Free MLB Picks Today: New York Mets vs Atlanta Braves 5/1/23

The New York Mets (15-12) are in for a challenge against Spencer Strider at Citi Field on Monday when the impressive right-hander takes the mound for the Atlanta Braves (18-9) in a doubleheader. The Braves took Friday’s series opener 4-0, their fifth straight head-to-head victory.

Starter Max Fried had a complete game shutout. He gave up only three hits, striking out seven and walking one en route to the win. Matt Olson was 1 for 3 with a home run and three RBIs in the win. Kevin Pillar added a double and one run. Pete Alonso went 1 for 2 for the Mets.

ON THE MOUND

Strider (3-0, 1.80 ERA) is slated for the start for Atlanta in the first game of the doubleheader. The right-hander ranks second in the NL in ERA and strikeouts (49), and is tied for fifth in wins. Strider threw eight scoreless innings in his last start, an 11-0 road win over the Marlins on April 24.

He earned the win, yielding two hits while striking out 13.Strider is making his first appearance against the Mets this season. Over three starts against the Mets in 2022, Strider was 1-1 with a 4.38 ERA over 12.1 innings. He had 17 strikeouts and six walks.

Right-hander Denyi Reyes (0-0, 0.00 ERA) takes the mound for New York, his first start of the season. It’s his first appearance of the season against the Braves.

In his last appearance on April 18, Reyes pitched in relief on the road against the Dodgers. He threw 1.1 scoreless, no-hit innings, striking out two and walking two in the 5-0 loss.

AT THE PLATE

Over the last five games, Atlanta has averaged 6.4 runs a game, up from their season average of 5.1, while slashing better across the board (.265/.341/.535).

Against righties like Reyes this season, the Braves have a .752 OPS. Olson is the team’s most productive hitter against right-handers with a 1.082 OPS in 64 at-bats.

New York is averaging only 2.8 runs per game in the last five, down from 4.5 for the season, with their slash line dropping across the board (.234/.280/.331).

The Mets have a .727 OPS against right-handers in 2023. With a .902 OPS over 58 at-bats, Brandon Nimmo has been their best hitter against right-handers.

HOME AND AWAY

Atlanta is 11-2 away from home in 2023, scoring 5.4 runs per game while allowing 2.0 runs. New York has gone 5-5 at home this season, averaging 3.8 runs per game while surrendering 3.9.

In the last 10 games between the NL East rivals at Citi Field, New York is 6-4 despite an average scoreline favoring Atlanta (4.4-4.3).