Mets vs. Nationals, July 28: Max Scherzer faces former team at 7:10 p.m.

The Mets (48-54) are back in action against the Washington Nationals (43-60) on Friday night at 7:10 p.m at Citi Field.

Mets Notes

• The Mets are 10-24 against left-handed starters this season.

• Brooks Raley recorded his second save of the season on Thursday night as his role in the bullpen has likely increased after New York traded David Robertson.

• Mark Canha, batting sixth and playing right field, has hit .367 with five doubles and two home runs against the Nationals in 24 career games.

• The Mets are 14-13 against the NL East this season and have posted a 4.10 ERA during those contests.

Who is starting for the Mets?

Max Scherzer, who is 8-4 in 18 starts this season with a 4.20 ERA (1.19 WHIP) to go along with 114 strikeouts in 100.2 innings pitched.

Scherzer got touched up in his last start against the Boston Red Sox at Fenway Park, allowing five earned runs on six hits, including four home runs, and two walks in six innings where he struck out seven over 93 pitches (67 strikes).

Although he's struggled at times during the season, Scherzer has been much better at Citi Field, pitching to a 2.36 ERA in six home starts compared to a 5.16 ERA in 12 road starts.

Who is starting for the Nationals?

MacKenzie Gore, who is 6-7 in 20 starts this season with a 4.37 ERA (1.44 WHIP) to go along with 122 strikeouts in 101 innings pitched.

Gore turned in a solid outing his last time out against the San Francisco Giants where he went five scoreless innings and allowed just four hits, two walks while fanning eight on 90 pitches (56 strikes).

The lefty's last two starts on the road have not been good as he's given up a combined 12 earned runs in nine innings.

Upcoming schedule

The Mets and Nats continue their four-game series over the weekend on Saturday night at 7:10 m. on SNY.

RHP Carlos Carrasco (3-4, 5.82 ERA) faces LHP Patrick Corbin (6-11, 5.01 ERA).