The Mets and Braves square off Friday night in what’s become a pivotal matchup for New York’s playoff hopes. While Atlanta’s season is over, the Mets are still fighting for a postseason spot after breaking out of a brutal 14-of-16 game losing streak.
Francisco Lindor has been the catalyst for New York’s turnaround. The All-Star shortstop is scorching hot in August, hitting .338 with a 1.026 OPS entering Thursday’s action.
The Mets are handing the ball to Nolan McLean for just his second career start. The rookie right-hander, one of the organization’s top prospects, made quite the first impression last Saturday – eight strikeouts across 5.1 scoreless innings in his MLB debut.
Don’t sleep on Atlanta, though. The Braves have won 10 of their last 12 games, including taking a series at Citi Field last week. That’s the kind of momentum that can spoil someone’s season.
Michael Harris II has been driving Atlanta’s late-season surge. The center fielder has been one of baseball’s best hitters since the All-Star break, a complete 180 from his struggles in the first half.
How to Watch Braves vs. Mets
This one’s streaming-only on Apple TV+ as part of their “Friday Night Baseball” package. No traditional broadcast tonight.
Apple TV+ offers a seven-day free trial, then it’s $12.99 monthly in the U.S. ($14.99 in Canada). You can watch through the Apple TV+ app on most smart TVs, streaming devices, and gaming consoles.
Game Details
- Date: Friday, Aug. 22
- Time: 7:15 p.m. ET
- Location: Truist Park, Atlanta
This kicks off a three-game series between the NL East rivals, with first pitch set for 7:15 p.m. ET at Truist Park.
Remaining Friday Night Baseball Schedule
| Date | Game | Time (ET) |
|---|---|---|
| Aug. 22 | Royals at Tigers | 7:10 p.m. |
| Mets at Braves | 7:15 p.m. | |
| Aug. 29 | Braves at Phillies | 6:45 p.m. |
| Orioles at Giants | 10:15 p.m. | |
| Sept. 5 | Nationals at Cubs | 2:20 p.m. |
| Brewers at Pirates | 6:40 p.m. | |
| Sept. 12 | Yankees at Red Sox | 7:10 p.m. |
| Angels at Mariners | 10:10 p.m. | |
| Sept. 19 | Blue Jays at Royals | 7:40 p.m. |
| Giants at Dodgers | 10:10 p.m. | |
| Sept. 26 | Tigers at Red Sox | 7:10 p.m. |
For the Mets, every game matters now. McLean’s second start will be a good test of whether their young talent can step up when the pressure’s on. Atlanta might be playing spoiler, but they’re playing spoiler really well right now.
