Mets at Braves
The hot start has faded for the Atlanta Braves, but the National League East leaders hope a visit from the struggling New York Mets will help them get back on track. The Braves are just 5-10 since a 12-1 start, and they've managed only one run over their past two games, but they still have a 2 1/2 game cushion over second-place Washington and would like to add to it.
The Mets salvaged the final game of a three-game set at Miami with a 7-6 win Wednesday, snapping a six-game losing streak. They had a welcomed day off Thursday before wrapping up a six-game road trip with a three-game set at Atlanta. The Braves took 12 of 18 meetings last season, including seven of nine at Turner Field.
TV: 7:30 p.m. ET, SNY (New York), Fox Sports South (Atlanta)
PITCHING MATCHUP: Mets RH Shaun Marcum (0-2, 7.94 ERA) vs. Braves LH Mike Minor (3-2, 3.13)
After starting the season on the disabled list with a neck injury, Marcum made his season debut Saturday against the Phillies and allowed three runs in four innings. He made a relief appearance in the Mets' 15-inning marathon at Miami and was charged with the loss after allowing two runs in 1 2/3 innings. Marcum is 1-1 with a 2.25 ERA in three starts against the Braves.
Minor endured his first rocky start of the season Sunday at Detroit, surrendering six runs in 6 2/3 innings. He was touched for two home runs as his ERA ballooned from 1.80 to 3.13. Minor is 3-1 with a 6.03 ERA in six starts against the Mets and he split his two starts against them last season.
WALK-OFFS
1. The Braves are hitting .201 as a team over their past seven games after hitting .250 over their first 21.
2. Mets C John Buck's nine home runs in April are by far the most in his career, and he is tied for second in the majors behind Atlanta OF Justin Upton (12). Buck has never hit a home run in 48 plate appearances at Turner Field.
3. Braves C Brian McCann is on a rehab assignment with Triple-A Gwinnett and could come off the disabled list for next week's series with Cincinnati.