Mets vs. Padres: Lineups, TV Info & Live Thread (8/18)
Tonight’s Baseball Lineups & Game Info: A Simple Guide
Welcome! If you’re new to baseball or just want a quick, easy-to-read breakdown of tonight’s game, you’re in the right place. Below, you’ll find the starting lineups for both teams, plus all the details you need to watch or listen.
What Is a Lineup? (ELI5)
Think of a lineup like a batting order in kickball. The coach picks 9 players and decides who hits 1st, 2nd, 3rd… all the way to 9th. Each player also has a position on the field (like shortstop or catcher). The DH (Designated Hitter) only hits—he doesn’t play defense.
Tonight’s Starting Lineups
Team 1 (Home Team – likely the New York Mets on SNY)
| Batting Order | Player | Position |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Francisco Lindor | Shortstop (SS) |
| 2 | Bo Bichette | Third Base (3B) |
| 3 | Luis Robert | Center Field (CF) |
| 4 | Carson Benge | Right Field (RF) |
| 5 | Francisco Alvarez | Designated Hitter (DH) |
| 6 | Christopher Morel | First Base (1B) |
| 7 | Marcus Semien | Second Base (2B) |
| 8 | A.J. Ewing | Left Field (LF) |
| 9 | Luis Torrens | Catcher (C) |
Quick Position Cheat Sheet
- SS / 2B / 3B / 1B = Infielders (close to the batter)
- LF / CF / RF = Outfielders (far from the batter)
- C = Catcher (behind home plate)
- DH = Hits only, no glove needed
Team 2 (Visiting Team – likely the San Diego Padres)
| Batting Order | Player | Position |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Fernando Tatis Jr. | Right Field (RF) |
| 2 | Luis Rengifo | Left Field (LF) |
| 3 | Manny Machado | Third Base (3B) |
| 4 | Ty France | First Base (1B) |
| 5 | Jackson Merrill | Center Field (CF) |
| 6 | Xander Bogaerts | Shortstop (SS) |
| 7 | Austin Hays | Designated Hitter (DH) |
| 8 | Freddy Fermin | Catcher (C) |
| 9 | Jake Cronenworth | Second Base (2B) |
Game Details at a Glance
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| First Pitch | 7:10 PM ET |
| TV Channel | SNY (SportsNet New York) |
| Radio | Audacy Mets Radio WHSQ 880AM, Audacy App, 92.3 HD2 |
Important: Game times can change due to weather or delays. Always double-check 30 minutes before first pitch!
How to Watch / Listen (Step-by-Step)
On TV
- Turn on your TV to SNY (channel number varies by provider).
- If you have a streaming package (YouTube TV, Fubo, DirecTV Stream, etc.), search for "SNY" in the guide.
- Tune in by 7:00 PM ET for pre-game coverage.
On Radio (Free Options)
- Traditional Radio: Dial 880 AM (WHSQ) in the New York area.
- Audacy App: Download the free Audacy app → search "Mets Radio" → tap play.
- HD Radio: Tune to 92.3 HD2 (if your car/stereo supports HD Radio).
Why Lineups Matter (Beginner Insight)
- Top of the order (1–3): Usually fast, high-contact hitters who get on base.
- Middle (4–5): Power hitters who drive in runs.
- Bottom (6–9): Mix of defense-first players and developing hitters.
- Pitcher vs. Hitter matchups: Coaches often swap players based on whether the opposing pitcher throws lefty or righty.
Summary
- Two lineups posted above with batting order and defensive positions.
- Game starts at 7:10 PM ET.
- Watch on SNY or listen free on 880 AM / Audacy App / 92.3 HD2.
- Positions tell you where each player stands on defense (except DH).
FAQ
Q: What does "DH" mean?
A: Designated Hitter. This player only bats; he does not play a field position. It’s used in the American League and in interleague games at AL parks.
Q: Why are some players listed at positions they don’t usually play?
A: Coaches move players around for matchups, rest, or injuries. For example, a regular outfielder might play first base tonight.
Q: Can I watch the game if I don’t have cable?
A: Yes! Many streaming services (YouTube TV, Fubo, Sling with Sports Extra) carry SNY. Check their channel lineups.
Q: What time is 7:10 PM ET in my time zone?
A: ET = Eastern Time. Subtract 1 hour for Central (6:10 PM), 2 for Mountain (5:10 PM), 3 for Pacific (4:10 PM).
Q: Where can I find the starting pitchers?
A: Starting pitchers are usually announced a few hours before game time. Check the team’s official Twitter/X account or MLB.com.
Enjoy the game!