The New York Mets have 12 games remaining on the docket to qualify for the postseason. In order to do so, it’s going to need to jump the Rockies, Brewers and Reds in hopes of snagging one of the last two spots currently held by the floundering Giants and Phillies. Winners in just two of its last seven games at online sportsbooks, it’s going to be a steep uphill climb. Making the journey all the more tough is this weekend’s series against the NL East leading Atlanta Braves who’ve kicked the ever-living snot out of them in taking five of the seven played meetings heading into Friday night’s series opener. New York will look to Michael Wacha who will have had a full week off since his last start, while the Braves will trot Josh Tomlin to the bump on eight-days of rest. Both hurlers have tossed nothing but batting practice of late, so the bullpens are likely to be called upon early once again making the over a likely prudent investment.
First pitch for the game between the Atlanta Braves and New York Mets is scheduled for Saturday, September 19, 2020, at 7:07 p.m. ET from Citi Field. The matchup will be aired live on FOX. You can bet on MLB Odds at BookMaker.eu every day of the season.
Odds Analysis
Entering the regular season, oddsmakers figured the Braves would be one of the better teams in the National League. With 11 games remaining, the team still has some work to do to surpass its 33.5-game season win total odds. At 28 games up and 20 games down, Atlanta needs to go 6-5 down the stretch to cash tickets for those that hit the over. Considering the team has amassed only one losing streak larger than two games all season, they’ll likely get it done; especially with the final seven games being played at Truist Park. The Braves are one of only five NL teams that’ve amassed a +.500 record on the road at 14-12 -$181.
For a second there, it looked like the Mets were onto something. But since splitting their early September series with the Phillies and Orioles, New York just dropped two of three against the Toronto Blue Jays and then lost the opener in their crucial series at the Philadelphia Phillies. Injuries and opt-outs have found this team situated behind the 8-ball right from the get-go. It would take nothing short of a miracle for Luis Rojas’ squad to find its way into the postseason. But nothing is impossible as they are “The Amazins” after all. Following the series with Philly, they’ll return home to battle the Braves and Rays before closing the season out in Washington. Unfortunately, the Mets haven’t made the most of their home matchups in going 11-13 -$555.
Probable Pitchers
Josh Tomlin: With Mike Soroka done for the season, Max Fried about to come off the IL and Cole Hamels set to make his season debut on Wednesday, the Braves have been desperate for starting pitching help. That’s the only reason why Tomlin continues to be used on a regular basis because his stat line hardly suggests him getting a turn every fifth day. The righty was blasted for seven hits and 5 ER in his last outing at the Nats last Saturday. Though he took the no decision, the effort raised his ERA to 4.68 and BAA to .264 for the season. Since coming out of the bullpen, the Braves have lost four of his five made starts. He’s excelled against the Mets in his career in going 3-0 with a 2.91 ERA and 1.06 WHIP, but New York has raked against righties No. 4 so tonight is likely to be a different story.
Michael Wacha: Last MLB bettors saw Wacha take the hill, he surrendered seven hits 2 HR and 4 ER through four innings and took the loss against the Baltimore Orioles. The defeat dropped him to 1-3 and increased his ERA to a sickening 7.50. The righty has failed to pitch into the sixth inning in all six of his made starts, and he’s yet to see the fifth inning in three straight. His 1.75 WHIP and .327 BAA state all you need to know about the 2020 version of Mr. Wacha – he’s a gas can waiting to be ignited! The Braves already ripped him for seven hits 1 HR and 5 ER back on August 1 to drop him to 0-4 lifetime with a 4.71 ERA and .455 BAA in five career starts. While the extra rest could benefit him, do you really want to pay up to see if it comes to fruition? Didn’t think so!
MLB Pick
I honestly have no idea who wins this game. I want absolutely nothing to do with backing either Tomlin or Wacha! I’ll go with the Mets since they need it more. Regardless, runs are likely to be scored in bunches so I’d have no issue with backing the over for the first-five innings as well as the full game. I’d look to hit both team totals over the impost as well. With both offenses ranked amongst the top-four in the league at hitting right-handed pitching, oddsmakers are likely to hang a crooked O/U on the board. Even with Citi Field being one of the better pitcher’s parks the league has to offer, that still won’t stop me from hitting overs with reckless abandon!
MLB Odds: Mets 8, Braves 7
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