Nolan McLean starts for Mets as Braves game delayed by weather
Nolan McLean was the New York Mets starter on Sunday, July 5, 2026, in a weather-delayed game at Truist Park against Martín Pérez and the Braves. First pitch was pushed from 12:30 p.m. to 2:15 p.m. ET due to weather in the Atlanta area, with the Mets chasing a series-saving win after dropping the first two games.
Key Takeaways
- Nolan McLean (5-5, 3.78 ERA) was the Mets' scheduled starter opposite Braves lefty Martín Pérez (6-5, 3.27 ERA).
- Sunday's game at Truist Park was delayed by weather, with first pitch moved from 12:30 p.m. to 2:15 p.m. ET.
- Atlanta entered seeking a series-clinching win and its first three-game win streak since June 5-7.
- The Mets were 2-8 in their last 10 games and looked to end another losing skid.
- Both teams posted full lineups, and the game aired on NBC and Peacock.
Why does the Nolan McLean vs. Martín Pérez matchup matter today?
Game three of a four-game NL East series carried real stakes on both sides. The Braves had already taken the first two games, including a 14-3 rout on Saturday night, and turned to Pérez looking to clinch the series before Monday night's finale.
With the Philadelphia Phillies pressing Atlanta in the standings, Battery Power noted the Braves need every win they can get right now. For the Mets, McLean's start was a chance to stop the bleeding after another rough stretch.
Who is starting for the Mets and Braves?
Amazin' Avenue confirmed the pitching matchup and full lineups. McLean was listed as the Mets' starting right-hander, while Pérez got the ball for Atlanta.
The Mets lineup featured Francisco Lindor at shortstop, Juan Soto at designated hitter, Bo Bichette at third base, Mark Vientos at first, Carson Benge in right, Tyrone Taylor in left, A.J. Ewing in center, Luis Torrens behind the plate, and Brett Baty at second base.
Atlanta countered with Drake Baldwin catching, Ozzie Albies at second, Matt Olson at first, Michael Harris in center, Mauricio Dubon in left, Dominic Smith at DH, Austin Riley at third, Mike Yastrzemski in right, and Jim Jarvis at shortstop.
Why was Sunday's Mets-Braves game delayed?
According to SNY, the start of Sunday's game was delayed due to weather in the Atlanta area. The contest was originally scheduled for 12:30 p.m. ET on NBC and Peacock, but first pitch was pushed to 2:15 p.m.
Once play began, McLean and Pérez were set to duel in the third game of the series. The delay kept fans and both clubs waiting as crews monitored conditions at Truist Park.
How can fans follow the game and the conversation?
Amazin' Avenue listed NBC and Peacock as the TV options, with Mets radio on Audacy WHSQ 880 AM, the Audacy app, and 92.3 HD2. Battery Power hosted a live chat thread for Braves fans tracking Pérez's outing.
Fans on both sides used those open threads to react in real time as the delayed start approached. For more breaking sports coverage, see our Celebrity Breaking News section.
What is at stake for both teams?
SNY reported the Mets had dropped the first two games of the series and were 2-8 in their last 10 contests entering Sunday. McLean's assignment came as New York tried to avoid a sweep and snap another losing skid.
Atlanta, meanwhile, was pushing for its first three-game win streak since June 5-7. A Pérez-led victory would let the Braves take the series with one game still to play on Monday night.