MLB Rumors: White Sox fire sale, Braves concern, Mets preview
By Mark Powell
MLB Rumors: Mets ready for weekend set vs. Braves
A 9-8 comeback win against the Washington Nationals was the perfect way to head into an important weekend set for the New York Mets. With the Atlanta Braves coming to town, the Mets did not want to end a series against Washington with another loss — their fifth in a row. It’s the kind of win the team can build upon early in the season, especially with stars like Justin Verlander finally coming back into the fold.
“May not have been sexy,” Buck Showalter said later. “But it was our best and most needed win.”
Against Atlanta, the Mets will have to be better. The Braves are 17-9 on the season and lead the NL East division. Falling behind won’t end well against an Atlanta team used to playing with the lead. Still, the Mets were impressed with their effort against Washington.
“This was the kind of baseball we’re capable of playing,” McNeil said. “Hopefully, it will give us some momentum going into the Braves.”
Mike Lupica framed the New York-Atlanta series better any anyone. This story is all too familiar for both fanbases. Will it ever have a different result?
"“So much has changed for the Mets lately. Steve Cohen is the owner, and Buck is the manager. Lindor came to New York, so did Scherzer, now Verlander. But the story with the Braves still hasn’t changed. The ending is always the same. The Mets look to start changing that Friday night. In so many ways, it feels as if the race in the East starts now.”"
While merely a few games on the schedule, if the Mets want to send an early message, it all starts on Friday.