The National League playoff landscape was dramatically altered yesterday, throwing the Atlanta Braves' season into further disarray. The Braves, mired in a five-game losing streak, were handed a crushing 16-7 loss by the Milwaukee Brewers. This defeat has knocked them out of the third and final wild-card spot, putting them on the outside of the playoff picture for the first time since 2017.
The Braves’ current struggles mark a stark contrast to their position on July 9, when they boasted a six-game lead over the New York Mets. However, recent performance tells a different story; the Braves have gone 2-5 this month and have a disheartening 7-12 record in the second half of the season. Their skid was epitomized in the blowout loss to the Brewers, showcasing vulnerabilities that have emerged as they battle to stay in postseason contention.
Meanwhile, the Mets are on an upward trajectory. They thrashed the Colorado Rockies 9-1, highlighting the form that has seen them compile a 12-8 record since the All-Star break. This surge has seen the Mets overtake the Braves, turning what was once a half-game deficit into a half-game lead for the final wild-card position.
Road Ahead for the Braves
The road ahead for the Braves is daunting. They are about to embark on a grueling three-city, 10-game west-coast road trip against the Colorado Rockies, San Francisco Giants, and Los Angeles Angels. These teams have collectively won 48.6% of their games this season, a statistic that may offer some solace but guarantees nothing for the Braves who are in dire need of wins to revive their postseason dreams. The Braves’ ability to bounce back during this road trip could well determine their fate in the 2023 season.
A Favorable Schedule for the Mets
The Mets, in contrast, appear to have a more lenient schedule ahead. They will wrap up their current road trip with three games against the Seattle Mariners before returning home for a nine-game homestand. Their home slate includes matchups against the Oakland Athletics, Miami Marlins, and Baltimore Orioles, teams that collectively have a winning percentage of 49.9%. This could provide the Mets with a golden opportunity to solidify their playoff position.
Adding another layer of intrigue, the Braves and Mets are set to face each other in a crucial three-game series in Atlanta during the final week of the season. This series could be pivotal for both teams, potentially deciding which of them secures a spot in the postseason. For the Braves, who have tasted postseason action every year since 2018, missing out would be particularly bitter after such consistent success.
Division Dynamics
In the broader divisional context, the Philadelphia Phillies continue to dominate the National League East, holding a 7 1/2-game lead. This commanding position makes them a tougher target for both the Braves and Mets, further intensifying the battle for wild-card spots.
The contrasting fortunes and upcoming schedules of the Braves and Mets make for an enthralling subplot as the regular season draws to a close. The Mets are peaking at the right time, showing resilience and strong form when it counts the most, while the Braves are grappling with a slump that threatens to derail their season. With the stakes so high, every game from here on out carries significant weight for both teams as they vie for postseason glory.