Mets-Braves preview
ATLANTA -- It might appear that Atlanta Braves starter Julio Teheran is being showcased in every appearance he makes. There is little doubt that the Braves' No. 1 starter is one of the team's most valuable bargaining chips, should they decide to make a move before the trade deadline. But that isn't going to happen, Atlanta general manager John Coppolella said Friday. In a frank question-and-answer session conducted via Twitter, Coppolella was asked if Teheran and reliever Arodys Vizcaino are part of the team's future. Coppolella's response: "I don't see us trading Teheran at this point. He's almost into 'right-arm' type status for us right now." Teheran (3-7, 2.66) will get his 16th start of the season on Saturday night against New York Mets right-hander Jacob deGrom (3-4, 2.96). This is a rematch of the June 19th game, which the Braves won 6-0. On that day Teheran threw a one-hit complete-game shutout. Teheran has enjoyed a very good season, his fourth full year with Atlanta. He is 2-2 with a 2.43 ERA in his last four starts. Teheran has historically pitched well against the Mets. In 12 career appearances, 11 starts, he's 6-3 with a 2.67 ERA over 70 2/3 innings. Teheran's record would be better if the offense had been more cooperative. The team is scoring only 2.1 runs in support when he's been the starting pitcher. Nine of his 13 appearances have been quality starts. DeGrom pitched six innings and allowed three runs in the last matchup against Teheran, when he struck out six but was tagged by Nick Markakis for a solo home run. DeGrom has not won a game in nine consecutive starts, the longest winless streak of his career. He is 0-4 with a 3.58 ERA during that stretch. In seven career starts against Atlanta, deGrom is 3-3 with a 2.25 ERA with 50 strikeouts in 44 innings. He has been quite consistent this season, not throwing fewer than five innings in his 12 previous starts, but not getting past the seventh. "We've been relying on our pitching and defense," second baseman Neil Walker said. "The offense will come and go, but if you stay consistent with your pitching and defense, you'll have a chance." The Mets would like to see deGrom go deep into the game and help the bullpen, which has been stressed with a number of short starts. On Friday Steven Matz couldn't make it through the fifth and Hansel Robles had to pitch 2 2/3 innings. Robles has now thrown eight innings in four appearances over the last week. Robles won't be available on Saturday, but the Mets should have Addison Reed and Jerry Blevins back after each was given the night off on Friday because of an excessive workload. |