Start time, updates and more

Charlie Morton and the Atlanta Braves were scheduled to take the field against the New York Mets in Queens at 7:10 p.m. EST. However, Mother Nature had other plans for each team.

The first series of the year between each team was plagued by weather delays and fans will experience more of the same as Friday’s start was delayed due to rain. Forecasts in the area indicate that rain is expected to continue through the evening.

However, with a makeup game already scheduled between the two teams, the Mets will likely wait as long as possible to try to play that game. While we wait for updates on the new start time for tonight’s game, you can check out our article on tonight’s likely starters and lineups here.

UPDATE: The Mets announced that Friday’s game will now start at 8:05 p.m. EST from Citi Field.

Let’s check out some recent news from the Braves and the league as well.

Earlier today, Justin Toscano of the Atlanta Journal-Constitution provided a slight update on two of the Atlanta bullpen stories. He said Pierce Johnson, who is on the injured list with right elbow inflammation, was scheduled to have a bullpen session today.

Johnson joins a growing list of MLB pitchers dealing with elbow issues, including 2021 NLCS hero Tyler Matzek. Matzek was placed on IL with left elbow inflammation. The left-handed reliever just returned this season after recovering from Tommy John surgery, so the team will be very careful with him.

His return timetable is unknown and it appears he has been prevented from pitching indefinitely. The Braves have a plethora of left-handed relievers at their disposal, so they can afford to be patient with Matzek who was struggling to start the season with a 9.90 ERA in 10 innings.

One of the best pitchers in baseball will make his highly anticipated MLB debut Saturday for the Pirates. Paul Skenes is dominating the minor leagues and has looked ready since being drafted first overall in 2023 after a stellar career at LSU.

The flamethrowing right-hander has a 0.99 ERA over 27.1 innings pitched (seven starts) with eight walks and 45 strikeouts. It’s one of the most anticipated pitching debuts in baseball since Stephen Strasburg entered the league in 2010.

All eyes will surely be on Pittsburgh on Saturday afternoon. MLB TV is free all weekend in honor of Mother’s Day so fans can enjoy its debut and any other games they’re interested in (blackouts and other restrictions may apply).