Picture Credit: MLB.tv & ESPN
After a almost complete comeback last night the Mets find themselves today in what seems like a must win game.
Allan Winans, who is replacing Spencer Striders spot in the rotation due to his elbow injury, was drafted by the Mets back in 2018 in the 17th round. With very minimal major league starting pitching experience he has pitched against the Mets twice both times in 2023. Winans got his revenge on the Mets in his first ever major league start pitching 7 innings giving up only 4 hits and 0 runs. Second time around however, Winans could not make it out of the 5th inning giving up 7 earned runs and 9 hits. The Braves expect for Winans to cover multiple innings while Strider is on the IL, but the Mets will look to rattle the young pitcher by working him into deep counts early in the game.
Jose Quintana, coming off a solid outing vs the Reds, has a daunting task trying to slow down this Braves lineup. Like Houser last night Quintana has struggled against the Braves over his career. In 8 appearances Quintana has a 2-5 record with a 6.75 ERA against the Braves. Not great but Quintana is going to have to show up in a big way today as the Mets look to take game 3.
The key to todays game as it has been for every game against the Braves is to start fast. The Mets bullpen has shown that they can slow down this Braves lineup. Edwin Diaz and Adam Ottavino both have not made an appearance yet this series after Carlos Mendoza said they will have the day off in the game on Monday. The Mets offense has shown signs of life over the last three games but these runs are going to have to come early and often the rest of this series.