First pitch is scheduled for 7:15 p.m. ET (coverage on SNY, BravesVision/MLB.TV).
Probable Starters
Mets: RHP Christian Scott (#45; 3-3, 3.15 ERA, 1.26 WHIP, 74.1 IP, 92 K, 32 BB, 7 HR).
He has shown solid form in stretches, including a strong 6-IP, 1-ER outing vs. Atlanta on July 29, and recently allowed 3 ER in 5 IP at Cleveland. Career/season limited sample vs. Braves includes mixed results (notable strikeout ability but some walks/HRs)espn.com
Braves: RHP Bryce Elder (#55; 8-6, 3.69 ERA, 1.20 WHIP, 126.2 IP, 104 K, 42 BB, 19 HR).
Stronger of late at home (recent quality starts, including a 7-IP, 1-ER win vs. Miami). Career vs. Mets is solid overall (historically effective with ground-ball profile); he allowed runs in a June start against them this year.
Both are right-handers. Scott generally posts higher K rates; Elder relies more on contact management and has a heavier workload.
Venue and Weather
Truist Park (Atlanta). Forecast for game time: Warm and humid with highs near the upper 80s to low 90s during the day, dropping into the mid-to-upper 70s by evening. Partly cloudy with a chance of scattered showers/thunderstorms (afternoon PoP around 40-50%, lower in the evening; possible isolated storms). Light winds (variable/W around 5-7 mph). Expect typical summer conditions that can favor hitters if the ball carries, with possible brief weather delays.
Injury Reports (key/recent)
Mets: Juan Soto (LF, 10-day IL, calf; est. return ~Sep 1), Mark Vientos (1B/3B, 10-day IL, hand; ~Aug 25), Austin Warren (RP, 15-day IL, forearm; ~Aug 10, possible return window), Cionel Pérez (RP, 15-day IL, forearm), Justin Hagenman (RP, 60-day IL), plus longer-term absences (e.g., Tylor Megill, Reed Garrett elbows). Carson Benge (RF) recently dealt with a wrist issue but has returned to the lineup. Francisco Lindor is active.
Braves: Reynaldo López (RP/SP, 15-day IL, knee; ~Aug 14), Robert Suárez (RP, 15-day IL, forearm/elbow), Joe Jiménez (RP, 60-day IL), Spencer Schwellenbach and Spencer Strider (SPs, 60-day IL, elbows; longer-term). Bullpen depth is tested but the rotation remains functional.
Projected/Recent Lineups and Key Rosters
Mets: A.J. Ewing (LF/CF), Francisco Lindor (SS), Bo Bichette (3B), Carson Benge (RF), Luis Robert Jr. (CF), Jared Young (1B), Marcus Semien (2B), Brett Baty/Jorge Polanco (DH/util), Francisco Alvarez (C). Leaders include Benge (.270+ AVG range), Bichette (RBI production), and Alvarez power. Soto’s absence hurts the middle of the order.
Braves: Drake Baldwin (C), Ronald Acuña Jr. (RF), Matt Olson (1B), Michael Harris II (CF), Ozzie Albies (2B), Dominic Smith (DH/1B), Austin Riley (3B), Mike Yastrzemski (LF), Jim Jarvis (SS). Olson (power/RBI leader ~34 HR range), Harris II (.291 AVG), Albies, and Acuña form a potent core.
Key Player Matchups
Scott vs. Braves hitters: Harris II has shown success historically against him; Olson and Albies present power threats. Scott’s K ability can neutralize contact-oriented approaches, but walks/HRs have bitten him in prior Braves outings.
Elder vs. Mets hitters: Ground-ball tendency can induce double plays against Lindor/Bichette/Semien. Benge and lefty bats (Ewing, Young, Baty) may have platoon edges; Alvarez and Bichette offer RBI threats. Limited 2026 head-to-head volume, but Elder has generally handled Mets lineups well in past samples.
Team-level: Braves offense (higher AVG/SLG/run production) vs. Mets pitching; Mets have shown occasional explosiveness (e.g., recent high-scoring wins) but inconsistency without Soto/Vientos.
Recent Team Forms
Mets: 52-67 overall (5th NL East, ~19.5 GB). Last 10 roughly 5-5 to 6-4; recent results include wins at Cleveland (including extras) and Pittsburgh, mixed with a shutout loss. Away record around 27-33. Offense averages ~4.1-4.2 R/G with .234-.235 AVG; pitching ERA ~4.11-4.13. Manager Andy Green.
Braves: 71-47 overall (1st NL East). Last 10 strong (8-2); recent includes a series win vs. Miami and a tight 2-1 extras win at Yankees after some close losses. Home record excellent (~39-20). Offense ~.250 AVG with strong power (Olson et al.); pitching ERA ~3.60-3.63. Manager Walt Weiss. Far superior run differential and consistency.
Series History (2026)
Mets lead the season series roughly 6-4 entering this set (results include Mets wins in June and July high-scoring affairs, Braves blowouts and close wins, including a 1-0 July 29 result). Remaining games: this three-game set at Truist Park (Aug 10-12). Historically competitive NL East rivalry; Braves hold the all-time edge but Mets have taken recent series points.
Betting Trends
Braves strong home favorites and ATS in many spots; Mets underdogs have covered occasionally in rivalry games. Totals have mixed Over/Under results in prior 2026 meetings (some high-scoring, some low). Public often leans favorites/Overs in such matchups; sharp money can fade heavy favorites or target unders with solid starters.
GAME ODDS
New York Mets 8
Atlanta Braves – 143
Odds Courtesy of Sports Odds Direct as of Sunday, August 9, 2026
