New York @ Arizona preview

Last Meeting ( Aug 12, 2011 ) NY Mets 3, Arizona 4

THE STORY: Kirk Gibson won his 100th game as a manager Friday, and his candidacy for Manager of the Year looks stronger everyday. Heading into Saturday’s game against the visiting New York Mets, Gibson’s Arizona Diamondbacks have won four straight and moved two games ahead of San Francisco in the National League West. New York has lost nine of its last 12 games.

TV: 8:10 p.m. ET, WPIX (New York), FS Arizona

PITCHING MATCHUP: Mets RH Mike Pelfrey (6-9, 4.53 ERA) at Diamondbacks RH Daniel Hudson (11-8, 3.83).

Pelfrey, who gave up four runs over 6 1/3 innings Monday against San Diego, has pitched at least six innings in six of his last seven starts. Pelfrey is 1-5 with a 5.82 ERA in eight career starts against the Diamondbacks. Hudson worked a career-low three innings against Houston on Monday when he gave up seven runs – four earned – on 11 hits. The Diamondbacks are 8-2 in his last 10 home starts. Hudson is making only his second career start against the Mets.

ABOUT THE METS (58-60): Ike Davis (ankle) will make a decision on whether to have surgery by Labor Day, which is the latest he can wait and still be ready for spring training. It’s unlikely he’ll return this season. With Daniel Murphy (torn MCL) out for the year, Lucas Duda and Nick Evans are sharing time at first base. Evans again had impressive numbers at Triple A Buffalo this season, but he hasn’t been able to transfer them to the majors. He is batting only .194 in 22 games for the Mets this season, while Duda is hitting .274 after batting cleanup and going 0-for-3 on Friday. Center fielder Angel Pagan returned to the starting lineup Friday after missing one game with back spasms, but second baseman Justin Turner was given Friday off to rest. Jose Reyes (hamstring) landed on the 15-day disabled list Monday, but he is optimistic that he will be able to return as soon as he’s eligible.

ABOUT THE DIAMONDBACKS (66-53): First baseman Xavier Nady was diagnosed with a fractured left hand after being hit by a pitch Friday, and he will surely be out for several weeks. Rookie Paul Goldschmidt took over Friday, and he will likely be the regular first baseman. Former starter Juan Miranda could be recalled from Triple A Reno, where he is hitting .313 with two home runs over his last 10 games. There's a chance the Diamondbacks may promote 2011 first-round pick Trevor Bauer to Double A Mobile for his next start. Bauer has made only three professional starts, but there is speculation he could be called up in September to work in the Arizona bullpen. On Thursday, the Diamondbacks claimed infielder Tommy Manzella off waivers from the Astros, and he will serve as organizational depth at shortstop. He is not expected to challenge Cody Ransom or Willie Bloomquist for playing time.

FINAL PITCH: The Diamondbacks are 10-4 in their last 14 Saturday games.