MLB matchup spotlight: Breaking down key Braves-Mariners series

The Atlanta Braves and Seattle Mariners haven’t met on the diamond since the 2017 campaign, but the two clubs will reunite in Seattle this weekend with plenty on the line.

Atlanta Braves vs. Seattle Mariners: Previewing a big weekend matchup

Atlanta is actually 1-6 in its last seven games against the Mariners, but those games took place during the 2014 and 2017 seasons, so that’s ancient history. It’s the present that these two franchises are focused on at the moment, with the Braves entering Friday’s contest just a half-game behind the New York Mets in the National League East standings and the Mariners with just a half-game lead in the crowded chase for the final American League Wild Card spot.

The Braves have been on fire in recent games, having not lost yet in September and posting a 24-10 record since August 1, putting an enormous amount of pressure on the Mets to keep them at bay in the chase for the top of the NL East. Seattle, meanwhile, has been playing some of its best baseball of the season in that same time frame, going 22-12 since August 1 as the Mariners look to reach the postseason for the first time since 2001.

Probable pitching matchups for Braves vs. Mariners

Friday: Atlanta’s Charlie Morton (7-5, 4.01 ERA) vs. Seattle’s: Robbie Ray (12-8, 3.45 ERA)

Saturday: Atlanta’s Max Fried (13-5, 2.48 ERA) vs. Seattle’s George Kirby (6-3, 3.15 ERA)

Sunday: Atlanta TBD vs. Seattle’s Marco Gonzales (10-13, 3.98 ERA)

Key stats to know for Braves vs. Mariners

The matchup features a couple of rookies who are on hot streaks as they look to capture their respective league’s Rookie of the Year Awards.

Over the last week, Seattle’s Julio Rodriguez is 9-for-27, slashing .333/.379/.482 with a homer and two RBI. Meanwhile, Atlanta’s Michael Harris II has been even more locked in, slashing .476/.476/.667 over his last seven games with a home run and five RBI.

How to watch Braves vs. Mariners

Friday’s game is set to begin at 9:40 p.m. ET/6:40 p.m. PT and will be televised exclusively by Apple TV. Here’s how to watch MLB on Apple TV.

Saturday’s game is slated for 9:10 p.m. ET/6:10 p.m. PT while Sunday’s is set for 4:10 p.m. ET/1:10 p.m. PT. Both days will be shown on Bally Sports Southeast (Braves), Root Sports Northwest (Mariners), and MLB.tv.