Mets and Cubs open doubleheader with McLean vs. Assad as Mets roll out a core-heavy lineup

The Mets and Cubs begin their doubleheader with a Game 1 pitching matchup of McLean vs. Assad, setting a quick tone for both lineups that will have to cover two games in a single day.

New York’s batting order, as listed for the opener, mixes familiar middle-infield and power bats with a fresh look in the outfield. Carson Benge is set as the starting right fielder, followed by A.J. Ewing in center field and Bo Bichette in that same central-glass role for a lineup that expects him to drive at-bats. Jared Young starts at shortstop, with Marcus Semien at third base and MJ Melendez appearing in left field.

The Mets’ middle and core offense in the first game of the day centers on Francisco Alvarez at first base and Brett Baty in the designated hitter slot. Francisco Alvarez’s placement in the order and Baty’s DH role keep the Mets’ run creation anchored in their established profiles, while Semien’s presence adds another high-usage bat in the heart of the lineup.

On the Cubs side, the starter for Game 1 is listed as Assad. For New York, that matters because early doubleheader games often shape both teams’ managing decisions for pitching depth and bullpen availability, especially when rostered arms and matchups become more constrained as the day moves forward.

The Mets, per the Game 1 preview, are approaching the opener as a chance to generate momentum rather than treating it as a standalone contest. In doubleheaders, that can be as much about plate discipline and sequencing as it is about any single inning. Getting consistent at-bats early also helps a lineup that will be called upon again later, even if the exact rotation of who plays and bats may change between games.

The Cubs’ counter is to keep the Mets’ order from settling in against Assad. With New York’s lineup featuring Bichette, Semien, Alvarez, and Melendez across key spots, the early innings likely carry extra weight: if the Mets can keep runners moving, the second game can feel more manageable; if they stall, the doubleheader advantage swings toward the team that has more defined momentum through the first nine innings.

For viewers, Game 1 offers a straightforward watch: whether the Mets can establish their rhythm against Assad while also protecting themselves against the natural fatigue and roster juggling that follow the opener of a doubleheader. After first pitch, attention will shift to how both clubs ration pitching and whether New York’s mixed outfield look becomes a defensive and offensive advantage across the day.