This week, all eyes are on Truist Park as the Atlanta Braves host the New York Mets for a decisive three-game series that could shape the destiny of both teams' postseason fortunes. With one possible postseason spot hanging in the balance, the intensity in Atlanta is palpable.
Both teams find themselves on the brink, navigating a tightrope where just one mistake could alter the course of their season. This high-stakes battle has boiled down to a four-team fight for three coveted postseason spots, and the urgency is heightened by memories of two years ago, when the Braves swept the Mets, causing New York to lose their grip on first place in the NL East.
Mound Matchups
The series kicks off on Tuesday, Sept. 24 at 7:20 p.m. ET with an enticing duel between right-handers Luis Severino of the Mets and Spencer Schwellenbach of the Braves. Following this, the next two games will see accomplished left-handers clash: David Peterson takes on Chris Sale on Wednesday, followed by Sean Manaea versus Max Fried on Thursday.
The Mets have also adjusted their rotation strategically, pushing Jose Quintana’s start to Friday, thanks to Monday's off-day. This tactical move underscores the importance of peaking at the right moment.
Emerging Stars
The Braves have been buoyed by the stellar performance of rookie Luisangel Acuña at shortstop, who has been hitting an impressive .409 with two doubles, a triple, and three home runs since stepping in for the injured Francisco Lindor. Veteran Jose Iglesias has also risen to the occasion, batting .467 while holding down the leadoff spot and second base duties in Jeff McNeil’s absence due to a wrist injury.
Lindor remains optimistic about playing again this season, although he acknowledged he is unlikely to do so without pain. His return could provide a crucial boost for the Braves as they navigate these final, critical games.
Key Performances
The Braves' Marcell Ozuna has been a key contributor, slashing .329/.417/.425 in September, adding a potent bat to their lineup. In contrast, the Mets' JD Martinez and Mark Vientos have struggled this month. However, Ramon Laureano and Whit Merrifield have stepped up for Atlanta, proving the depth and versatility of their roster.
Weather Concerns
As if the pressure of postseason contention isn’t enough, a potential hurricane is bearing down on the region, adding another element of uncertainty to an already tension-filled series.
What's at Stake
The implications of this series are massive. While the Braves won't necessarily clinch a wild-card spot even with a sweep, especially if Arizona falters against the San Francisco Giants, the Mets can punch their postseason ticket by winning two games in this series. Despite the tight race, the Braves could still surpass Arizona, depending on the outcomes of the final games.
To complicate matters further, the Mets will head to Milwaukee to face the Brewers after this series, a team that has already clinched the NL Central and is now looking to secure a Wild Card Series bye. On the other hand, the Braves will stay home to face the Kansas City Royals, who are also embroiled in a tight wild-card race. This setup could turn Game 162 into a potential win-or-go-home situation for both the Braves and Royals.
As Braves catcher Sean Murphy aptly put it, “You knew it a couple weeks ago, right? That series is probably gonna help decide this thing.” His words ring true as both teams prepare for what could be the most crucial showdown of the 2024 MLB regular season.