Atlanta Braves Host New York Mets in Critical Series with Postseason Implications
This week sees the Atlanta Braves hosting the New York Mets for a pivotal three-game series at Truist Park. As the 2024 MLB regular season draws to a close, the stakes have never been higher, with a possible postseason spot on the line and every game counting toward the final standings.
Fierce competition is the overriding theme, with both teams locked in a high-stakes showdown. The Braves and Mets are part of a four-team battle vying for three coveted postseason spots, while all other National League teams trailing Atlanta have been eliminated from the wild-card race. The historical significance isn't lost, as two seasons ago, the Braves swept the Mets in the penultimate series of the regular season, causing the Mets to relinquish their lead in the NL East. The memory of that series undoubtedly lingers as both teams prepare to face off once more under pressure-filled conditions.
Adding another twist to the unfolding drama, a potential hurricane is approaching the region, heightening the uncertainty and urgency of each game. The series opens on Tuesday, Sept. 24 at 7:20 p.m. ET, featuring a clash between right-handers Luis Severino for the Mets and Spencer Schwellenbach for the Braves. The following two games promise equally compelling matchups with left-handers David Peterson facing Chris Sale on Wednesday, and then Sean Manaea squaring off against Max Fried on Thursday.
Mets manager Buck Showalter has made strategic alterations to the rotation, using Monday's off-day to push Jose Quintana’s start back to Friday. This adjustment aims to optimize their pitching strength for the critical series finale. With the stakes this high, every move matters.
The Braves have seen remarkable performances from their younger players. Rookie Luisangel Acuña has been a revelation at shortstop, boasting a .409 batting average with two doubles, a triple, and three home runs since stepping in for the injured Francisco Lindor. Similarly, veteran Jose Iglesias has thrived since taking over leadoff and second base duties due to Jeff McNeil’s wrist injury, clocking an impressive .467 average.
Speaking of injuries, Lindor remains optimistic about his return this season, though he admits that playing pain-free is an unlikely scenario. His potential return could be a critical factor as the Braves push for a postseason spot.
However, even a sweep of the Mets won’t guarantee a wild-card spot for the Braves this series, especially if the Arizona Diamondbacks falter against the San Francisco Giants. Conversely, should the Mets win two out of three games, they will secure their postseason ticket, further complicating the Braves' path.
No single series will singularly determine the future, but this showdown comes pretty close. As Sean Murphy succinctly put it, “You knew it a couple weeks ago, right? That series is probably gonna help decide this thing.”
In terms of individual contributions, several players have made significant impacts recently. Marcell Ozuna's September performance has been stellar, with a .329/.417/.425 slash line. Conversely, JD Martinez and Mark Vientos have struggled, which could impact the Mets’ offensive output. For the Braves, Ramón Laureano and Whit Merrifield have added depth and versatility, contributing to the lineup’s dynamic performance this month.
After this crucial series, the Mets will travel to Milwaukee to face the Brewers, who have already clinched the NL Central and are eyeing a Wild Card Series bye. This ensures that the Mets' battle is far from over, even after their intense matchups with the Braves. Meanwhile, the Braves will stay at home for a three-game series against the Kansas City Royals, a team also embroiled in a tight wild-card race. Game 162 could very well turn into a win-or-go-home scenario for both the Braves and the Royals.
The coming days will test the mettle of these teams, where every pitch, every hit, and every strategic decision will carry the weight of postseason dreams. In this narrative of high stakes and unparalleled urgency, one thing is clear: this series at Truist Park is not just another set of games; it's a battle where history could very well be made.