This week brings the most significant duel of the 2024 MLB regular season as the Atlanta Braves host the New York Mets for a high-stakes, three-game series at Truist Park. With postseason hopes on the line and the specter of a hurricane looming, both teams feel the pressure. The Braves find themselves needing a miraculous final push given that all trailing National League teams have been eliminated from wild-card contention, boiling the race down to a four-team struggle for three postseason spots.
Historical Context and Immediate Stakes
Just two years ago, the Braves swept the Mets in a critical series, causing New York to tumble out of the top spot in the NL East. The memory of that crushing defeat certainly lingers as the Mets return to Atlanta for what could be an equally influential series. When asked about the significance of this showdown, Braves' Sean Murphy put it succinctly: “You knew it a couple weeks ago, right? That series is probably gonna help decide this thing.”
The series commences on Tuesday, Sept. 24 at 7:20 p.m. ET with a showdown between right-handers Luis Severino of the Mets and Spencer Schwellenbach of the Braves. The subsequent games feature impressive left-handed matchups: David Peterson against Chris Sale on Wednesday and Sean Manaea versus Max Fried on Thursday.
Rotation Adjustments and Key Performers
The Mets have tweaked their rotation, leveraging Monday’s off-day to move Jose Quintana’s start to Friday. This adjustment raises the stakes for the upcoming series, ensuring their top pitchers are well-rested for the high-stakes battles ahead.
Atlanta has had impressive contributions from their newer roster members. Rookie shortstop Luisangel Acuña has been on fire, batting an outstanding .409 with a collection of extra-base hits since stepping in for Francisco Lindor. Meanwhile, veteran Jose Iglesias has been equally stellar in the leadoff spot, hitting .467 while taking over second-base duties due to Jeff McNeil’s wrist injury. On the other end, Marcell Ozuna has been a consistent force, slashing .329/.417/.425 in September. Players like Ramón Laureano and Whit Merrifield have also contributed significantly to the Braves' lineup.
For the Mets, the postseason equation is straightforward: winning two games in this series punches their ticket. However, a full sweep of the Mets will not automatically secure a wild-card spot for the Braves, especially if the Arizona Diamondbacks drop their games against the San Francisco Giants. Even if the Mets take two games, the Braves could still surpass Arizona, depending on the final scores of the season.
Individual Struggles and Injury Reports
JD Martinez and Mark Vientos have faced notable struggles this September, further complicating the Mets' quest for victory. On the injury front, Francisco Lindor remains cautiously optimistic about his return but acknowledges that playing pain-free might not be an option this season.
Future Contests and Postseason Implications
After the Atlanta series, the Mets will head to Milwaukee to face the Brewers, who have already clinched the NL Central. Their focus now shifts to securing a bye for the Wild Card Series. The Braves, meanwhile, will remain at home to battle the Kansas City Royals, another team embroiled in a tight wild-card race. With everything on the line, Game 162 could evolve into a dramatic, win-or-go-home scenario for both the Braves and Royals.
As the sand slips through the hourglass in this nerve-wracking MLB regular season's final chapter, fans of both teams will undoubtedly be on the edge of their seats, hoping their team can rise to the occasion and secure a coveted spot in the postseason.