Sunday, April 20, 1:10 PM on FSSO, WPIX

Citi Field, Flushing, New York

Atlanta - Hale, D (0-0) vs. New York - Wheeler, Z (1-2)

For Updated Odds on This Game Click Here

Sunday afternoon, the Atlanta Braves will give the ball to David Hale as they face the New York Mets and Zach Wheeler. Hale will be making his 3rd start as Wheeler makes his 4th.

David Hale’s last start was against the very same team that he will face on Sunday.  In that start, Hale pitched to a no decision even though he gave up 4 runs on 5 hits in just 4.1 innings.  Hale struck out 2 but he walked 5.  In this next outing, he will definitely need to avoid the same mistakes if he wants a better result.

Last season, Hale only started 2 games as a rookie and neither of them was against the Mets.  So with just one start against the Mets, there isn’t much for him to rely on in terms of experience.  The same could be said for the Mets’ hitters, but Eric Young Jr. is 3 for 3 with a triple against Hale.

Zach Wheeler comes into this game after getting his first victory of the season in his last outing.  Compared to his first 2 starts, his third was a complete improvement.  He allowed 2 runs on 6 hits in 6.1 innings with 3 walks and 3 strikeouts.

In 2013, Wheeler was a perfect 3 - 0 in 3 starts against the Braves with a 2.89 ERA.  He won’t get the same results this year after getting lit up by the Braves earlier this month.  In that start, Wheeler lasted just 5 innings and gave up 4 runs on 8 hits.  Wheeler will need to do his best to stay away from New York’s Freddie Freeman.  Freeman is 5 of 9 with a homer run and 3 RBIs against Wheeler.

Atlanta Betting Trends

Atlanta is 6-9-1 against the Over/Under

Run differential for Atlanta is +1.4

New York Betting Trends

New York is 8-5-3 against the Over/Under

Run differential for New York is -0.4

Injuries to Watch

Atlanta

03/29/14 P Brandon Beachy Elbow 60-day DL, out for season
03/29/14 P Cory Gearrin Elbow 60-day DL (3/26)
03/28/14 P Kris Medlen Elbow 60-day DL, out for season
03/28/14 P Mike Minor Shoulder 15-day DL (3/21)
03/28/14 P Gavin Floyd Elbow 15-day DL (3/21)
03/28/14 P Jonny Venters Elbow 60-day DL (3/21)

New York

04/18/14 P Bartolo Colon Back is upgraded to expected to start Saturday vs. Atlanta Braves
04/18/14 P Jenrry Mejia Finger "?" for next scheduled start
04/15/14 CF Juan Lagares Hamstring 15-day DL (4/14)
04/01/14 P Bobby Parnell Elbow 15-day DL (4/1), out for season
03/28/14 P Matt Harvey Elbow 60-day DL (3/30), out for season

Josh's Pick: Take Atlanta

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