attempt to take another step in his progression Wednesday when he tries to snap a six-appearance winless streak. He didn't factor into the decision Thursday after giving up four runs over 5 2/3 innings in the Mets' 5-4 loss to the Colorado Rockies.

Montero is 0-3 with a 5.93 ERA in his past six games (five starts), though he has struck out 28 and walked just 11 over 30 1/3 innings in that span.

Perez, who was scheduled to start Friday, will pitch on his regular four days of rest as he tries to snap a four-start losing streak. He took the defeat Friday after giving up seven runs over 4 2/3 innings as the Rangers fell 8-4 at Minnesota.

Perez, 26, has a 9.41 ERA over his past four starts, a stretch in which his overall ERA rose from 4.55 to a season-high 5.46.

"I don't feel frustrated," Perez said following the loss to the Twins. "Everybody has a bad year. This one is not over yet. It's how you finish, and I need to finish strong."

Montero has never faced the Rangers, and Perez has never opposed the Mets.