The Mets' return from the All-Star break provided plenty of hoopla, but the three-game set against the Reds at Citi Field was not as celebratory.

BOTTOM LINE: The New York Mets look to break their three-game home slide with a win against the Cincinnati Reds. New York has gone 33-16 at home and 55-44 overall. Mets pitchers have a collective 3.61 ERA, which ranks second in the NL.

The last time the Cincinnati Reds won a playoff series, Barry Larkin and Bret Boone were the middle infielders, and Jeff Brantley was closing games.

The Los Angeles Angels and New York Mets play the second game of their 3-game series Tuesday at Citi Field in Flushing, New York.

The Chicago Cubs quietly climbed to the top of the National League ahead of the All-Star break thanks to a long losing streak by the defending champions Los Angeles Dodgers, but the Milwaukee Brewers have closed the gap in the NL Central thanks to a 10-game winning streak.

Preview the July 21 matchup between the New York Mets and Los Angeles Angels with odds over/under, game spread, betting lines and more.