This is an 8* on ATLANTA

40% of the NL East has been “put on ice” due to COVID-19 concerns, however the Braves and Mets have each played their full complement of games. Atlanta is 4-3 while outscoring the opposition by a total of nine runs. The Mets are 3-4 and have been outscored by six runs. This weekend will be the second go-around for the division rivals as last weekend saw Atlanta take two of three in Citi Field. The lone loss was Opening Day and by a score of 1-0. So the Braves easily could have swept. The final game of that series saw them clobber Rick Porcello on their way to a 14-1 win. They again get to face Porcello tonight. Porcello was tagged for seven runs in just two innings last Sunday night and while he might not be that bad again here, we’ve got little reason to believe he’ll be GOOD. He’s now allowed six or more runs nine times since the beginning of last season. Atlanta is 2-0 at home having beaten the Rays 7-4 and 2-1 the last two days. Sean Newcomb will again oppose Porcello just like last Sunday. Newcomb wasn’t great last time, but didn’t have to be. He is 2-0 with a 0.79 ERA in two previous home starts against them. Atlanta has been better so far and Porcello is not to be trusted. 8* on ATLANTA

AAA