This week in Major League Baseball, all eyes are on Truist Park as the Atlanta Braves host the New York Mets for a pivotal three-game series. This series is expected to play a significant role in determining one of the last postseason spots, placing immense pressure on both teams.
The high-stakes nature of this showdown cannot be overstated. With all other National League teams below Atlanta eliminated from the wild-card race, it's essentially a tense four-team battle for three postseason spots. The Braves and the Mets find themselves at the forefront of this battle, along with the Arizona Diamondbacks and the Milwaukee Brewers. “You knew it a couple weeks ago, right? That series is probably gonna help decide this thing,” acknowledged Sean Murphy, emphasizing the significance of the upcoming games.
The series commences on Tuesday, Sept. 24, at 7:20 p.m. ET and features an exciting pitching duel. Right-handers Luis Severino of the Mets and Spencer Schwellenbach of the Braves are set to take the mound, promising a night of intense competition. The following two games will see accomplished left-handers face off: David Peterson against Chris Sale on Wednesday, followed by Sean Manaea versus Max Fried on Thursday.
The Mets have strategically adjusted their rotation, leveraging Monday’s off-day to push Jose Quintana’s start back to Friday. This move underscores the tactical maneuvers being employed by both teams as they navigate the crucial series.
Key Players and Performances
The Braves have seen stellar performances from rookie Luisangel Acuña, who has filled in brilliantly at shortstop, hitting .409 with two doubles, a triple, and three home runs since stepping in for Francisco Lindor. Veteran Jose Iglesias has also excelled, batting .467 in the leadoff spot and handling second base duties in Jeff McNeil’s absence due to a wrist injury. Despite his optimism about returning this season, Lindor acknowledged he is unlikely to play pain-free.
For the Mets, Marcell Ozuna has been a force to be reckoned with, slashing .329/.417/.425 in September. However, JD Martinez and Mark Vientos have struggled to find their form this month. In contrast, Ramón Laureano and Whit Merrifield have made valuable contributions to the Braves’ lineup, underscoring the balanced efforts from Atlanta’s roster.
Weather Concerns and Potential Outcomes
Adding to the drama, a potential hurricane is bearing down on the region, which could impact the series. Such weather disruptions could alter the dynamics and schedule, adding another layer of complexity to an already intense matchup.
Even if the Braves manage to sweep the series, they won't clinch a wild-card spot outright, especially if the Arizona Diamondbacks falter in their games against the San Francisco Giants. Conversely, if the Mets secure two wins in this series, their postseason spot will be assured. However, this does not necessarily spell elimination for the Braves, who could still surpass Arizona depending on the outcomes of the final games.
Looking Beyond the Series
Once this highly anticipated series concludes, the Mets will head to Milwaukee to face the Brewers, who have already clinched the NL Central and are now aiming to secure a Wild Card Series bye. Meanwhile, the Braves will remain at home for a three-game series against the Kansas City Royals, another team embroiled in a tight wild-card race. The concluding game of the season, Game 162, could potentially turn into a win-or-go-home scenario for both the Braves and Royals, piling on the pressure for these final matchups.
As the series between the Braves and Mets unfolds, every pitch, hit, and play will be scrutinized. Fans and analysts alike know that this is not just another series; this is a defining moment in the 2024 MLB regular season, with postseason dreams and aspirations hanging in the balance.