The New York Mets are officially opening the 2017 season on ESPN against the Atlanta Braves. Could it be against a former fan favorite?
ESPN’s Adam Rubin has officially released that the New York Mets will open the 2017 season at Citi Field at 1 p.m. ET, Monday April 3 on their network.
Their opponent that day will be the Atlanta Braves – the new team of Bartolo Colon.
Despite some recent moves, the Braves have a weak starting rotation. It’s more than feasible that the organization that loved Colon so much for his three seasons in Queens may have to see him in a Braves uniform opposite the Mets’ dugout on Opening Day.
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— Atlanta Braves (@Braves) November 17, 2016
The 43 year old Colon recently signed a one-year, $12.5 million deal with Atlanta. Aside from starter Julio Teheran, he’s the best arm in their rotation, after posting a 15-8 record with a 3.43 ERA last season in New York.
In a lineup likely to be heavy with left-handed power for the Mets next season, it should be interesting to see how a lower velocity, control pitcher like Colon handles them, whether he starts Opening Day or later in the series.