St. Louis Cardinals vs New York Mets Picks and Predictions May 4th 2025

Blade Tidwell to Make MLB Debut as Mets Face Cardinals in Twin Bill

As the New York Mets navigate a brutal 13-game, 13-day stretch, the timing couldn’t be better to dip into their pipeline. With Saturday’s rainout in St. Louis, the Mets not only got a breather for their rotation—they got the chance to finally debut one of their most electric young arms: Blade Tidwell.

The 22-year-old right-hander will take the mound Sunday for Game 1 of a day-night doubleheader against the Cardinals. Game 2 will feature Mets regular Tylor Megill, who benefits from an extra day of rest.

A Spotlight Start for Blade Tidwell

Tidwell, a second-round pick in the 2022 MLB Draft, enters Sunday’s opener with a modest stat line from Triple-A Syracuse: a 1-2 record and 5.00 ERA in six starts. But numbers don’t tell the full story.

“He earned it,” Mets manager Carlos Mendoza said. “We know the stuff is there. We saw flashes of it in spring training.”

Indeed, what Tidwell has flashed recently is dominance. In his last two minor league starts, he struck out 18 and walked just one—a display of command and control that helped punch his ticket to the show.

“He worked extremely hard,” Mendoza added. “He came in and impressed everyone—physically, and with how the ball was coming out of his hand.”

Get more in-depth player evaluations and call-up projections on the MLB Pick Page.

Megill Anchors Game 2

Tylor Megill (3-2, 1.74 ERA) was originally scheduled to start Saturday. With the rainout, he’ll now go in Game 2, giving the Mets both a high-upside debut to kick things off and one of their most consistent arms to close the day.

Megill has quietly become a stabilizing force in the Mets’ rotation and now lines up for his seventh start of the season. His ability to provide innings will be critical in the back half of the doubleheader.

For full matchup history, trends, and projections, visit the MLB Team Page.

St. Louis Counters with Fedde and Pallante

The Cardinals will counter Tidwell with right-hander Erick Fedde (1-3, 4.68 ERA), who’s trying to shake off a rough outing against Milwaukee where he gave up seven runs on 10 hits in less than six innings.

Fedde has had a long and bumpy history with the Mets, entering Sunday with a 1-5 record and 6.51 ERA in 17 appearances (12 starts) against New York.

“I’ve just got to be more aggressive,” Fedde said. “When you’re a ground ball guy, things can get away from you if you’re not sharp early.”

In Game 2, St. Louis hands the ball to Andre Pallante, who’s 0-2 with a 4.43 ERA against the Mets across nine career appearances. He allowed four runs in a loss to New York earlier this season, including a homer by Mark Vientos.

Get the latest line movement and full pitching splits on the MLB Odds Page.

Access the Latest Sports Stats

Sign Up Today

Get Free Trial

Mets Dominate Series, Look for More

The Mets enter Sunday a perfect 5-0 against the Cardinals this season, having outscored them by 26-12 across the series. Friday’s 9-3 win was a total team effort—another sign that the offense is finding its rhythm.

With Francisco Lindor heating up, Pete Alonso producing power, and depth bats like Vientos contributing, New York is finding ways to support its pitchers—veteran or rookie.

For breakdowns on streaking teams, visit the Expert Betting Guide.

Michael McGreevy Returns to Bigs

With the rainout disrupting their rotation, the Cardinals also turned to their farm system. Michael McGreevy, a 24-year-old righty and former first-round pick, was recalled from Triple-A Memphis to bolster the bullpen.

McGreevy was 3-1 with a 4.08 ERA in six minor league starts and went 3-0 with a sparkling 1.96 ERA in four MLB appearances last season.

“I was just happy to be back in the big leagues,” McGreevy told MLB.com. “This is where you want to be.”

His role Sunday could be pivotal, especially if either starter gets chased early in the doubleheader format.

Track every roster move and prospect profile on the MLB Team Page.

Rainouts, Rest, and Rotation Strategy

This is the second doubleheader in a week for the Cardinals, who also played two games in Cincinnati on Wednesday. The bullpen is under pressure, which makes performances from Fedde, Pallante, and McGreevy even more critical.

The Mets, meanwhile, are embracing the strategic upside of this unexpected break. Giving Megill extra rest while debuting Tidwell aligns with Mendoza’s plan to manage arms over a grueling stretch.

“We’ve been playing nonstop,” Mendoza said. “Any break, even weather-related, gives us a chance to reset and manage innings.”

X-Factors and Players to Watch

• Blade Tidwell (Mets): Will nerves show, or will his swing-and-miss stuff play at the next level? If he keeps walks down, the upside is massive.
• Mark Vientos (Mets): He homered off Pallante earlier this year and has been a thorn in the Cardinals’ side.
• Nolan Gorman (Cardinals): One of the few St. Louis bats showing consistent pop. His at-bats against Megill will be telling.
• Francisco Lindor (Mets): Starting to break out of a mini slump, Lindor’s glove and bat could swing close innings.

Mets’ Future on Display

Blade Tidwell’s debut isn’t just a one-off necessity—it’s part of a longer-term vision. The Mets have been slowly building their next wave of rotation talent, and Sunday’s start could be a launching pad.

If Tidwell performs, it could force a longer look, especially with rotation health always a question. New York’s farm system is finally producing arms ready to contribute at the highest level.

Want to evaluate all NL East pitching prospects? Dive deeper through the MLB Expert Betting Guide.

Final Thoughts

Two teams. Two games. One day. The Mets are looking to sweep both the day-night doubleheader and the season series against the Cardinals. For St. Louis, it’s a chance to bounce back and reset the tone of their May schedule.

Whether it’s a young arm making his first start or a veteran trying to reclaim consistency, the storylines Sunday will be rich—and the outcomes could shape each team’s early trajectory.

FAQs

Who is Blade Tidwell?
A Mets pitching prospect and 2022 second-round draft pick making his MLB debut in Game 1.

Why was Tidwell called up?
Due to a rainout and a tight schedule, the Mets needed a spot start and rewarded Tidwell’s strong minor league stretch.

Who’s starting Game 2 for the Mets?
Tylor Megill, who gets an extra day of rest thanks to the postponement.

Which pitchers are starting for the Cardinals?
Erick Fedde in Game 1 and Andre Pallante in Game 2.

What is the Mets’ record vs. Cardinals this season?
They’re 5-0 heading into Sunday’s doubleheader.

Where can I find betting lines for both games?
Visit the MLB Odds Page at ScoresAndStats.com for updated spreads and totals.