Friday, April 18, 7:10 PM on FSSO, SNY

Citi Field, Flushing, New York

Atlanta - Harang, A (2-1) vs. New York - Niese, J (0-1)

For Updated Odds on This Game Click Here

Friday night, Aaron Harang will get the ball for the Atlanta Braves as they take on the New York Mets and Jonathon Niese. Harang will be making his 4th start as Niese makes his 3rd. 

Aaron Harang has given the Braves some good innings this year and it is reflected in his 2 – 1 record and 0.96 ERA.  Harang was strong in his last start where he went 6 innings and surrendered just 1 run on 5 hits with 1 walk and 5 strikeouts.  Harang’s stats this year are a polar opposite of 2013’s 5 – 12 record in 26 starts with the Mariners and the Mets. 

Since he pitched for the Mets last year, he obviously didn’t get to face them in a game situation. But he has faced some of the New York hitters.  Harang will need to pitch around David Wright since Wright owns a career .458 average with 4 doubles, a home run and 7 RBIs against him. 

Jonathon Niese has a 0 – 1 record and a 3.46 ERA but he has pitched better than his numbers indicate.  In his last start, he gave up 3 runs on 6 hits in 7.1 innings of work.   If he continues pitching well, he should better last year’s 8 - 8 record and 3.71 ERA in 24 starts.

Niese faced the Braves 3 times in 2013 and came away with a 0 – 1 record and an ERA of 6.91.  In 14.1 innings against Atlanta, Niese allowed 11 runs on 20 hits with 17 strikeouts to 9 walks.   Atlanta’s Jason Heyward is hitting .375 against Niese with 2 homers and 8 RBIs. 

Atlanta Betting Trends

Atlanta is 6-7-1 against the Over/Under

Run differential for Atlanta is +1.2

New York Betting Trends

New York is 8-4-3 against the Over/Under

Run differential for New York is 0.0

Injuries to Watch

Atlanta

04/17/14 P Craig Kimbrel Shoulder probable
04/17/14 C Evan Gattis Rest questionable
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

04/16/14 P Bartolo Colon Back questionable
04/16/14 CF Curtis Granderson Ribs is upgraded to probable Friday vs. Atlanta Braves
04/15/14 CF Juan Lagares Hamstring 15-day DL (4/14)
04/03/14 CF Chris Young Quad 15-day DL (4/3)
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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