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The New York Mets are mired in their worst offensive slump in almost a decade — just in time to meet the Chicago Cubs, who are in the midst of a much-needed lineup revival. The Mets will look to snap a lengthy skid Friday afternoon when they visit the Cubs in the opener of a three-game series between the longtime National League rivals. Kodai Senga (0-2, 7.07 ERA) is slated to start for the Mets against Edward Cabrera (1-0, 1.62 ERA) in a battle of right-handers. Both teams were off Thursday after completing road series Wednesday. The Mets continued sinking with an 8-2 loss to the Los Angeles Dodgers while the Cubs remained hot with an 11-2 rout of the

The Atlanta Braves and Philadelphia Phillies are trending in opposite directions heading into their first matchup of the season Friday. The visiting Braves have won three series in a row, taking two of three from the Los Angeles Angels, Cleveland Guardians and Miami Marlins over the last two weeks. Most recently, Atlanta won its final two against Miami, including a 6-3 victory Wednesday. “When you start to win games and you start to win series, you start to believe,” Braves manager Walt Weiss said. “I go back to the stuff I was saying in spring training and at the end of camp. It’s just a really good vibe and the guys have a really good look in their eyes. They’re

Peñarol host Platense at Estadio Campeón del Siglo on Thursday night in a Group E Copa Libertadores match that already carries real weight. Kickoff is set for 8:30 PM ET in Montevideo, and the group table gives this one a pretty clear shape. Peñarol opened with a 1-0 road win over Santa Fe, while Platense dropped their first match 1-0 at home to Corinthians. That means the Uruguayan side can take early control of the group with another three points, while Platense are already playing with some pressure after matchday one. There is also a spot advantage here that is hard to ignore. Peñarol are home for the first time in this Libertadores campaign, and that matters at this club

Flamengo host Independiente Medellín at the Maracanã on Thursday night in a Copa Libertadores Group A match that already matters quite a bit for the table. It is matchday two, and the group has started to take shape after Estudiantes reached four points from two games. Flamengo opened with a 2-0 win at Cusco and sit on three points, while Medellín began with a 1-1 home draw against Estudiantes and come in on one point. A home win would send Flamengo to the top on six. A road result would keep Medellín very much in the race. There is also a clear form and pressure angle here. Flamengo are the defending Libertadores champions and arrive off a 2-1 derby win