This week holds the most critical series of the 2024 MLB regular season as the Atlanta Braves prepare to host the New York Mets at Truist Park. With a postseason spot hanging precariously in the balance, both teams face a high-stakes battle that could define their season outcomes.
Adding to the drama is the imminent threat of a hurricane bearing down on the region, potentially impacting game conditions and further heightening the tension. The Atlanta Braves stand in a pivotal position as all other National League competitors behind them have been eliminated from the wild-card race. What remains is a fierce four-team showdown for three coveted postseason berths.
Historical context adds a layer of intensity to this showdown. Two years ago, the Braves swept the Mets in a similar penultimate series of the regular season, causing the Mets to surrender their first-place standing in the NL East. This year’s matchup could very well have similar consequences for both teams.
Starting Lineup Showdown
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 promise compelling duels of left-handers: David Peterson squares off against Chris Sale on Wednesday, and Sean Manaea faces Max Fried on Thursday. The Mets have strategically adjusted their rotation, leveraging Monday's off-day to shift Jose Quintana’s start to Friday.
Key Performances Under the Spotlight
The Mets are seeing stellar performances from rookie Luisangel Acuña, who has been outstanding at shortstop, hitting .409 with two doubles, a triple, and three home runs 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 due to Jeff McNeil’s wrist injury. Despite his injury, Lindor remains optimistic about his return this season, though he concedes it is unlikely he will play without pain.
Even if the Braves manage to sweep the Mets in this series, they won’t clinch a wild-card spot, especially if the Arizona Diamondbacks lose their own contests against the San Francisco Giants. However, if the Mets secure victories in two of the three games, their postseason ticket will be validated. Conversely, the Braves will not be outright eliminated if the Mets win two games, as they could still surpass Arizona depending on the outcomes of the final matches of the season.
Individual Contributions and Team Dynamics
The Braves have relied on contributions from several key players this September. Marcell Ozuna has been in exceptional form, slashing .329/.417/.425. Ramón Laureano and Whit Merrifield have also provided valuable contributions, adding depth to the Braves' lineup. On the other hand, the Mets have seen struggles from JD Martinez and Mark Vientos, whose September performance has not met expectations.
The Road Ahead
As the tension builds, the Mets will head to Milwaukee to face the Brewers following this crucial series. The Brewers, having clinched the NL Central, now aim 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 tight wild-card race. This final series could very well end in a win-or-go-home situation for both the Braves and Royals, making every game a must-watch event.
“You knew it a couple weeks ago, right? That series is probably gonna help decide this thing,” remarked Sean Murphy, encapsulating the urgency and significance of the upcoming games.
This showdown between the Braves and Mets promises not only to be a monumental series for both teams but also a riveting spectacle for baseball fans everywhere. With every pitch and every at-bat having the potential to shift the postseason landscape, the stakes have never been higher.