Nolan McLean gave the slumping Mets a boost with seven strong innings for his second career win, and New York beat the Atlanta Braves 12-7 on Friday night. Juan Soto homered and drove in four runs for the Mets. New York began the night only a half-game ahead of Cincinnati for the final National League wild card after losing 16 of 21 overall.

The Mets beat up on left-hander Joey Wentz (4-4), scoring six earned runs in only 3 1/3 innings, and continuing the onslaught against right-hander Erick Fedde, with three off of the right-hander. A 20-hit night for the Mets, every hitter in the starting lineup got a hit, including backup catcher Hayden Senger, just the ninth of his career.

The Atlanta Braves have gained five games in the wild card standings over the last 10 days; maybe they just keep chipping

The scuffling New York Mets have been in desperate need of a starter other than David Peterson to pitch deep into games.

The Braves are out of the postseason picture and the team is attempting to preserve players' health by adding depth through the waiver wire.

The Atlanta Braves have struggled for most of this season, but they could look to add a versatile infielder in the 2026 MLB Draft to boost their farm system.

Atlanta picked up the veteran outfielder off waivers Tuesday, but Fraley has yet to debut. Given Atlanta has an established outfield trio of Jurickson Profar, Michael Harris and Ronald Acuna, Fraley isn't likely to see frequent playing time when healthy.