This week, Truist Park in Atlanta will become the epicenter of the 2024 MLB regular season's most critical clash as the Atlanta Braves host the New York Mets for a pivotal three-game series. Both teams are embroiled in a high-stakes battle with the potential of just one postseason spot hanging in the balance.
While the stakes couldn’t be higher on the diamond, external factors are also playing a part. A potential hurricane is approaching the region, adding another layer of unpredictability to an already tense situation. The Braves find themselves as the last hope for a wild-card slot among the National League teams behind them, all of whom have been eliminated from contention.
Series History and Recap
Memories are still fresh from two years ago when the Braves swept the Mets in the penultimate series of the season, stripping the Mets of their first-place position in the NL East. This year, the dynamics are eerily similar, with everything on the line once again. "You knew it a couple weeks ago, right? That series is probably gonna help decide this thing," noted Braves catcher Sean Murphy, capturing the essence of what’s at stake.
Game Lineups and Key Players
The series kicks off on Tuesday, Sept. 24 at 7:20 p.m. ET with a matchup between right-handers Luis Severino of the Mets and Spencer Schwellenbach of the Braves. The following games will feature clashes of seasoned left-handers: David Peterson against Chris Sale on Wednesday, and Sean Manaea versus Max Fried on Thursday. The Mets have strategically used Monday's off-day to push back Jose Quintana’s start to Friday, optimizing their game plan for this decisive series.
Several players have emerged as X-factors at this crucial juncture of the season. Rookie Luisangel Acuña has been nothing short of remarkable at shortstop, hitting .409 with two doubles, a triple, and three homers since stepping in for the injured Francisco Lindor. Veteran Jose Iglesias has been equally impressive, batting .467 since assuming the leadoff spot and second base duties in the absence of Jeff McNeil, who is nursing a wrist injury. Lindor remains optimistic about his return before the season ends, even if he admits it may not be pain-free.
Playoff Implications
The series holds massive playoff implications. Even if the Braves manage to sweep the Mets, it won't necessarily secure their wild-card spot if the Arizona Diamondbacks falter in their series against the San Francisco Giants. On the other hand, if the Mets clinch two out of the three games, their ticket to the postseason is confirmed. The Braves still have a shot at surpassing Arizona depending on the outcomes of the final games of the season, even if they drop two games to the Mets.
The Braves have seen contributions from various players over September. Marcell Ozuna’s solid form continues with a .329/.417/.425 slash line for the month, while Ramón Laureano and Whit Merrifield have bolstered the lineup. In contrast, JD Martinez and Mark Vientos have struggled, which could be a cause for concern for the Mets.
What’s Next
After this series, the Mets will head to Milwaukee to face the Brewers, who have already clinched the NL Central and are now eyeing a Wild Card Series bye. Meanwhile, the Braves will stay home for a three-game series against the Kansas City Royals. The Royals are equally desperate for a wild-card berth, making any potential Game 162 a nail-biting, win-or-go-home scenario for both the Braves and Royals.
As the most consequential series of the season unfolds, weather conditions, strategic rotations, and key player performances will be under the microscope. The tension is palpable, the stakes monumental, and for the Braves and Mets, it's now or never.