This week, Truist Park transforms into the epicenter of Major League Baseball as the Atlanta Braves host the New York Mets for a critical three-game series that could determine postseason destinies. As both teams lock horns starting Tuesday, the stakes could not be higher—one playoff spot hangs precariously in the balance.
With a potential hurricane bearing down on the region, adding an element of uncertainty, Braves and Mets fans alike are bracing for what promises to be an electrifying and nerve-wracking showdown. The rest of the National League teams trailing Atlanta have already been eliminated from wild-card contention, turning this series into a crucial four-team contest for three coveted postseason slots.
Recent History Repeats Itself?
The anticipation is palpable, not least because of the history between these two teams. Just two years ago, the Braves swept the Mets in the penultimate series of the season, costing the Mets their grip on the first place in the NL East. This year, the Mets are looking to avoid a similar fate.
The first game of the series, kicking off on Tuesday, Sept. 24, at 7:20 p.m. ET, features a showdown between right-handers Luis Severino for the Mets and Spencer Schwellenbach for the Braves. Following this, Wednesday’s matchup sees David Peterson facing Chris Sale, while Thursday will pit Sean Manaea against Max Fried in a duel of accomplished left-handers.
Braves’ Lineup Adjustments
The Braves are shuffling their roster to maximise their competitive edge. Despite an injury-plagued lineup, rookies and veterans alike have stepped up. Rookie Luisangel Acuña has been outstanding at shortstop, boasting a .409 average with two doubles, a triple, and three home runs since stepping in for Francisco Lindor. Veteran Jose Iglesias has also been in stellar form, batting .467 since taking over leadoff and second base duties due to Jeff McNeil's wrist injury.
Meanwhile, Marcell Ozuna has continued his September hot streak, slashing .329/.417/.425. Ramón Laureano and Whit Merrifield have also provided valuable offensive contributions. However, JD Martinez and Mark Vientos have struggled this month, causing some concern in the Braves’ camp.
Mets’ Strategic Moves
The Mets have not stood idle either; they adjusted their pitching rotation to maximize effectiveness against a high-stakes Braves lineup. Using Monday's off-day, the Mets have pushed Jose Quintana’s start back to Friday, ensuring that Severino, Peterson, and Manaea are all fresh for this series.
“You knew it a couple weeks ago, right? That series is probably gonna help decide this thing,” responded Braves’ Sean Murphy when asked about the upcoming series, hinting at the immense importance of these games.
What’s on the Line
Even a sweep of the Mets won't guarantee the Braves a wild-card spot in this series, depending on how the Arizona Diamondbacks fare against the San Francisco Giants. If the Mets prevail in two out of three games, they will solidify their postseason berth. The Braves, even in the face of a two-game loss to the Mets, are not necessarily out of the race; they could still outpace Arizona in the final games.
Once this series is concluded, the Mets will head to Milwaukee to face the Brewers, who have already clinched the NL Central and are now aiming to secure a Wild Card Series bye. The Braves, on the other hand, will stay at home to host the Kansas City Royals, who are also in the thick of a tight wild-card race. Game 162 could very well turn into a do-or-die situation for both the Braves and Royals.
As the clouds of uncertainty loom—both from the potential hurricane and the rigorous playoff hunt—baseball fans can expect a rollercoaster of emotions from this decisive series at Truist Park.