The New York Mets are thinking about the postseason while the Atlanta Braves are simply trying to keep their heads above water and finish out the season. The two teams have had drastically different 2015 seasons as the Mets have a convincing lead in the National League East while Atlanta fighting for the worst record in the league in order to earn the top draft pick. That battle will continue on Thursday night as Bartolo Colon takes the mound aiming for a spot in the starting lineup come playoff time.
The biggest issue facing New York right now is determining their starting pitching rotation for the postseason as they limit Matt Harvey in order to keep him healthy. Colon is aiming to be one of those pitchers selected as he puts himself on display against the Braves. Colon is 13-11 on the season with a 4.18 ERA. He has been thriving at the right time with a 3-0 stretch that includes 25 consecutive scoreless innings. That is a big different from going 1-4 with a 6.08 ERA in the previous seven matchups. It is the recent success that will land him a spot in the playoffs. Against the Braves he is even better with a 2.53 ERA in nine career starts while putting up a 1.29 ERA in his last four outings against the team.
The Mets have a seven-game lead in the National League East that certainly will not be challenged by Atlanta. The team has won their last 11 of 13 games and while they are 1-5 at Turner Field this season, the Braves of late are not expected to put up much of a fight. Atlanta just managed to snap an eight-game losing streak. They are coming off a solid win Wednesday with 18 hits, a season high.
Shelby Miller takes the mound as he aims to break an 0-12 streak despite having a 3.46 ERA in that stretch and a 2.81 ERA overall. Miller has been one of the better pitchers for the Braves and yet the team simply cannot get runs for him to notch a win. Atlanta is hopeful they can finally get Miller a much-needed win while breaking the momentum of the Mets.
