The buildup to the Major League Baseball postseason is always rife with anticipation, but unexpected developments have added a fresh layer of intrigue to the 2022 campaign. Originally designed for a well-earned respite, Monday, Sept. 30, now marks a significant turn of events for the New York Mets and the Atlanta Braves.
The MLB schedule engineers had instituted Monday as a buffer day, a chance for teams to catch their breath before diving headfirst into playoff action. However, Hurricane Helene had other plans in mind, leading to postponed games on both Wednesday and Thursday. The storm's disruption means that both the Mets and the Braves will spend their previously scheduled day off locked in an arduous doubleheader at Truist Park.
High Stakes at Truist Park
The final day of the regular season is on Sunday, with playoffs commencing just two days later. This unexpected adjustment places both squads under significant pressure, as every pitch, swing, and inning of Monday’s doubleheader will be crucial in determining their playoff destinies. This situation is far from ideal, but as one source put it, "Major League Baseball is the boss."
The original plan had Monday as a much-needed day off for both teams. Nevertheless, the necessity to make up for lost games has left both the Mets and the Braves in a challenging spot. The Braves, who had been resistant to playing at a different location or alternate times, will now face the Mets under the shadow of imminent playoffs. The idea of moving the games to Globe Life Field in Arlington was considered, since the Texas Rangers are on the road. However, those proposals did not come to fruition, and Truist Park will host the doubleheader instead.
Tale of Two Teams
As the standings currently reflect, the Mets hold a narrow edge with the tiebreaker over Arizona, while the Braves linger just a game behind. The scenario is a delicate one: both teams have a mere three games to play before the doubleheader showdown on Monday. The potential travel itinerary for the Mets appears demanding, possibly involving stops in Atlanta, Milwaukee, and San Diego within a six-day span.
For the Braves, their upcoming schedule includes hosting the Royals at Truist Park. Each game feels like a final exam as both teams vye for postseason spots. There's a very real possibility that both the Mets and the Braves could secure their positions in the playoffs, potentially leaving the Diamondbacks on the outside looking in.
Impact of the "Defensive Lockout"
This clutch of games amplifies a season already bruised by a collective bargaining agreement just barely reached in time. MLB Commissioner Rob Manfred termed it a "defensive lockout," emphasizing the contentious nature of negotiations that added yet another layer of uncertainty to the season. The Braves’ reluctance to reschedule their home games despite the hurricane hints at the broader tension within the league and its stakeholders.
As Monday approaches, the urgency in the air is palpable. The doubleheader will not only test the physical endurance of both teams but will also be a barometer of their mental fortitude. As they prepare to take the field under less-than-ideal circumstances, the Mets and the Braves are undoubtedly aware that their playoff futures hinge on the outcome of these crucial matches at Truist Park.
While the buffer day was designed to give a breather, it has now metamorphosed into a pressure-cooker scenario. To baseball fans and pundits alike, this dramatic twist is a reminder that the only certainty in sports is its inherent unpredictability. And as the Mets and Braves brace themselves for what promises to be a high-stakes doubleheader, the postseason landscape awaits its final shape.