Mets-Reds Preview

CINCINNATI -- The New York Mets clubhouse was crowded Tuesday afternoon after they added seven players to the roster, including Tuesday's starter Rafael Montero.

Manager Terry Collins didn't mind have some extra options off the bench, but finding them time in batting practice etc. can be a chore, especially in the midst of a postseason race when the regular guys take priority.

"You just do it," Collins said. "Probably at home, we'll bring some of the extra guys out early so batting practice doesn't take so long. The main thing is our main guys, you've got to make sure they're ready because they're going to be in the lineup most of the time. We're used to September by now."

With a couple of their top prospects nursing injury, the Cincinnati Reds only made a handful of additions after the rosters expanded on Sept. 1.

Reds manager Bryan Price said he has mixed emotions about September call-ups.

"As a manager ... you never have to worry about extra innings or using your backup catcher or blowing up your bullpen," Price said. "Managing against it is not fun. The Mets called up six guys today and we called up three. The reconnaissance factor becomes a problem."

So, like it or not, the Reds and Mets will have plenty of options to choose from during Wednesday's finale of a three-game series at Great American Ball Park.

Wednesday's starter for the Mets -- right-hander Noah Syndergaard -- is 2-0 with a 2.42 ERA in three starts against Cincinnati. He last faced the Reds in a 12-5 Mets' victory on September 25, 2015. He has struck out 25 with no walks in three career starts against the Reds whom the Mets have never lost to when he pitches.

In his last start, Syndergaard took the loss in a 4-1 defeat against the Washington Nationals, despite allowing just two runs over seven innings. It was the fifth time this season he's allowed two or fewer runs and not earned a victory.

Syndergaard has pitched well recently, allowing two earned runs or fewer in each of his last three starts. He also has a 2.63 ERA away from Citi Field.

Cincinnati right-hander Anthony DeSclafani will make his 17th start this season since beginning the season on the disabled list with an oblique injury suffered late in Spring Training.

It will be his fourth career appearance and third start vs the Mets who've hit him hard. He's 0-2 with a 12.27 ERA in three starts against New York, two of which came while a member of the Miami Marlins. In 11 innings against the Mets, DeSclafani has given up 15 earned runs.

Tuesday night's 5-3 win extended the Mets' winning streak over the Reds to 13 games, dating to Sept. 7, 2014. It's the second-longest winning streak in franchise history behind a 15-game streak against the Pirates in 1986-87.

New York is getting hot at the right time.

"I said it back in New York, the way the team is playing lately reminds me of last year," said Yoenis Cespedes.