Mets vs Braves: Nolan McLean Looks to Stop New York’s Slide

Atlanta Braves vs New York Mets August 22nd 2025

The New York Mets will take on the Atlanta Braves at Truist Park on Friday, August 22, 2025. The Mets are looking to break their two-game losing streak. They have a record of 67-60 and stand second in the NL East division. Their recent form shows a 4-6 record in their last ten games.

The Braves, on the other hand, have won their last two games. They hold a 58-69 record and are fourth in the NL East. In their last ten games, they have gone 8-2. The game will start at 7:15 PM and will be broadcast on APLTV. The weather forecast predicts a warm day with light rain and a breeze.

Mets vs Braves Key Information

Sport: Baseball
Teams: New York Mets vs. Atlanta Braves
Venue: Truist Park in Atlanta, GA
Date: Friday, August 22, 2025
Betting Odds: Mets Moneyline -111, Braves Moneyline -107

The Mets Can Win If…

The New York Mets are coming off a tough 9-3 loss to the Washington Nationals. Despite the loss, Francisco Lindor had a strong performance with three hits, including a home run. Starling Marte also contributed with a home run, showing the Mets’ ability to hit the long ball.

The Mets have a solid chance to win with their power hitting. They rank 7th in the league with 167 home runs this season. Their on-base percentage is also strong, ranking 7th at .321, giving them more opportunities to score.

Nolan McLean will start for the Mets, bringing confidence with his 0.00 ERA in limited action. The Mets’ pitching staff ranks 2nd in home runs allowed, which could be key against the Braves. With Pete Alonso leading the team in RBIs, the Mets have the offensive firepower needed to secure a win.

The Braves Can Win If…

The Atlanta Braves secured a narrow 1-0 win against the Chicago White Sox in their last game. Hurston Waldrep shined on the mound, pitching seven scoreless innings with seven strikeouts. Marcell Ozuna contributed with a crucial double, and Nacho Alvarez Jr. added two singles to help the team clinch the victory.

The Braves have shown their strength in recent games with a solid on-base percentage of .320, ranking 8th in the league. Their ability to draw walks, ranking 3rd with 457, keeps the pressure on opposing pitchers. The team’s pitching staff also ranks 11th in batting average against, limiting opponents to a .242 average.

Joey Wentz will take the mound for the Braves with a 4.72 ERA. His recent performance against the Cleveland Guardians, where he allowed just one run in six innings, shows he can handle pressure. With strong hitters like Matt Olson and Ronald Acuña Jr. in the lineup, the Braves have the tools to secure another win.

The Lean

The Mets are slightly favored with a moneyline of -111, while the Braves are at -107. The Mets have a better pitching ERA at 3.82 compared to the Braves’ 4.30. This gives the Mets an edge. My model projects the Mets to win with a score of 5-4. Based on these factors, the pick is the Mets to win straight up.

The total for the game is set at 8.5 runs. Both teams have strong batting stats, with the Mets ranking 7th in home runs and the Braves ranking 3rd in walks. My model projects a total score of 9 runs. Given this projection, the recommendation is to take the over on the total of 8.5 runs.

Mets Fighting to Stay in Playoff Picture

The New York Mets will hand the ball to promising rookie Nolan McLean on Friday night in hopes of reversing their recent struggles. After losing 16 of their last 21 games, New York’s postseason outlook has become precarious. The Mets cling to a half-game lead over the Cincinnati Reds for the final National League wild-card slot, making every matchup crucial down the stretch.

Coming off a 9-3 loss to the Washington Nationals in the finale of a three-game set, New York faces yet another test against the surging Atlanta Braves. For fans tracking daily picks, the latest breakdowns are available at MLB picks

Nolan McLean’s Rapid Rise

McLean (1-0, 0.00 ERA) will make just his second career start after an impressive major league debut. The 2023 third-round draft pick quickly advanced through Double-A and Triple-A Syracuse this season, posting a 2.45 ERA across 21 appearances.

In his debut last Saturday against the Seattle Mariners, the right-hander threw 5 1/3 scoreless innings, allowing two hits and striking out eight in a 3-1 win. That performance drew comparisons to Zack Wheeler’s memorable debut in 2013, also against Atlanta.

Teammates were quick to praise McLean’s composure. Francisco Lindor noted that the rookie “was attacking and wanted to get back in the dugout to keep the momentum.” For more game outlooks, fans can visit the MLB previews section

Braves Counter With Joey Wentz

Atlanta, winners of 10 of their last 12 games, will send left-hander Joey Wentz (4-3, 4.72 ERA) to the mound. Since joining the Braves on waivers from Minnesota in July, Wentz has delivered a 2.60 ERA over seven outings, providing stability to an injury-hit rotation.

In his most recent start, Wentz went six innings against Cleveland, allowing just one run while striking out five. Manager Brian Snitker praised the lefty’s strike-throwing and balanced pitch mix, calling his production “more than we could ever imagine.”

For bettors looking to sharpen their strategy, the expert MLB betting guide provides in-depth analysis.

Braves Lose Austin Riley for the Season

Atlanta announced that third baseman Austin Riley will miss the remainder of the season after undergoing surgery to repair a sports hernia. Rookie Nacho Alvarez Jr. is expected to take on most of the starts at third base.

Despite Riley’s absence, the Braves maintain a 7-3 advantage over New York in the season series and have not lost a yearly matchup to the Mets since 2017. For those evaluating betting slips, consider checking the best handicappers leaderboard for trusted expert insight.

Outlook and Betting Angle

This matchup features two pitchers on opposite ends of their careers: a rookie looking to cement his place in the majors and a journeyman lefty making the most of an opportunity. For the Mets, McLean’s ability to repeat his debut performance could be the key to keeping their wild-card hopes alive.

Atlanta, however, remains the deeper and hotter club, capable of leaning on its offense even without Riley. For fans seeking premium betting insight, buy picks from top experts can provide added value. To keep track of how this series unfolds, follow the latest MLB game results

Atlanta Braves vs New York Mets Picks and Predictions August 22nd 2025