This week, Truist Park becomes the epicenter of the Major League Baseball universe as the Atlanta Braves clash with the New York Mets in a pivotal three-game series that could define their postseason fates. With one potential playoff spot on the line, the intensity is palpable.
The stakes couldn't be higher. As both teams prepare for what could be their most significant games of the season, they not only face each other but also contend with an impending hurricane threatening the region. The Braves find themselves in a unique position—mathematically still in the hunt, while all other National League teams trailing them have already been eliminated from wild-card contention. This drama has boiled down to a high-stakes, four-team skirmish for three precious postseason slots.
Memories of past encounters add an additional layer of intensity. Just two years ago, the Braves swept the Mets in the penultimate series of the regular season, a result that saw the Mets' grasp on first place in the NL East slip away. This history is not lost on either side, adding a touch of déjà vu to an already pressure-packed series.
The Lineup Showdowns
The series commences on Tuesday, September 24, at 7:20 p.m. ET, featuring a showdown of right-handers: Luis Severino for the Mets and Spencer Schwellenbach for the Braves. This is followed by matchups of seasoned left-handers—David Peterson versus Chris Sale on Wednesday, and Sean Manaea against Max Fried on Thursday.
In an effort to optimize their pitching strategy, the Mets have tweaked their rotation. Jose Quintana's start has been pushed back to Friday, taking advantage of Monday’s off-day. Such strategic moves highlight how critical every decision is at this juncture of the season.
Rising Stars and Veterans Stepping Up
Rookie Luisangel Acuña has been a revelation at shortstop for the Mets, stepping in for the injured Francisco Lindor. Acuña's .409 batting average, punctuated by two doubles, a triple, and three home runs, has been invaluable. Veteran Jose Iglesias has also shone in Jeff McNeil’s absence, posting a remarkable .467 batting average since taking over leadoff and second base duties.
Francisco Lindor remains optimistic about returning to the field this season, although he admits playing pain-free might be out of the question. His potential return could provide a significant morale boost for the Mets heading into the final stretch.
Playoff Implications
While a sweep by the Braves in this series won't automatically secure them a wild-card spot, especially if the Arizona Diamondbacks falter against the San Francisco Giants, the scenario is slightly different for the Mets. Winning two games would virtually guarantee them a postseason berth. However, even if the Braves come up short, they still have a pathway to surpass Arizona, contingent on the outcomes of subsequent games.
Key players like Marcell Ozuna, who has been slashing .329/.417/.425 in September, will be crucial for the Braves. In contrast, JD Martinez and Mark Vientos have struggled, making every at-bat and strategic play vital. Contributions from players such as Ramón Laureano and Whit Merrifield have also been noteworthy for Atlanta this month, enhancing their lineup's depth.
Looking Beyond the Series
Following this series, the Mets head to Milwaukee to face the Brewers, a team that has already clinched the NL Central and is now targeting a bye in the Wild Card Series. Meanwhile, the Braves stay home for a series against the Kansas City Royals, another team embroiled in a wild-card race. Remarkably, Game 162 might very well become a do-or-die affair for both the Braves and Royals.
This series was anticipated to be decisive weeks ago, as Sean Murphy aptly noted: “You knew it a couple weeks ago, right? That series is probably gonna help decide this thing.” His words resonate now more than ever as both teams prepare for what could be not just a series, but a defining moment in their season.