The Atlanta Braves host the New York Mets on Tuesday, August 11, 2026, at Truist Park for a 7:15 PM ET first pitch. Martín Pérez takes the ball for Atlanta against New York's Nolan McLean in what shapes up as an intriguing NL East matchup. With Ronald Acuña Jr. slotted into the lineup at DH and the full order in place, this is a game the Braves will want to control at home. Catch it on BravesVision or locally on 680 AM/93.7 FM The Fan.

Pitching Matchup: Martín Pérez vs. Nolan McLean

Martín Pérez gets the start for Atlanta. The veteran left-hander brings experience to a rotation that needs depth and consistency, and a strong outing against a lineup as dangerous as the Mets can do a lot to anchor this homestand. Pérez will need to work efficiently and keep the ball in the yard if Atlanta wants to keep this one manageable early.

On the other side, the Mets send Nolan McLean to the mound. McLean is a name worth watching — right-handed pitchers facing this Atlanta lineup have their work cut out for them, and McLean will face a genuine test against a deep order that can do damage from top to bottom.

Atlanta Braves Starting Lineup

• Drake Baldwin, C
• Ronald Acuña Jr., DH
• Matt Olson, 1B
• Michael Harris II, CF
• Ozzie Albies, 2B
• Mauricio Dubón, LF
• Mike Yastrzemski, RF
• Austin Riley, 3B
• Jim Jarvis, SS

Keys to Watch for Atlanta

Acuña Jr. in the Middle of the Order

Ronald Acuña Jr. hitting second as the designated hitter is the centerpiece of this lineup construction. His presence between Drake Baldwin and Matt Olson creates a genuine threat at the top. If Acuña Jr. gets on base and Olson is driving pitches, this offense can move quickly through McLean's pitch count.

Pérez Setting the Tone Early

The Braves don't want a short outing from their starter at home. Pérez will need to establish himself in the first two innings. If he can get through the lineup once without significant damage, Atlanta's bullpen has time to prepare rather than scramble.

Austin Riley Batting Eighth

Riley slotting into the eight hole is a lineup wrinkle worth noting. That position can function almost as a second leadoff spot in front of the pitcher's spot, and Riley's power gives any lineup configuration real teeth. Keep an eye on how McLean approaches him late in at-bats with runners on base.

Harris and Albies in the Heart of the Order

Michael Harris II batting fourth and Ozzie Albies fifth gives Atlanta a legitimate middle-of-the-order presence. Both are capable of doing damage in the gap, and their ability to make contact consistently puts pressure on any pitching staff inning after inning.

Prediction

This is a home game the Braves should be motivated to win. Truist Park gives Atlanta a genuine edge, and if Pérez can deliver five or six solid innings, the offense has enough firepower in this lineup to manufacture enough runs against McLean. Look for Atlanta to take this one, 5-3, with Acuña Jr. and Olson doing the heavy lifting at the plate.