New York @ Arizona preview

Last Meeting ( Jul 26, 2012 ) NY Mets 3, Arizona 1

Matt Harvey won’t be available Friday after striking out 11 in his major-league debut, but the Mets are hoping his record-setting performance sets a new tone for the second half. The Mets look to win their second straight against the Diamondbacks, who have scored just three runs on nine hits over their last two games. Arizona is 6 1/2 games behind San Francisco in the NL West, while the Mets are battling to stay in playoff contention after losing 12 of their last 14 games.

The Mets’ bullpen has been a major concern all season, but Bobby Parnell provided a boost Thursday when he earned his third save in eight opportunities. New York is unlikely to make a big splash at the trade deadline, but the team is reportedly in the market for a backup catcher and relief help. Arizona has apparently taken right fielder Justin Upton off the trading block, but shortstop Stephen Drew could be moved. Drew is in the final year of his contract and is batting just .206 in 68 at-bats since returning from a severe ankle injury.

TV: 9:40 p.m. ET, SNY (New York), FS Arizona (Arizona)

PITCHING MATCHUP: Mets LH Jonathon Niese (7-4, 3.59 ERA) vs. Diamondbacks RH Josh Collmenter (2-2, 3.82)

Niese has turned in two quality outings since the All-Star break, including last Sunday when he allowed three runs over seven innings of an extra-inning loss to the Dodgers. Niese, who has 102 strikeouts over 117 2/3 innings, is 1-1 with a 6.06 ERA in three career starts against the Diamondbacks.

Collmenter has rebounded nicely since struggling in four April starts and losing his spot in the rotation. He’s 2-0 with a 1.51 ERA in his last 15 games (four starts), and he gave up two runs over six innings against Houston last Sunday. In eight starts this season, he’s 2-2 with a 5.58 ERA.

WALK-OFFS

1. Mets 3B David Wright went 0-for-4 in the series opener and has four hits in his last 28 at-bats.

2. The Diamondbacks are 21-9 at home since May 23.

3. New York 2B Daniel Murphy has 13 hits (six for extra bases) in his last 27 at-bats (.481).