Braves' opponent: New York Mets
Keep an eye on: Matt Harvey, who will be facing the Braves for the first time since 2013, as he continues his return from Tommy John surgery. He is 1-1 with a 3.46 ERA in two starts against the Braves for his career. Harvey's past two starts this season give a pretty good indication of the inconsistencies he's facing in his comeback. He gave up seven earned runs, including three homers, against the Giants, then pitched seven shutout innings against the Blue Jays.
Who's hot: Juan Lagares took an eight-game hitting streak into Thursday's game, batting .364 (12-for-33) over that time with two doubles, one triple, one home run and five RBIs.
Who's not: Wilmer Flores was 5-for-25 (.200) in his previous seven games entering Thursday.
Braves connection: Sean Gilmartin, a 2011 first round draft pick of the Braves, pitched two scoreless innings in relief against the Braves Sunday in New York. The left-hander has faced the Braves five times this season, allowing just one hit and no runs in six innings, walking three and striking out six.
In the news: Daniel Murphy (quadriceps) isn't scheduled to return from the disabled list until Tuesday. David Wright could return to action sometime after the All-Star break, GM Sandy Alderson told reporters recently. Wright was diagnosed with spinal stenosis and has been doing physical therapy with a specialist in L.A. Former Mets owner Nelson Doubleday died on Wednesday at age 81.
