Atlanta at New York 7:10 p.m. ET

The Atlanta Braves have thrived despite having to overcome an injury-plagued starting rotation, and converted reliever Kris Medlen has played a role in that success. 

Medlen will try to produce another strong outing and perhaps bolster his chances of staying in the rotation Saturday night against the New York Mets. 

Atlanta (65-47) has won 13 of 16, thanks in large part to a 1.76 staff ERA despite having three starting pitchers on the disabled list. Medlen (2-1, 2.37 ERA) has helped by allowing one run in each of his two outings since joining the rotation. 

Following a win over Miami on July 31, the right-hander struck out a season-high six over 5 1-3 innings but did not get a decision in a 6-1 victory against Houston on Sunday. 

Those performances could make for a difficult decision if and when Tommy Hanson or Jair Jurrjens returns from injury. Atlanta has won each of Medlen's 13 starts since May 29, 2010. 

Medlen will try to make that decision even tougher for manager Fredi Gonzalez while helping the Braves add to a six-game win streak over the Mets (54-59), losers of 10 of 11 at home. Paul Maholm held New York to three hits in Friday's series opener, a 4-0 Atlanta victory. 

Mets starter Johan Santana (6-7, 3.98) will try to quiet the Atlanta bats as he makes his return from the disabled list. The left-hander hasn't pitched in the majors since July 20 because of a sprained right ankle, and was 0-3 with a 13.50 ERA over his final three starts before landing on the DL. 

Santana has a streak of 15 consecutive scoreless innings over his last three home outings against the Braves. 

Medlen has no decisions and a 3.38 ERA in two career starts versus the Mets. 

Atlanta third baseman Chipper Jones was scratched from Friday's game because of tightness in his back, which he said via Twitter was caused by his hotel bed in New York. Jones, who is hoping to return Saturday, is 9 for 30 (.300) with one home run in his career against Santana. 

Braves are 5-1 in their last 6 road games.
Braves are 6-0 in Medlens last 6 road starts.

Braves are 5-0 in Medlens last 5 starts as an underdog.

Braves are 4-0 in Medlens last 4 starts as a road underdog.


Mets are 3-14 in their last 17 games vs. a right-handed starter.
Mets are 1-6 in their last 7 games as a home favorite.
Mets are 1-6 in their last 7 home games vs. a right-handed starter.
Mets are 1-8 in their last 9 games as a favorite.
Mets are 1-10 in their last 11 home games.
Mets are 1-4 in Santanas last 5 starts.

Once again Santana will get a beat down and have to come out early. Doubt he makes 5 innings...but miracles still happen so we'll see. The Mets continue their slide and with Medlen i see no way the slide stops today. Yesterday i said Atlanta would win 6-2 and it ended up being 4-0. Today i have to step out a little and say Atlanta wins 9-2. Again I will have 2 plays on this game. The RL and ML. For whatever reason the line was -108 last night and down to -105 this morning on both side of this game. That does not deter me one bit. The Braves will win. Good Luck

ATL BRAVES -105
ATL BRAVES -1½+155

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