Mets at Diamondbacks: 5 things to watch and series predictions | May 5-7

Here are five things to watch and predictions as the Mets and Diamondbacks play a three-game series in Arizona beginning on Monday at 9:40 p.m. on SNY.

Preview

Will the hard luck end?

The Mets have hit a rough patch for the first time this season, losing four of their last five games.

Those four losses have come by a combined five runs, which includes one-run losses in both games of Sunday's incredibly frustrating doubleheader sweep at the hands of the Cardinals in St. Louis.

While New York hasn't been at the top of its game when it comes to hitting with runners in scoring position, they've also been almost impossibly unlucky lately.

In Game 2 on Sunday, a Juan Soto blast to center field at 105.9 mph was about to sail over the fence for a three-run homer and 7-4 Mets lead in the fourth inning. But it was brought back by Victor Scott II. With two outs in the inning, Brandon Nimmo scalded a ball to right field at 107 mph that seemed destined to clear the bases, but Jordan Walker made a diving catch.

If just one of those balls lands, the Mets very likely win. They're 11 games over .500 instead of nine games over .500, and a series loss is a series win.

The Mets also had outs on Sunday on balls that were hit 108.1 mph, 112.7 mph, 102 mph, 101.6 mph, 105.2 mph, and 99.2 mph.

That doesn't excuse the Mets' struggles, but some perspective is needed, along with the understanding that New York won't hit into this kind of hard luck for much longer.

Is Kodai Senga feeling better?

During his last start, Senga didn't look like himself.

He gutted his way through 4.0 innings while limiting the D-backs to one run. Along the way, Senga allowed five hits, walked three, and struck out six, but he was laboring.

After the game, it was revealed that Senga was pitching through an illness, which helped explain why he seemed a bit off.

Senga will get the ball on Wednesday in the series finale, following six days of rest.

Jesse Winker's injury and the fallout

Winker suffered a side injury on Sunday that is expected to lead to an IL stint.

With Winker out, the Mets could theoretically turn to outfield prospect Drew Gilbert to take his place on the roster. But the more likely scenario is going to someone like Jared Young, who is already on the 40-man roster.

In Winker's absence, Starling Marte could get a more regular look at designated hitter.

The Mets could also opt to use Brandon Nimmo and Jeff McNeil as DH options at times, which — in the case of McNeil at DH — would keep second base free for Luisangel Acuña.

An interesting alignment could be to use McNeil or Acuña in center field, flanked by Nimmo and Soto, with McNeil or Marte as the DH.

The D-backs have been struggling

Arizona is 4-7 over its last 11 games, but a series win over the Mets last week at Citi Field came during that span.

The Diamondbacks' offense has been very hot and cold, including a series loss to the Phillies over the weekend where they scored four total runs over the first two games before erupting for 11 in Sunday's victory.

Along the way, Corbin Carroll (slashing .281/.344/.575) has stayed hot.

Meanwhile, Geraldo Perdomo has picked things up, with eight hits in his last 16 at-bats.

No Corbin Burnes this time

Burnes limited the Mets to one run in 6.0 innings during his outing last Wednesday at Citi Field, but his start during this series will be skipped.

With Burnes dealing with shoulder inflammation, Ryne Nelson will start in his place on Monday.

Nelson, who had been working in relief, has a 5.82 ERA and 1.18 WHIP in 17.0 innings over seven appearances this season.

Zac Gallen gets the ball on Tuesday, followed by Merrill Kelly on Wednesday.

Predictions

Who will the MVP of the series be?

Pete Alonso

Alonso has reached base in 16 straight games.

Which Mets pitcher will have the best start?

Kodai Senga

Senga brings a sparking 1.38 ERA and 1.16 WHIP into Wednesday's start.

Which D-backs player will be a thorn in the Mets' side?

Geraldo Perdomo

Perdomo burned the Mets last week in New York.