The New York Mets, rocking a 52-67 record, are heading into enemy territory to face the Atlanta Braves, who sit at a commanding 71-47. Despite the massive gap in their season trajectories, the Mets just ripped off a 5-1 week against the Guardians and Pirates, showing some serious fight. This isn’t your typical “playing out the string” team, not by a long shot.
Don’t Call it a Comeback (Yet!), But They’re Not Rolling Over
Both these clubs are coming off strong post-deadline stretches. The Braves swept the Marlins and then took one of three from the Yankees, though that Friday night walk-off loss had to sting. The Mets, though, have been the real surprise. They just took two of three from these very Braves a couple weeks ago at Citi Field, even almost pulling off the sweep before a 1-0 nail-biter in a doubleheader went the other way. Yeah, the Braves added pieces at the deadline and are in full control of their destiny. And yeah, the Mets shed valuable contracts, with everyone expecting them to just coast. But they are absolutely refusing to roll over. They’re playing hard, and it’s genuinely refreshing to see. No, I’m not saying they’re gonna pull off a Wild Card miracle, with six teams still between them and a playoff spot and one of the toughest schedules left. But watching them battle? That’s what we want to see from ballplayers.
Experiments Are Paying Off Big Time
The early-season experiments are actually clicking for the Mets. Aside from one rough start from Robert Stock on Saturday, this team has looked really good. Kodai Senga moving to the bullpen? Small sample size, but it’s looking like a smart move. Sean Manaea seems to have found that second-half 2024 form again, which is huge. And the bats? They’re more or less all in sync right now. Luis Robert Jr., the one piece they couldn’t move, just had a monster game on Sunday, proving he’s still a threat. All this effort, even without playoff implications, tells us a lot about who wants to be part of the future. The rest of this season is all about figuring out who’s a key piece for next year and giving guys a shot to prove their worth. If they can keep playing enjoyable baseball while doing that? That’s a win, period.
We’ll see how legit this recent surge is when they face the Braves tonight, Monday, August 10. Christian Scott takes the mound for the Mets against Bryce Elder at 7:15pm EDT on SNY. Scott has been solid this year, with 74.1 innings pitched, 92 strikeouts, 32 walks, 7 home runs, a 3.15 ERA, and a 3.37 FIP. Any chance to spank the Braves is one I relish, so let’s see these Mets keep fighting.
This article was created with AI assistance and published under Seattle On Tap’s editorial standards. See our Editorial Policy.
Originally reported by Amazin’ Avenue.
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