Mahle Looks to Build on Dominant Debut Against Mets
AI-generated image · US National Wire
The former Giants pitcher returns to the mound for Atlanta after a shutout performance in his first start with the Braves.
Tyler Mahle takes the hill for the Atlanta Braves tonight in a series finale against the New York Mets, as CBS Sports first reported. Mahle follows a strong debut with the club; according to the outlet, the 31-year-old journeyman acquired from the San Francisco Giants delivered six shutout innings with nine strikeouts in his first start last Friday at Yankee Stadium, though the bullpen surrendered a 2-0 lead in the ninth.
Mahle arrives in Atlanta after struggling with the Giants, where he posted a 5.13 ERA and allowed 14 home runs across 18 starts. However, CBS Sports reports Mahle has a 2.73 ERA over his last five outings. Speaking on his transition to a playoff race, Mahle told CBS Sports it is "exciting" to join a first-place team that plays so well.
This matchup serves as a rematch from April 3, when Mahle allowed eight hits and five runs over five innings in a loss to New York. In that contest, Francisco Alvarez and Marcus Semien both hit home runs off him.
On the other side, the Mets will start 24-year-old rookie lefty Zac Thornton. CBS Sports notes that Thornton, the organization's No. 7 overall prospect, has a 1.86 ERA since joining the rotation just before the All-Star break, including three scoreless starts in five total appearances.