Mets vs. Braves prediction: MLB picks, odds, best bets Sunday

If you can stomach the Mets, Nolan McLean has at least been a beacon of hope for the inured faithful. The 24-year-old rookie right-hander has showcased the frontline starter potential all had hoped for. His last start was brilliant. McLean overcame a six-earned-run clunker against the Cubs by delivering six scoreless innings in a 3-0 win over the Blue Jays.He fanned seven while displaying his full arsenal; he recorded a strikeout with his patented curveball, slider, sinker and fastball. This success came from improved command and confidence in his off-speed pitches — particularly his sweeper, which complemented his sinker and fastball effectively.McLean only walked two. McLean was knocked around for 13 earned runs over two starts in late May.Since then, he has posted a 2.65 ERA over his last six outings.One of those starts came against the Braves, who he’ll face again on Sunday at Truist Park.McLean pitched for four innings — the fewest he’s pitched for in that stretch — and managed to strike out six batters. Even in that rocky Cubs outing where two home-run pitches spoiled his night, McLean still sat down nine.Entering Saturday, McLean ranked No.

6 in strikeouts in the National League with 113 in 95 ⅓ innings. He’s cleared five strikeouts in all but four of his 15 starts this season to average 10.7 K/9.The Braves historically hot start was followed by a June swoon that dropped them from third overall to 20th in wRC+.Their top three hitters — Matt Olson, Ozzie Albies and Michael Harris II — all sport negative run values against curveballs, per Statcast. McLean’s balanced pitch mix and elite spin rates have boosted him into the top 13 percent in strikeout rate. With this blooming maturity and resilience, he has given the rudderless Mets a chance to win on any night.That can only make him a sound strikeout target against a division rival.THE PLAY: Nolan McLean Over strikeouts propSean Treppedi handicaps the NFL, NHL, MLB and college ...