The Braves, coming off a doubleheader sweep on Saturday, look to finish the series sweep Sunday as they play the Mets in the final game of the weekend series. Game time is 1:35 on Fox Sports South.
Mets Lineup:
1. Jose Reyes, SS
2. Josh Thole, C
3. David Wright, 3B
4. Carlos Beltran, RF
5. Ike Davis, 1B
6. Angel Pagan, CF
7. Willie Harris, LF
8. Brad Emaus, 2B
9. Dillon Gee, SP
Braves Lineup:
1. Martin Prado, 3B
2. Jason Heyward, RF !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
3. Brian McCann, C
4. Dan Uggla, 2B
5. Eric Hinske, LF
6. Freddie Freeman, 1B
7. Alex Gonzalez, SS
8. Matt Young, CF
9. Tommy Hanson, SP
Dillon Gee (AAA: 11.2 IP, 4.63 ERA, 4.49 FIP, 3.86 BB/9, 6.17 K/9)
vs.
Tommy Hanson (16 IP, 3.38 ERA, 4.83 FIP, 4.45 xFIP, 2.81 BB/9, 4.50 K/9, 48 GB%, 5.5 SwStr%)
(56 FB%, 24.6 SL%, 14.7 CB%, 4.8 CH%; 41.8 Swing%, 85.7 Contact%)
Tommy Hanson was a completely different pitcher in his most recent outing, pitching seven shutout innings on four hits against the Marlins, also inducing 13 ground balls. After a rough start to his season, doubts were raised about his effectiveness, but Hanson shut that down against Florida. His fastball command was a thousand times improved, and he used his slider more effectively.
Dillon Gee is getting the call up to replace the disabled Chris Young. Gee has 33 innings of major league experience from 2010, where he posted a 2.18 ERA despite walking 15 and striking out 17. Gee gets grounders with a moving fastball, and while his BB/9 rates have risen somewhat through the minors, they remain solid. Look for a mix of fastballs, changeups and sliders, with no true strikeout pitch.
Opposing Numbers:
The Braves don't have a ton of experience against Gee. Alex Gonzalez is 1-2 with a double and two RBI. Brian McCann also has a double. That's about it.
Hanson has pitched the Mets well for the most part. David Wright is 1-13, Josh Thole is 3-11, Ike Davis is 1-9 and Carlos Beltran is 0-8. Willie Harris, of course, is 4-9, and Jose Reyes is 3-8. Angel Pagan is 2-7.
What to Look For:
Taking advantage of another spot starter. Gee is actually a real starter, but he's making a spot start from AAA and the Braves need to jump on him early. Perhaps the most important thing is receiving a second straight good outing from Hanson.
And yes, Jason Heyward is hitting second today with the start of Matt Young in center field. Will it continue? Who knows. But I'll enjoy it for today, at least.
For more on the series, Braves fans check out Talking Chop and Mets fans check out Amazin Avenue.