Mets vs. Braves Monday MLB injury report, odds: New York likely without Jeff McNeil, Starling Marte, James McCann

Arguably the biggest series remaining on the MLB schedule ahead of the All-Star break starts tonight in Atlanta as the NL East-leading New York Mets visit, with the Braves having closed the gap between the two teams from as high as 10.5 games to just 1.5. There looks to be a stellar pitcher's duel on tap tonight, and the Mets are likely to be without three regulars in the lineup in second baseman Jeff McNeil, outfielder Starling Marte and catcher James McCann. Atlanta is -135 on the MLB odds with a total of 7.5 runs.

McNeil and Marte were named to the NL All-Star team alongside Pete Alonso and closer Edwin Diaz – the most Mets named to the Midsummer Classic since they also sent that many players in 2016. McNeil (team-best .311 average) isn't hurt but is expected to land on the paternity list today with his wife due to give birth to the couple's first child.

Marte and McCann both left Saturday's game against the Marlins with injuries. McCann (.183, two HRs, 11 RBIs) has been limited to only 30 games this season and is back on the injured list with a left oblique strain. Marte will not go on the IL and is day-to-day with left groin tightness. It's quite unlikely he plays tonight. Marte leads the team with 87 hits and 2.8 WAR.

It's an All-Star-caliber pitching matchup between three-time Cy Young winner Max Scherzer of the Mets and potential 2022 first-time Cy winner Max Fried of the Braves – he's currently a +1400 fifth favorite at Caesars Sportsbook.

Scherzer (5-1, 2.26 ERA) would have been named an All-Star again but missed about six weeks with an oblique injury. He returned from that malady last Tuesday and dominated in Cincinnati with six shutout innings and 11 strikeouts in a no-decision. Scherzer hasn't faced Atlanta this year.

Fried is a first-time All-Star and should be in contention to start for the National League at 9-2 with a 2.52 ERA and 100 strikeouts in 107.1 innings. Fried has given up one or no runs in six of his last eight trips to the mound. He pitched at the Mets on May 2 and allowed two runs over six in a victory. 

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