This week marks the most crucial showdown of the 2024 MLB regular season as the Atlanta Braves host the New York Mets for a decisive three-game series at Truist Park. Both teams are locked in a high-stakes battle with one potential postseason spot hanging in the balance. All other National League teams behind Atlanta have been eliminated from the wild-card race, reducing the contest to a four-team fight for three coveted postseason spots.
Adding to the tension is a potential hurricane bearing down on the region. If games are disrupted, it could dramatically impact the final standings and subsequent playoff berths. Notably, two years ago, the Braves swept the Mets in the penultimate series of the regular season, causing the Mets to lose their grip on first place in the NL East. Past experiences are echoing in the minds of both franchises.
Pitching Matchups and Key Players
The series kicks off on Tuesday, Sept. 24, at 7:20 p.m. ET with a duel between right-handers Luis Severino of the Mets and Spencer Schwellenbach of the Braves. This opener sets the tone for a tightly contested series. The next two games feature matchups of accomplished left-handers: David Peterson versus Chris Sale on Wednesday, followed by Sean Manaea against Max Fried on Thursday. Each game promises a showcase of skill and strategy.
The Mets have adjusted their rotation, using Monday's off-day to push Jose Quintana’s start back to Friday, ensuring their top pitchers are well-rested for this critical series. Rookie Luisangel Acuña has stepped up at shortstop, hitting .409 with two doubles, a triple, and three home runs since taking over for the injured Francisco Lindor. Veteran Jose Iglesias, filling in at second base due to Jeff McNeil’s wrist injury, has been equally impressive, batting .467 since assuming the leadoff spot.
Postseason Implications and Performances
Despite the high stakes, even a sweep of the Mets will not clinch a wild-card spot for the Braves this series, especially if the Arizona Diamondbacks lose their games against the San Francisco Giants. Conversely, if the Mets win two games, their spot in the postseason will be secured. However, this does not necessarily eliminate the Braves, who could still surpass Arizona depending on the outcomes of the final games.
The Braves' roster features several players heating up at just the right moment. Marcell Ozuna has been slashing .329/.417/.425 in September, while Ramón Laureano and Whit Merrifield have also made valuable contributions. On the flip side, Mets players JD Martinez and Mark Vientos have struggled in September, which could affect the team’s overall performance.
What Lies Ahead
Following this pivotal series, the Mets will head to Milwaukee to face the Brewers, who have clinched the NL Central and are now looking to secure a Wild Card Series bye. The Braves, meanwhile, will stay home for a three-game series against the Kansas City Royals. Interestingly, the Royals are also embroiled in a tight wild-card race, making every game critical for all teams involved.
There is potential for Game 162 to be a win-or-go-home situation for both the Braves and Royals, adding another layer of unpredictability and drama to an already nail-biting MLB season. As Sean Murphy aptly put it, “You knew it a couple weeks ago, right? That series is probably gonna help decide this thing.” With everything on the line, the upcoming games promise to deliver unforgettable moments, shaping the path to the postseason.