The Mets and Braves have had a number of climactic late-season series. This… will not be one of them. But it is a chance for the Braves to extend the Mets’ recent misery, something that, should it happen, we will all relish.
The Mets had a seven-game winning streak in late July. Since then, they’re 5-16 and have won just a single series. Though they have won three of their last five, they suffered another disappointment on Thursday when they lost a rubber game to the Nationals. Add that to their series loss to the Braves, which came after they obliterated Atlanta pitching in the first game of the set, and it’s been rough going for the Mets.
It hasn’t been rough going for Joey Wentz since he (re-)became an Atlanta Brave. He has 0.7 fWAR in seven appearances (six starts) with his new/old team, thanks to a 62/78/96 line. Is the 96 xFIP- a modulating factor? Sure! It is way better than his career 114 xFIP-. Also yes! It’s also driven by just a couple of clunky starts against the Marlins and Brewers, but he bounced back with a 5/2 K/BB ratio in Cleveland, so no need to sweat that the magic pixie dust is rubbing off just yet. Wentz previously got crushed by the Mets back in 2023 (three homers in a single start), but that was the non-Braves version, so maybe he’ll get a measure of revenge tonight.
Wentz’ mound opponent will be Nolan McLean, who will be making his second career start. His first career start was a brilliant 5 1/3 inning effort that gave the Mets one of their few recent wins: he struck out eight of the 21 batters he faced and ended up with no runs on his ledger despite four walks against the Mariners. (McLean carried a 1-0 lead for part of his outing; the Mets ultimately won 3-1.) A top 50-ish prospect before his promotion, the Braves shouldn’t take this one lightly, though the stakes aren’t that high for them either way.
Game Date/Time: Friday, August 22, 7:15 p.m. EDT
Location: Truist Park, Atlanta, GA
Radio: 680 AM/93.7 FM The Fan, La Mejor 1600/1460/1130 AM