New York Mets pitcher Sean Manaea is set to start Saturday against the Atlanta Braves, with analysts predicting a challenging outing. Manaea has aimed to stabilize the back end of the Mets' rotation, but reaching six innings against a strong Braves lineup is considered a difficult task.
Manaea previously faced the Braves earlier this month, completing six innings in that start. However, this has been an exception rather than the norm since he rejoined the Mets' rotation. In recent outings, Manaea has encountered high pitch counts, making it difficult for him to get through lineups multiple times. Against the Toronto Blue Jays, he was pulled after 90 pitches in 5 2/3 innings. In a prior start against the Chicago Cubs, he threw 86 pitches over just three innings.
The Braves possess one of baseball's most formidable offenses, equipped with power and patience that can force pitchers to work deep into counts. Their recent experience facing Manaea could also present an added challenge.
A prediction suggests betting on Manaea to record Under 15.5 outs recorded, with odds of -122. This bet is based on the expectation that the Braves will force long at-bats, driving up Manaea's pitch count and potentially limiting his innings pitched before the sixth inning concludes.