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Delgado, Mets looking to bounce back

Aug 19, 2008 - 11:15 AM Atlanta (56-69) at NY Mets (68-57) 7:10 p.m. EDT

FLUSHING, New York (Ticker) -- The New York Mets have not had much success against the Atlanta Braves this year and need Carlos Delgado to break out of his slump to reverse the trend.

Delgado and the Mets host the Braves on Tuesday, seeking to bounce back after having a four-game winning streak snapped.

New York leads the National League East Division by 1 1/2 games over the Philadelphia Phillies (66-58) but have lost seven of nine contests this season to Atlanta, which sits 12 games behind the Mets in fourth place in the division.

The Mets endured a four-game sweep by the Braves, getting outscored, 27-9, during the last meeting from May 20-22.

New York could use some offense out of Delgado, who has just seven hits in his last 48 at-bats and likely will be on the bench Tuesday with lefthander Jo-Jo Reyes scheduled to take the mound for the Braves.

The 36-year-old first baseman had an excellent July, batting .357 with eight home runs and 24 RBI, but owns a .236 average in August after going 0-for-4 during Monday's 5-2 loss to the Pittsburgh Pirates.

Reyes (3-9, 5.33 ERA) was sent to the minors on July 28 after posting an 0-5 record and 6.98 ERA in his previous six starts. Manager Bobby Cox expects more from the young lefty on Tuesday.

"I like Jo-Jo, but, dang, there comes a time when you've got to be in charge on the mound," Cox said.

Oliver Perez (9-7, 3.91) goes for his third win in as many starts for the Mets.