This week marks a pivotal moment in the 2024 MLB regular season as the Atlanta Braves host the New York Mets in a decisive three-game series at Truist Park. Both teams are engaged in a high-stakes battle, with one coveted postseason spot potentially hanging in the balance.
Adding to the suspense, a potential hurricane is bearing down on the region, threatening to impact the games. All other National League teams behind Atlanta have already been eliminated from the wild-card race, leaving a four-team showdown for three elusive postseason spots.
The series evokes memories of two years ago when the Braves swept the Mets in the penultimate series of the regular season, causing New York to lose their grip on first place in the NL East. This year, the stakes are equally high.
Pitching Matchups and Key Players
The series begins on Tuesday, Sept. 24 at 7:20 p.m. ET with a duel between right-handers Luis Severino of the Mets and Spencer Schwellenbach of the Braves. The next two games promise more intense matchups between accomplished left-handers: David Peterson faces Chris Sale on Wednesday, followed by Sean Manaea taking on Max Fried on Thursday.
The Mets have adjusted their rotation, using Monday's off-day to bump Jose Quintana’s start back to Friday. This strategic change aims to optimize their chances in this crucial series.
In the spotlight for the Mets is rookie Luisangel Acuña, who has been stellar at shortstop, hitting .409 with two doubles, a triple, and three home runs since stepping in for Francisco Lindor. Additionally, veteran Jose Iglesias has been batting an impressive .467 since taking over as the leadoff hitter and second baseman due to Jeff McNeil’s wrist injury. Lindor remains hopeful he will return this season, although he acknowledges he is unlikely to play without pain.
Despite a recent offensive surge from Marcell Ozuna, who has been slashing .329/.417/.425 in September, the Braves face an uphill battle. Even a series sweep will not clinch a wild-card spot for Atlanta, particularly if the Arizona Diamondbacks lose their games against the San Francisco Giants. The Braves' postseason fate could hinge on the outcomes of the final games of the season.
Postseason Implications
If the Mets win two out of the three games in this series, they will secure their postseason ticket. However, the Braves will not necessarily be eliminated if this happens; they could still surpass Arizona, depending on the outcomes of the remaining games.
Meanwhile, JD Martinez and Mark Vientos have struggled throughout September, adding pressure to the Mets' lineup. In contrast, Ramón Laureano and Whit Merrifield have stepped up for the Braves during this critical month.
Upcoming Challenges
Following this series, the Mets will head to Milwaukee to face the Brewers, who have clinched the NL Central and are now looking to secure a Wild Card Series bye. On the other hand, the Braves will stay home for a three-game series against the Kansas City Royals, another team embroiled in a tight wild-card race. This final series could very well be a win-or-go-home situation for both the Braves and Royals.
Reflecting on the importance of this series, Braves' catcher Sean Murphy put it succinctly: “You knew it a couple weeks ago, right? That series is probably gonna help decide this thing.”
The atmosphere at Truist Park promises to be electric as fans from both teams brace for what could be a season-defining showdown. The tension, talent, and tactical maneuvers all set the stage for baseball drama at its finest.