Mets Game Preview: (5/18/21) @ Atlanta Braves (19-22)

May 12, 2021; New York City, New York, USA; New York Mets relief pitcher Robert Gsellman (44) delivers a pitch during the eighth inning against the Baltimore Orioles at Citi Field. Mandatory Credit: Vincent Carchietta-USA TODAY Sports

Someone the New York Mets found a way to win again, despite losing two more key players. They will try to lick their wombs and get themselves ready for game two of three against the Atlanta Braves. The first pitch from Georgia is a slightly later 7:20 p.m. ET start.

The Mets will need to dig deeper into their bench as Kevin Pillar is on his way to the injured list. He joins a crew of starting players who have created room for the Syracuse Mets to make their debuts on the roster. Johneshwy Fargas, Jake Hager, and Khalil Lee will have huge shoes to fill while the bat of Pillar, Brandon Nimmo, and Michael Conforto are sidelined. Fargas came through during Monday’s game with an RBI double, which was his first big league hit.

Holding Ronald Acuna and Freddie Freeman in check is the key to shutting down the Braves offense. On Monday, the Mets kept them both hitless, which is why their offense was held just to one run. With the Mets using a bullpen game, the task becomes much harder with the weaker parts of the bullpen being exposed to the two MVP candidates.

Pitching Matchup

The Mets will use an opener, but they still have no idea who it is. Drew Smith, Tommy Hunter, and Robert Gsellman are all options to start the bullpen game.

The Braves will throw Tucker Davidson, who only has 1.2 big league innings under his belt. In his only start during 2020, he allowed seven runs (two earned) and walked four batters. The offense should be plentiful for both teams during this middle game of the series.