Fresh off a series victory over the Philadelphia Phillies, the Atlanta Braves will host the New York Mets on Thursday night for the first of four games at SunTrust Park. Though the Mets have cooled in recent days, New York enters with a solid division lead at this (very) early juncture and, considering all of the turmoil in terms of the roster for the Braves in recent hours, things could get quite interesting.
Though the situation with Freddie Freeman’s injury understandably drew top billing prior to word that he did not suffer a fractured wrist, the absence of Anibal Sanchez threw a wrench in things for Atlanta, as the veteran right-hander was slated to start in the series opener. That is no longer the case with Sanchez hitting the disabled list and, in his stead, Brian Snitker and company will send Matt Wisler to the mound for his first Major League appearance of the 2018 season.
The #Braves have recalled RHP Matt Wisler from Triple-A Gwinnett and he will start tonight’s game; OF Lane Adams has been designated for assignment.
— Atlanta Braves (@Braves) April 19, 2018
Most optimism surrounding Wisler and a potential future as a starter in Atlanta has evaporated on the heels of a 5.26 ERA in 298 MLB innings, but the right-hander has performed well in two starts with Gwinnett this season. In his most recent outing, Wisler allowed only two runs in seven innings of work and, while most focus has been on a potential transition to the bullpen, the former prospect will have an opportunity to impress against a potentially potent Mets offense.
In opposition, the Mets will send Matt Harvey to the mound and the 29-year-old former ace has been solid, yet wholly unspectacular, in three starts this season. The right-hander has been limited to only 15 innings over three starts and Harvey owns a 4.80 ERA, albeit with (slightly) encouraging peripherals. Still, this is a Braves offense that is capable of dinging a pitcher with Harvey’s make-up and most Las Vegas shops see something of a coin-flip game despite the pitching uncertainty for Atlanta.
Settle in for a lengthy April series between two rival squads and stay tuned throughout what could be a busy day.
Game Info:
Time/Date: Thursday, April 19, 7:35 PM ET
Location: SunTrust Park
TV: FOX Sports Southeast
Radio: 680 AM/93.7 FM, 106.7 FM Braves Radio Network