This week, the 2024 MLB season reaches a pivotal juncture as the Atlanta Braves prepare to host the New York Mets for an essential three-game series at Truist Park. With one postseason spot potentially at stake, the upcoming clash has high expectations and considerable tension hanging over it.
There is plenty more riding on this showdown beyond just playoff aspirations. A potential hurricane is bearing down on the region, adding another layer of unpredictability to an already intense series. All other National League teams behind Atlanta have been eliminated from the wild-card race, focusing the fight to four teams vying for three vital postseason spots.
The Braves have recent history to draw inspiration from, having swept the Mets in a similar series two years ago, which saw the Mets relinquish their hold on first place in the NL East. “You knew it a couple weeks ago, right? That series is probably gonna help decide this thing,” commented Braves player Sean Murphy, encapsulating the essence of this critical series.
Matchups and Strategy
The series commences on Tuesday, Sept. 24 at 7:20 p.m. ET with a compelling duel between right-handers Luis Severino of the Mets and Spencer Schwellenbach of the Braves. Following that, fans will be treated to battles between accomplished left-handers: David Peterson faces Chris Sale on Wednesday, while Sean Manaea goes head-to-head with Max Fried in Thursday’s finale.
The Mets have strategically adjusted their rotation, using Monday’s off-day to push Jose Quintana’s start back to Friday. This maneuver allows them to stack their best matchups against the Braves in this decisive series.
Key Players and Performances
The Braves' lineup has been bolstered by the stellar play of rookie Luisangel Acuña, who has hit .409 with two doubles, a triple, and three home runs since filling in for Francisco Lindor. On the other hand, veteran Jose Iglesias has been a revelation at the top of the lineup, batting an incredible .467 after stepping in due to Jeff McNeil’s wrist injury.
Francisco Lindor remains hopeful of returning this season, though he admits playing pain-free is unlikely. Despite these lineup changes, a sweep of the Mets will not ensure a wild-card spot for the Braves, particularly if the Arizona Diamondbacks drop their games against the San Francisco Giants. Yet, if the Mets win two out of three games in this series, they will secure their postseason ticket.
The Braves' fortunes won’t necessarily be sunk if the Mets clinch two wins; they could still outpace Arizona, contingent on the final games' outcomes. Entering September, Marcell Ozuna has been performing admirably, posting a .329/.417/.425 slash line. Conversely, JD Martinez and Mark Vientos have struggled, while Ramón Laureano and Whit Merrifield have contributed positively to the Braves’ lineup during this critical stretch.
Future Implications
Following this series, the Mets will travel to Milwaukee to face the Brewers, a team that has already clinched the NL Central and is now aiming to secure a Wild Card Series bye. Meanwhile, the Braves will stay home for a three-game series against the Kansas City Royals, who are also in a passionate wild-card race. This setup means Game 162 could potentially be a do-or-die situation for both the Braves and Royals, emphasizing the critical nature of every single game left in the season.
“You knew it a couple weeks ago, right? That series is probably gonna help decide this thing.” — Sean Murphy
As the tension mounts and anticipation builds, the Braves and Mets are poised for one of the most enthralling series of the season. The outcomes could very well carve the path to postseason destinies, reflecting the intense competitiveness and drama that define Major League Baseball.