Mets rookie Nolan McLean fired seven innings of two-run ball in Atlanta as New York routed the Braves 12-7, snapping a long streak of six or more innings by a Mets starter. The night carried a heavyweight aura: Tom Glavine, John Smoltz and Greg Maddux were in the house as Atlanta celebrated the 1995 title, while McLean leaned on a 97 mph sinker and a high-spin cutter to tame a Braves lineup that chased him early. The Mets’ 1-9 at-bats clicked, with Soto, Baty and Senger driving the offense behind a 20-hit barrage.

Juan Soto paced the attack with three-plus hits, Brett Baty matched a career-best four hits and three runs, and Francisco Álvarez was back in the mix as Hayden Senger delivered a career-high three RBI. New York built a 4-0 cushion early, then pushed the lead to 7-1 before Atlanta mounted a late push. It was a night that married franchise history with a hopeful future for the Mets.

Week 21 waiver-wire push lands five bargain-hunters who can buoy fantasy rosters down the stretch: Daulton Varsho, Joey Ortiz, Paul DeJong, Colby Thomas, Brett Baty. Each offers a path to power, run production, or batting-average gains with minimal waiver cost, ideal for FAAB-driven streams or deep-league depth-building.

Varsho returns from shoulder and hamstring issues to post big-season power bursts, owning 13 HR in 38 games and a .364 wOBA, with a hot August showing (14 games, .295, 5 HR, 14 RBI). Milwaukee’s Ortiz has been scorching in August (.367 in 16 games) with solid contact and pace for runs in a productive lineup. DeJong has heated up since July, delivering multi-position flexibility and a string of homers while mixing in at first base.

Thomas brings a rare blend of power and speed for an Athletics outfield spark, riding a hot streak with multi-homer games and a growing upside as his role tightens. Baty has found form in August with power and improved average in a Mets lineup in the wild-card hunt, adding appeal as a short-term infield boost. These options are ideal for managers seeking upside at low cost as the season winds down.

In short, the group represents a mix of proven track records and breakout potential who can help close gaps in your lineup without heavy capital outlay, making them prime targets for Week 21 and beyond.

The Mets face a two week gauntlet to prove they belong in the playoff chase. A rough endgame schedule looms after three road games with Washington, followed by division battles against Atlanta and a home stretch against Philadelphia and Miami. Francisco Lindor was NL Player of the Week, batting .560 with three homers, seven RBI, and a 1.647 OPS over six games, a surge that could spark the lineup. Mark Vientos homered in the Little League Classic and showed meter against Seattle, while Brett Baty supplied bottom of the order punch in a 3-1 win. The offense has begun to wake, averaging about six runs per game across nine, but the rotation still lacks length and the bullpen is taxed. Diaz delivered a six out save, and Ryne Helsley has yet to deliver the expected impact after his deadline move. With a 3rd Wild Card spot five games back of Philadelphia, the upcoming NL East road trip will define whether the Mets can sustain momentum or fade again. The infield rotation at second and third remains unsettled with Mauricio, Baty, and Vientos in focus as run production proves elusive off the bench.

The San Diego Padres are looking to extend their winning streak to four games as they face the New York Mets in the second matchup of a three-game series. The Padres pulled off a close victory last night with a 7-6 scoreline, sending rookie Ryan Bergert to the mound, who boasts an impressive 2.84 ERA. The Mets will counter with veteran Sean Manaea, who holds a strong 2.19 ERA.

Despite Manaea's strong start to the season, the Padres' offense shows a .316 batting average against him in 120 at-bats, which suggests a potential letdown for the lefty in his third start. The recommended bets lean towards the Padres covering the +1.5 run line while also recommending Xander Bogaerts and Brett Baty to record over 0.5 hits. Bogaerts, hitting .317 in his last nine games, has seven hits in 15 at-bats against Manaea, making him a key player to watch in this matchup.