This week marks a pivotal moment in the 2024 MLB regular season as the Atlanta Braves prepare to host the New York Mets at Truist Park for a crucial three-game series that could determine their postseason fate. With only one possible postseason spot remaining, the stakes couldn't be higher for these National League teams.
A potential hurricane looms over the region, adding an unpredictable element to an already tense showdown. The Braves find themselves in a precarious position—although all other National League teams behind them have been eliminated from the wild-card race, they still face intense competition. The battle for the final postseason spots has boiled down to a dramatic four-team fight for three coveted positions.
The memory of two years ago lingers for both teams, when the Braves swept the Mets in the penultimate series of the regular season, causing the Mets to lose their grip on first place in the NL East. History could repeat itself, but this time the stakes are even more significant.
Key Matchups and Rotation Adjustments
The series kicks off on Tuesday, September 24 at 7:20 p.m. ET, featuring a duel between right-handers Luis Severino of the Mets and Spencer Schwellenbach of the Braves. Following the opener, the next two games promise equally compelling matchups with left-handers David Peterson facing Chris Sale on Wednesday, and Sean Manaea taking the mound against Max Fried on Thursday.
The Mets have strategically adjusted their rotation, using Monday's off-day to bump Jose Quintana’s start back to Friday. This move underscores the importance of the upcoming series and the need for tactical advantages at this juncture of the season.
Impact Players Stepping Up
While the Mets face challenges with injuries, their rookie Luisangel Acuña has stepped up admirably at shortstop. Acuña has been stellar, hitting .409 with two doubles, a triple, and three home runs since filling in for Francisco Lindor. In a similar vein, veteran Jose Iglesias has been a revelation, batting .467 since taking over leadoff spot and second base duties after Jeff McNeil’s wrist injury.
Lindor remains optimistic about a return this season, though he acknowledges he is unlikely to play pain-free. His determination underlines the gravity of the situation for the Mets.
For the Braves, even a sweep of the Mets this series won't guarantee a wild-card spot, particularly if the Arizona Diamondbacks falter against the San Francisco Giants. Conversely, if the Mets manage to win two games in this series, their ticket to the postseason will be assured. The Braves' fate could still hinge on the outcomes of the final games, depending on Arizona’s performance.
Offensive Contributions and Struggles
Marcell Ozuna has been a standout for the Braves, slashing .329/.417/.425 in September. Meanwhile, JD Martinez and Mark Vientos have struggled offensively this month, a contrast that could be a deciding factor in this series. Ramón Laureano and Whit Merrifield have also been valuable contributors to the Braves' lineup in September, adding depth and versatility.
Looking Beyond the Series
Once this high-stakes series concludes, the Mets will head to Milwaukee to take on the Brewers. The Brewers have already clinched the NL Central and are focused on securing a Wild Card Series bye, presenting another formidable challenge. The Braves, on the other hand, will stay home for a three-game series against the Kansas City Royals. The Royals are also embroiled in a tight wild-card race, setting up a potentially dramatic finish to the regular season.
With everything on the line, game 162 could turn into a win-or-go-home scenario for both the Braves and Royals. As Sean Murphy aptly put it, "You knew it a couple weeks ago, right? That series is probably gonna help decide this thing." The stage is set for one of the most thrilling conclusions to an MLB season in recent memory, as each team fights for survival and a chance at postseason glory.