Jeff McNeil, Brandon Nimmo and Luis Torrens were all absent from the starting lineup for a second straight day, leaving the Mets thin in the lineup for their 12-7, series-opening win over the Braves on Friday night. McNeil underwent an MRI exam on his right shoulder that, according to Mendoza, didn’t show structural damage.

A pair of bitter NL East rivals open a three-game series on Friday, Aug. 22 on Apple TV+ as the Atlanta Braves host the New York Mets.

On a night when the Braves celebrated the 30th anniversary of their 1995 World Series title, Mets rookie starter Nolan McLean earned his second MLB win in as many big league starts and helped New York’s offense spoil Atlanta’s fun.

Rookie right-hander Nolan McLean delivered another strong performance in his second career Major League start Friday night, pitching seven strong innings as the New York Mets rolled past the Atlanta Braves 12-7 at Truist Park.

Nolan McLean gave the slumping Mets a boost with seven strong innings for his second career win, and New York beat the Atlanta Braves 12-7.

The blown lead dealt the Mets their 13th loss in 15 games and left them a half-game ahead of the Reds for the final NL wild-card spot.

Mets second. Mark Vientos strikes out swinging. Brett Baty singles to left center field. Tyrone Taylor singles to left field. Brett Baty to second. Cedric Mullins flies out to right field to

Ryne Stanek began the season as a top Mets bullpen option but is nearing the final month just struggling to maintain a roster spot.

Upon swinging over the final pitch of the Mets’ 9-3 loss to the Nationals at Nationals Park on Thursday, Juan Soto grimaced, took a few steps backward and spent a long moment staring into space. He tu