The New York Mets enter tonight’s matchup against the Atlanta Braves in the midst of one of the worst stretches in franchise history.

The Amazins have been atrocious, losing 12 of their last 14 games and, for the first time ever, have blown leads of four runs or more in three straight contests.

Over the past two months, no MLB team has received fewer innings from its starting pitchers. The struggles have dragged them from 5.5 games ahead of the Philadelphia Phillies in the NL East to 5 games back — and just one game ahead of the Cincinnati Reds for the final NL Wild Card spot.

Tonight, the Mets look to Kodai Senga to stop the bleeding. In the first half of the season, he was that guy — 7–3 with a 1.39 ERA over 14 starts, looking like a Cy Young contender. But since returning from the IL in July, he hasn’t been the same.

Since the All-Star break, Senga is 0–1 with a 6.61 ERA, striking out and walking batters at nearly the same rate — just under one per inning. He’s given up more home runs in his last four starts than in his first 14.

In his most recent outing, he allowed one run in 4.1 innings against the unstoppable Milwaukee Brewers, but issued three walks. His command remains shaky, and the Mets can’t count on deep, efficient innings from him yet.

The silver lining: New York’s offense faces the weakest link in Atlanta’s rotation tonight. Bryce Elder, 4–9 with a 6.12 ERA, has struggled badly, posting an 8.74 ERA over his last seven starts. He’s been shelled repeatedly this summer, giving up nine earned runs to the Phillies in June and eight to the Texas Rangers in July.

The Mets should be able to do damage against Elder — but the Braves are just as likely to tag Senga. Expect a high-scoring game, with the Mets narrowly edging Atlanta in a slugfest.

Prediction: Mets 7, Braves 6

Starting Lineups

Atlanta Braves

1. Ronald Acuña Jr., RF

2. Ozzie Albies, 2B

3. Austin Riley, 3B

4. Matt Olson, 1B

5. Marcell Ozuna, DH

6. Michael Harris II, CF

7. Sean Murphy, C

8. Eddie Rosario, LF

9. Orlando Arcia, SS

Starting Pitcher: Bryce Elder (RHP), 4-9, 6.12 ERA

New York Mets

1. Francisco Lindor, SS

2. Juan Soto, RF

3. Brandon Nimmo, LF

4. Pete Alonso, 1B

5. Jeff McNeil, 2B

6. Cedric Mullins, CF

7. Ronny Mauricio, DH

8. Brett Baty, 3B

9. Luis Torrens, C

Starting Pitcher: Kodai Senga (RHP) 7-4, 2.30 ERA

How to Watch Braves vs. Mets

First pitch for tonight’s game between the Atlanta Braves and New York Mets is set for 7:10 PM Eastern at Citi Field in Flushing, Queens.

The Braves broadcast can be watched on FanDuel Sports Network South and FanDuel Sports Network Southeast. Viewers in the New York metro area can tune in to SNY.

The game also streams for out-of-market viewers on MLB.TV.

Atlanta Braves vs. New York Mets

Date: Thursday, August 14, 2025

First Pitch: 7:10 PM Eastern

Venue: Citi Field, Flushing, NY

TV: FanDuel Sports Network South, FanDuel Sports Network Southeast, SNY

Streaming: MLB.TV (out-of-market only), SNY (via MLB.TV)