New York Mets vs Atlanta Braves: 3 bold predictions for NL East clash

May 17, 2023; Arlington, Texas, USA; Atlanta Braves starting pitcher Spencer Strider (99) throws during the first inning against the Texas Rangers at Globe Life Field. Mandatory Credit: Raymond Carlin III-USA TODAY Sports
May 17, 2023; Arlington, Texas, USA; Atlanta Braves starting pitcher Spencer Strider (99) throws during the first inning against the Texas Rangers at Globe Life Field. Mandatory Credit: Raymond Carlin III-USA TODAY Sports /
facebooktwitterreddit
Prev
2 of 3
Next
New York Mets starting pitcher Carlos Carrasco. Mandatory Credit: Kamil Krzaczynski-USA TODAY Sports
New York Mets starting pitcher Carlos Carrasco. Mandatory Credit: Kamil Krzaczynski-USA TODAY Sports /

Mets vs. Braves bold prediction: Carlos Carrasco shines

While much of the attention in the pitching matchups on the Mets side of things will focus on Wednesday (Max Scherzer) and Thursday (Justin Verlander), we’re predicting that Carlos Carrasco becomes a surprising star of the series.

In his last two starts, he has allowed just two runs over 12.2 innings, scattering 11 hits and striking out eight while walking just three. We believe the hot streak continues for the 36-year-old right-hander in the series opener on Tuesday night. He’s matched up against Atlanta’s Bryce Elder, and we believe he will come out as the better starter in that duel.

It will be the fifth start of his career against the Braves, and he holds a combined 4.30 ERA/1.174 WHIP in his previous 23.0 innings facing Atlanta batters. However (here comes the bold part, by the way), Carrasco has a career 10.39 ERA when pitching at Truist Park (11 hits and eight runs surrendered in 7.0 innings of work), so he will absolutely need to turn those numbers around on Tuesday night … and we believe he will.

The man with the nickname of “Cookie” will be extra sweet on Tuesday night for the Mets. Mark it down.