NEW YORK — Mets infielder Brett Baty exited Sunday’s game against the Tampa Bay Rays. In the moment, with the Mets trailing 6-0, it looked like Mets manager Carlos Mendoza was trying to spark something, pinch-hitting Ronny Mauricio in Baty’s place.

BOTTOM LINE: The New York Mets hit the road against the Atlanta Braves aiming to extend a three-game road winning streak. Atlanta has a 31-39 record overall and a 19-15 record in home games. The Braves have the eighth-ranked team on-base percentage in the NL at .318.

The Mets had a lead late in Thursday's matchup with the Dodgers until third baseman Brett Baty committed a costly throwing error.

New York Mets' Jared Young (29) gets excited about his first home run of the season with Brett Baty (7) during the first inning against the Chicago White Sox, Tuesday, May 27, 2025, in New York. Baty scored on Young's home run. AP

Their 9-0 loss to the Rays at Citi Field epitomized a series that saw cracks -- in some cases, for the first time all year -- surface in various corners of the roster. The sweep itself was not overly damaging for the Mets, who still lead the National League East by 2 1/2 games and hold the best record in the NL.

It wasn’t long ago Luisangel Acuna was fighting his way into the starting second baseman’s job for the New York Mets. Taking home Rookie of the Month honors for

Mark Vientos’ return is looming. That will mean more competition for Brett Baty to remain a regular in the lineup. And an increased likelihood Ronny Mauricio is sent back down to the minors. Each homered and was a rare bright spot for the Mets in an otherwise dreary 8-4 loss to the Rays on Saturday afternoon at Citi Field.