A foreboding forecast in Queens forced the postponement of Tuesday night's game between the New York Mets and Atlanta Braves, setting up a split-admission doubleheader on Wednesday.
The Mets will look to build on their momentum from Monday night's 14-3 win over the Braves, behind two home runs from Francisco Lindor and a strong pitching performance by rookie starter Zac Thornton. However, their doubleheader dreams will be put to the test as they face the Braves in a split-admission doubleheader at Citi Field.
The first game is set to begin at 1:10 p.m. ET, with left-hander Sean Manaea (2-5, 4.52 ERA) scheduled to start for the Mets. AJ Smith-Shawver, a 23-year-old right-hander with a 3.77 ERA over 16 career MLB appearances, will make his season debut for the Braves.
The second game matches Mets right-hander Christian Scott (3-2, 3.13 ERA) up against veteran Braves left-hander Chris Sale (11-6, 2.19 ERA). Tickets originally dated for Tuesday's game can be used only for Wednesday's nightcap, and can also be exchanged for a comparable future home game.
The rainout occurred on the second game of a three-game series between the National League East-leading Braves (62-44) and last-place Mets (45-62). The Braves are set to return to New York to face the Yankees from Aug. 7-9, but the Mets are on the road then, and neither team has an off-day on either side of that weekend.
In other news, Clay Holmes is nearing his return from a fractured right fibula. The right-hander hurled four scoreless innings with Single-A St. Lucie on Tuesday night, throwing 59 pitches in his second rehab start. Holmes recorded three strikeouts with two hits and two walks against Dunedin, a Toronto Blue Jays affiliate.
Holmes' next appearance will likely come in the majors, though it's uncertain whether that will happen with the Mets or another team. The 33-year-old right-hander is among the Mets' top trade candidates, and his return could be a deciding factor in the team's upcoming trade deadline.
The Mets are scheduled to face new opponents on Thursday, which necessitated Wednesday's doubleheader. The Braves, meanwhile, are set to face the Yankees from Aug. 7-9, but the Mets are on the road then, and neither team has an off-day on either side of that weekend.
The Braves' final trip to Citi Field this season has been a challenging one, with the Mets looking to capitalize on their momentum from Monday night's win. The nightcap of the doubleheader will be the makeup game, and the Mets will look to build on their momentum as they face the Braves in a crucial matchup.
Source: Yahoo Sports