The New York Mets (10-21) travel to Angel Stadium in Anaheim to open a three-game series against the Los Angeles Angels (12-20) on Friday, May 1, 2026. This matchup marks the start of a nine-game Western swing for the Mets following a difficult 7-19 record throughout the month of April.
According to Amazin’ Avenue, the Mets currently hold one of the three worst starts in franchise history, performing below the pace of the 1962 expansion team. The current record is the organization’s poorest start since 1981, when the club opened the season with an 8-22-1 mark as reported by Yahoo Sports.
Christian Scott is scheduled to make his second start of the season for New York on Friday night. In his 2026 debut against the Twins, Scott struggled with command, lasting only 1 1/3 innings while issuing five walks and hitting one batter, resulting in one earned run and a 6.75 ERA.
The Angels will counter with 22-year-old rookie Walbert Ureña, who enters the contest with an 0-3 record and a 4.76 ERA. Ureña has surrendered six earned runs across 11 1/3 innings this season, including a recent start against the Royals where he walked five batters in less than four innings.
New York enters the series following a 5-4 loss to the Washington Nationals on Thursday. Despite home run production from MJ Melendez and an RBI double by Mark Vientos, the Mets bullpen surrendered a decisive two-run home run to CJ Abrams in the eighth inning.
The Mets’ rotation has faced significant hurdles with Kodai Senga on the Injured List and David Peterson struggling in his recent return. While Nolan McLean has maintained a 2.55 ERA through 35 1/3 innings, the back end of the starting staff remains a primary concern for the front office.
The Angels are currently on a six-game losing streak and have dropped 10 of their last 11 games. The Anaheim club will also be playing without their top pitcher, José Soriano, as they look to snap their slide against a struggling Mets offense missing key players like Francisco Lindor and Luis Robert.
Saturday’s pitching matchup features Nolan McLean for the Mets against Angels left-hander Reid Detmers. The game on Friday is scheduled for a 9:38 p.m. start and will be broadcast on PIX11, followed by a Saturday night broadcast on SNY.