The Subway Series returns for the first time in 2021 this weekend, and you can tune in to watch the Mets and Yankees renew their crosstown rivalry.

Friday's series opener at Yankee Stadium is the MLB.TV Free Game of the Day -- and it's also a Showcase Game on MLB Network. First pitch is set for 7:05 p.m. ET.

The big-time sluggers for both New York clubs will lead the way: Aaron Judge (18 home runs, 42 RBIs) for the Yankees, Pete Alonso (13 home runs, 40 RBIs) for the Mets.

Here's a breakdown of the matchup.

How they're doing

Mets: 41-36 (1st in NL East)
Yankees: 41-39 (4th in AL East)

The Mets and Yankees aren't very far apart in terms of record, but they're in very different places in the standings. The Yankees' ups and downs have them trailing the Red Sox, Rays and Blue Jays in their division, while the Mets have been alone in first place in the NL East since May 9.

The matchup on the mound

Mets: Taijuan Walker (6-3, 2.38 ERA, 82 K)
Yankees: Jordan Montgomery (3-2, 4.06 ERA, 80 K)

Walker has been a valuable signing for the Mets and just finished up a solid month of June, during which he posted a 3.26 ERA in five starts with 33 strikeouts in 30 1/3 innings. Montgomery had a 3.77 ERA in June with 27 strikeouts in 28 2/3 innings.

Player to watch

Francisco Lindor. This will be the first taste of the crosstown rivalry for the Mets' marquee offseason acquisition. Lindor has certainly had big moments against the Yankees before -- remember his grand slam off Chad Green in Cleveland in the 2017 ALDS?

Don't forget him

Gary Sánchez. The Yankees catcher found his power stroke in June, crushing eight home runs. His .663 slugging percentage and 1.035 OPS led all catchers for the month.

Picture this

Here's DJ LeMahieu's base hit spray chart. He's third in the Majors with 33 opposite-field hits this season.

Number of note

8-8. That's the Mets and Yankees' head-to-head record since 2018. Actually, the two teams have split the Subway Series evenly in each of the last three seasons. They both won three of the six games in 2020.