This week, Truist Park becomes the epicenter of the 2024 MLB regular season as the Atlanta Braves host the New York Mets for a pivotal three-game series. With one postseason spot up for grabs, the stakes couldn't be higher for both teams.
The Braves and Mets find themselves locked in an intense battle for a postseason berth, with this series possibly tipping the scales. In a season where every game carries heavy significance, this matchup stands out as exceptionally crucial. "You knew it a couple weeks ago, right? That series is probably gonna help decide this thing," remarked Sean Murphy, capturing the anticipation felt by players and fans alike.
As if the baseball drama weren't enough, a potential hurricane is bearing down on the region, adding an unpredictable element to an already high-pressure series. For Atlanta, all other National League teams behind them have been eliminated from the wild-card race, reducing the competition to a four-team fight for three coveted postseason spots.
The Matchups
The series kicks off on Tuesday, Sept. 24, at 7:20 p.m. ET, featuring a duel between right-handers Luis Severino of the Mets and Spencer Schwellenbach of the Braves. The ensuing games promise equally gripping action with accomplished left-handers taking the mound: David Peterson against Chris Sale on Wednesday, followed by Sean Manaea versus Max Fried on Thursday. The Mets, strategically using Monday’s off-day, have bumped Jose Quintana’s start back to Friday.
Individual Performances and Adjustments
Rookie sensation Luisangel Acuña has been nothing short of spectacular at shortstop, batting 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 made significant contributions, hitting .467 since assuming leadoff and second-base duties due to Jeff McNeil’s wrist injury. While Lindor remains optimistic about a return this season, he concedes it’s unlikely he will play pain-free.
Braves’ Offensive Surge and Key Players
On the Braves’ side, Marcell Ozuna has been a standout performer, slashing .329/.417/.425 in September, providing a much-needed boost to Atlanta’s offense. Contributions from Ramón Laureano and Whit Merrifield have further strengthened the Braves' lineup. In contrast, Mets players JD Martinez and Mark Vientos have struggled in September, adding another layer of complexity to their postseason aspirations.
Postseason Scenarios
Even a sweep in this series won’t guarantee the Braves a wild-card spot, especially if the Arizona Diamondbacks lose their games against the San Francisco Giants. However, if the Mets manage to win two out of the three games, they will secure their postseason ticket. The Braves, on the other hand, won’t necessarily be eliminated with a series loss but will need favorable outcomes in the final games to surpass Arizona.
Looking Ahead
Following this series, the Mets will head to Milwaukee to face the Brewers, who have clinched the NL Central and are eyeing a Wild Card Series bye. Meanwhile, the Braves will stay home to host the Kansas City Royals for a three-game series. Notably, the Royals are also in a tight wild-card race, adding further suspense as Game 162 looms as a potential win-or-go-home scenario for both the Braves and Royals.
As this critical series unfolds, the anticipation and pressure intensify, setting the stage for what promises to be an electrifying conclusion to the regular season.