The Subway Series is alive and well as the Yankees and Mets are set to clash in Queens, marking a pivotal moment in their rivalry. Buck Showalter emphasizes that the Mets have shed their 'little brother' status, establishing themselves as serious contenders. Both teams began the season strong but have faced recent struggles. Nevertheless, optimism abounds as they seek a World Series title. The Mets' transformation under Steve Cohen has been profound, shifting from a historic joke to a powerhouse, even attracting top-tier talent like Juan Soto. While the Yankees remain a consistent force with Aaron Judge at the helm and a winning tradition, the competition with the Mets is intensifying. The future looks bright for both franchises as they navigate through their respective challenges.

On July 3, the Milwaukee Brewers (48-38) face off against the New York Mets (49-38) in the final game of a tightly contested three-game series. Jose Quintana takes the mound for the Brewers while David Peterson is set to start for the Mets. The teams split a doubleheader on Wednesday, with the Brewers winning 7-2 in Game 1, thanks to an impressive pitching performance by Freddy Peralta, and the Mets bouncing back with a 7-3 victory in Game 2, highlighted by Blade Tidwell earning his first career win.

Both teams are looking to build momentum as they head into the second half of the season. Betting lines show the Mets as favorites at -155, while the total runs are set at 8.0. Recent trends suggest that the Brewers have won five of their last six road games, and the Mets' last five outings have exceeded the total runs. Players to watch include Quintana, who has a 3.30 ERA this season, and Lindor, who has been struggling at the plate recently.

The New York Mets secured a much-needed 7-3 victory against the Milwaukee Brewers, snapping a four-game losing streak. Key offensive performances included Brandon Nimmo's grand slam and Francisco Lindor's solo home run, both in the second inning. Rookie pitcher Jacob Misiorowski, who previously excelled with a low earned run average, struggled against the Mets, allowing five runs in 3.2 innings. Nimmo praised Misiorowski's impressive slider, drawing a comparison to former teammate Jacob deGrom, and highlighted the importance of capitalizing on scoring opportunities early in the game.

With this win, the Mets are just two games behind the Philadelphia Phillies in the NL East race, putting them in a solid position as they prepare for a rubber match with the Brewers and a weekend series against the New York Yankees.

Josh Hader continues to dominate as the best closer in baseball, securing his 24th save this week for the Houston Astros with a stellar performance against the Cubs and Rockies. His setup man, Bryan Abreu, is also excelling with 21 holds and a remarkable K/BB ratio. Andrés Muñoz returned for the Seattle Mariners, claiming his first save since June 8 after a rough patch, while Edwin Díaz's consistent scoring adds to his impressive season stats. Aroldis Chapman remains a formidable force for the Boston Red Sox, boasting 15 consecutive appearances without an earned run. Meanwhile, rising star Randy Rodríguez is emerging as a potential closer-in-waiting for the San Francisco Giants, leading middle relievers in WAR.

Francisco Lindor of the New York Mets has hit a tough patch, witnessing his batting average drop to .258 after a strong start. Despite a recent slump that saw the team lose 14 of 17 games, Lindor has been recognized for his talent, being named the starting shortstop for the National League in the upcoming All-Star Game.

This marks his fifth career All-Star selection and his first since making four consecutive appearances from 2016 to 2019. Lindor's 16 home runs place him second among shortstops in the National League, showcasing his offensive prowess even amidst team struggles. The Mets' social media celebrated this achievement, underscoring their support for the accomplished shortstop.