The Atlanta Braves face a must-win situation if they want to reach the postseason as they host the New York Mets in the second game of their season-ending doubleheader on Monday afternoon.
Atlanta will be going all-out for a win, while New York can send out a B-team after clinching a playoff spot earlier in the day, leading me to favor the home team in my Mets vs. Braves predictions.
I’ll look at how the results of today’s first game will impact the season finale in my MLB picks for Monday, September 30.
Editor's note: This preview was written before the announcement that Chris Sale would be scratched with back spasms.
Who will win Mets vs Braves?
With the Atlanta Braves sending their ace to the mound and the New York Mets looking to get some rest before heading on the road for the postseason tomorrow, Atlanta is the clear favorite in Game 2 on Monday afternoon. Sale should shut down a lesser Mets lineup in a game the Braves know they must win to continue their season.
Mets vs Braves Game 2 prediction
My best bet
Braves -1.5 (-192 at DraftKings)
My analysis
With an early win against the Braves, the Mets have clinched a playoff position and don’t have that much motivation to waste resources trying to move up to the No. 5 seed. That means New York won’t be using Luis Severino this afternoon. At the same time, the Braves will tap likely NL Cy Young Chris Sale for Game 2 as they attempt to hold off the Diamondbacks for the final Wild Card position.
Sale has simply been a dominant force in the National League this year, going 18-3 with a 2.38 ERA. Even if the Mets were playing all-out for a win, the Braves would be a substantial favorite with their ace on the mound, no matter who New York sent out to oppose him.
We know the Mets aren’t going to start Luis Severino in Game 2, as he'll be saved for the first game of New York’s upcoming Wild Card series. One strong possibility is a game pieced together by the deepest parts of the Mets’ staff, ensuring that no high-leverage innings are wasted in what amounts to a meaningless game for New York.
Oddsmakers have noted this, of course, which means there’s not much value on Atlanta, as the Braves are one of the biggest favorites I’ve seen all season at -425 or so at most books. Instead, I think we should count on a motivated Braves team to have its way with New York’s bench and whatever pitchers the Mets cobble together to pitch this game.
Mets vs Braves Game 2 odds
Mets vs Braves live odds
Mets vs Braves game info
| Location: | Truist Park, Atlanta, GA |
| Date: | Monday, 9-30-2024 |
| First pitch: | 1:10 p.m. ET |
| TV: | ESPN2 |
| Mets starting pitcher: | Bullpen Game |
| Braves starting pitcher: | Chris Sale (18-3, 2.38 ERA) |
Mets vs Braves latest injuries
Mets vs Braves weather
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