Atlanta Braves vs. New York Mets Prediction: Can Justin Verlander, Mets Avoid the Sweep?
The Atlanta Braves and the New York Mets play the final game of their series tonight. Can Justin Verlander and the Mets avoid the sweep? Oddschecker handicapper Krabs answers.
Krabs - June 8, 2023, 12:39 PM EDT
5 minAtlanta Braves vs. New York Mets Prediction: Can Justin Verlander, Mets Avoid the Sweep?
After another blown lead last night, the New York Mets have now lost five games in a row and seven of their previous ten. Sitting two games below .500, the Mets now have a lower probability to make the playoffs than the Miami Marlins for the first time all season. The Mets just can’t seem to beat the Atlanta Braves, and it won’t get any easier as they face one of the best pitchers in baseball tonight, Spencer Strider.
Braves vs. Mets Start Time and Where to Watch
- Date: Thursday, June 8, 2023
- Start Time: 7:20 pm ET
- Where to Watch: MLB.TV, SNY
Atlanta Braves vs. New York Mets Prediction
The Mets have been putting up runs this week. It’s been the pitching staff that’s let them down, especially late in games. The preseason injury to Edwin Diaz is having more of an impact on the Mets’ bullpen than they anticipated. Their bullpen is bottom ten in ERA over the last ten games, and their team ERA is ranked 22nd in baseball, a truly shocking stat with this rotation. To make matters worse, they are facing the Braves who have one of the hottest offenses in baseball right now.
After last night’s high total soared over, the total opened up at 8 in this matchup between Justin Verlander and Spencer Strider tonight. With less than 40% of bets and handle currently backing the over (on DraftKings), the total has moved up to 8.5 on most books. With two “big name” arms on the mound, this move is shocking and it reminds me of last night’s total in this same matchup. The public expects a pitcher's duel, but they aren’t factoring in these potent offenses and the Mets’ struggling bullpen.
Spencer Strider has been great in his second season as a starting pitcher, but he’s been hittable at times. This Mets’ lineup hasn’t seen him often, with Francisco Lindor leading the team in at-bats with nine, but they have great success against him in a small sample. Lindor, Brandon Nimmo, Jeff McNeil, and Mark Canha all have strong numbers against the young flamethrower. This team doesn’t mind facing high-velocity pitchers at all. If anyone can get to Strider, it’s the Mets coming off five consecutive losses as they seek revenge against a divisional rival.
The Braves should be able to do just enough against Verlander today, limiting his innings and knocking him out by the sixth inning. Once the Braves get to face this struggling Mets’ bullpen, it’s all over for them. Instead of backing these two big-name arms, fade the public and take the over. Back these high-powered offenses to shine on MLB Network. Bet the over now before the total increases anymore.
Atlanta Braves vs. New York Mets Pick
NYM/ATL o8.5 -110 is currently the best odds. Click here to see which sportsbook has the best odds
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