Mets vs. Braves preview: Atlanta faces Matt Harvey in getaway finale

The Atlanta Braves got off the mat with an 8-2 victory on Wednesday evening and that was a much needed performance. However, things don’t get easier on Thursday for Atlanta, as the team squares off against Matt Harvey in a getaway finale for the series.

Harvey was not the scheduled starter for New York until Thursday morning, when Noah Syndergaard was scratched with a “tired arm” hours before first pitch. While that is probably an upgrade for Atlanta, it isn’t a massive one. The 28-year-old has pitched well this season, with a 2.84 ERA and a sub-1.00 WHIP, but his FIP (4.91) indicates that Harvey hasn’t necessarily been lights-out to the degree that it might seem.

On the mound in opposition will be R.A. Dickey, who has been unspectacular but solid over three starts. The veteran knuckle-baller is sporting a 3.86 ERA in 18.2 innings but that comes with a 4.92 FIP and an alarming home run rate in the early going.

It should be noted that New York enters the matinee contest as approximately -220 favorites in Las Vegas and that is usually a good indicator of expected results. Atlanta, quite obviously, does not have a pitching advantage here but the Mets are riding a five-game losing streak and the visiting team will look to keep that mojo working here.

Stay tuned throughout the day for all the latest.

Game Info

Game Date/Time: Thursday, April 27, 2017, 1:10 pm ET

Location: SunTrust Park, Atlanta, GA

TV: Fox Sports Southeast, MLB Network, MLB.tv (streaming)

Radio: 680 AM, 93.7 FM (Flagship in Atlanta), WYAY 106.7, Braves Radio Network