Dodgers vs. Mets Lineup: Max Muncy Back, Yoshinobu Yamamoto Starts

The Los Angeles Dodgers and New York Mets are going to be locked in a pitcher’s duel on Saturday.

The Mets, meanwhile, are just waiting for the season to be over following news that star outfielder Juan Soto is going on the injured list.

For LA, losing the next two games against a handicapped and sputtering Mets squad would leave a bad taste in the mouth.

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Jul 24, 2026; New York City, New York, USA; Los Angeles Dodgers right fielder Kyle Tucker (23) celebrates his two run home run against the New York Mets with first baseman Freddie Freeman (5) during the eighth inning at Citi Field. Mandatory Credit: Brad Penner-Imagn Images

The Dodgers are facing right-hander Nolan McLean, one of the more interesting pitchers in the sport.

His movement and pitch mix are elite, making him a pitcher with some of the best stuff in the big leagues.

For the Dodgers, it will be a tough matchup. They faced McLean back in April at home, and he went seven innings, allowing just two hits and one run.

Naturally, Max Muncy re-enters the picture and assumes a high spot in the order, while Freddie Freeman and Shohei Ohtani are the two others who will need to create runs.

Luckily, against McLean, the Dodgers get their ace, Yoshinobu Yamamoto.

Funny enough, Yamamoto was the pitcher for the Dodgers back in their April clash against the Mets and McLean.

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Jul 19, 2026; Bronx, New York, USA; Los Angeles Dodgers starting pitcher Yoshinobu Yamamoto (18) follows through on a pitch against the New York Yankees during the third inning at Yankee Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Brad Penner-Imagn Images

In his last outing against the Mets, he went 7.2 innings, allowed one run, four hits, and notched seven strikeouts.

Yamamoto is a much better pitcher now than he was at the start of the year. He is coming off a complete game where he gave up two runs against the New York Yankees.