Clay Holmes, Tylor Megill, and Griffin Canning, right-handed pitchers for the New York Mets, are defying expectations with the lowest collective ERA in Major League Baseball. All three have adopted the 'kick change,' a new pitch blending changeup and splitter characteristics. As they adapt their arsenals, their combined 2.66 ERA highlights this pitch's impact.

The kick change originated from Hayden Birdsong of the San Francisco Giants and has quickly spread across the league. It features a unique grip that alters spin dynamics and movement, making it an effective weapon against hitters. While Holmes transitioned from a reliever to a starter, Megill and Canning also embraced this pitch to enhance their game.

The Mets secured a narrow 5-4 victory over the Diamondbacks, aided by timely pitching decisions and offensive firepower. In his season debut, Dedniel Nuñez struggled, walking all three batters he faced, which allowed Arizona to capitalize and close the gap. Griffin Canning earned the win, showcasing a strong outing despite being pulled earlier than expected. The Mets' offense was powered by Pete Alonso and Francisco Lindor, who both hit home runs to give New York a comfortable lead. The game shifted dramatically when the Mets brought in closer Edwin Díaz, who effectively sealed the win despite a late challenge from the Diamondbacks.

Carlos Mendoza's bullpen management was critical, especially in the face of Nuñez's struggles. This win is vital as both teams vie for position in a competitive NL race, underscoring the importance of every matchup as the season progresses. With the teams clashing again this week, the Mets hope to maintain their winning form against the Diamondbacks.

As the MLB week kicks off, three standout player prop bets present compelling opportunities for savvy bettors. Aaron Judge, the New York Yankees' powerhouse, is a top candidate to hit a home run against the San Diego Padres, boasting a remarkable hitting streak, having connected in four of his last seven games. Meanwhile, Dansby Swanson of the Chicago Cubs continues to impress with a six-game hitting streak, making a bet on him to record at least 0.5 total bases against the San Francisco Giants enticing.

On the pitching side, Griffin Canning has shown impressive form for the New York Mets and is set to face the Arizona Diamondbacks, with odds favoring over 4.5 strikeouts. His recent performances suggest he could easily surpass this mark, adding to the intrigue of this matchup. With these players poised for big performances, bettors should keep an eye on these prop bets.

The New York Mets, with a record of 22-13, are heading to Phoenix to face the Arizona Diamondbacks (18-16) after a tough double-header loss against St. Louis. Griffin Canning will take the mound for the Mets, boasting a strong 4-1 record and a 2.61 ERA, while Ryne Nelson, who has a 1-0 record, will represent the D-backs. Arizona recently secured a thrilling win against Philadelphia, adding momentum to their upcoming matchup.

The latest odds show the Mets slightly favored at -115 on the moneyline, with a spread of -1.5. Despite the Mets’ recent performance against winning teams, they face a unique challenge coming off two losses and adjusting to road travel. An expert from Rotoworld suggests leaning towards the Diamondbacks, given their better overall record when Nelson doesn’t pitch. The Mets, however, have shown resilience, winning five straight with Canning on the hill.

As the 2025 MLB season heats up, identifying which pitchers are breaking out can significantly impact fantasy baseball success. Griffin Canning of the New York Mets has notably excelled with a 2.61 ERA and 3.93 SIERA, utilizing a revamped slider as a key weapon. Canning's 34.2% slider usage and increased groundball percentage indicate growth beyond his previous years with the Angels.

Meanwhile, Ryan Gusto of the Houston Astros brings promise with a 3.00 ERA but faces skepticism due to a modest minor league track record and a concerning xFIP. Gusto's fastball-centric approach may struggle against league-wide adjustments as hitters analyze his less dominant secondary pitches. Lastly, Emilio Pagan of the Cincinnati Reds has solidified his role as a closer, holding an impressive 0.49 WHIP and an 8-save count. However, his current low BABIP suggests potential regression, yet he remains a vital asset for saves in fantasy leagues.