This week, all eyes are on Truist Park as the Atlanta Braves host the New York Mets in a pivotal three-game series with significant postseason implications. This closely contested showdown is more than just another set of games on the schedule; it's a potential decider for the futures of both teams vying for the limited playoff spots in the National League.
The stakes couldn't be higher, with only one remaining postseason berth up for grabs and the rest of the National League teams trailing behind Atlanta already eliminated from the wild-card race. The contest has effectively become a four-team scramble for three remaining slots. Braves fans, still nostalgic from their team's sweep of the Mets two years ago that dislodged New York from first place in the NL East, are hoping for another strong showing this time.
The series commences on Tuesday, September 24, at 7:20 p.m. ET with a clash between right-handers Luis Severino of the Mets and Spencer Schwellenbach of the Braves. The subsequent games on Wednesday and Thursday feature matchups between seasoned left-handers: David Peterson facing Chris Sale, and Sean Manaea taking on Max Fried, respectively. Adding a tactical twist to this high-drama series, the Mets recently utilized Monday's off-day to push José Quintana's start back to Friday.
Both teams are dealing with key injuries and lineup changes. Rookie Luisangel Acuña has been a revelation at shortstop for the Mets, batting .409 and showing impressive power since stepping in for an injured Francisco Lindor. Alongside him, veteran José Iglesias has been on a tear, hitting .467 since assuming leadoff and second base duties in place of the sidelined Jeff McNeil. However, Lindor remains cautiously optimistic about returning before the season concludes, though he admits playing pain-free seems unlikely.
Even amidst such top-level efforts, the Braves face a challenging scenario. A series sweep won't automatically secure them a wild-card spot, especially if the Arizona Diamondbacks falter in their games against the San Francisco Giants. On the flip side, the Mets will seal their postseason entry with two wins in this series. Yet, it's not necessarily the end of the road for Atlanta if they drop two games—they still have a chance to leapfrog Arizona based on the outcomes of remaining matches.
Contributing to the Braves' offensive firepower in September has been Marcell Ozuna, who has posted a robust .329/.417/.425 slash line. Conversely, the Mets' JD Martinez and Mark Vientos have struggled, highlighting the contrasting fortunes within both camps. Adding depth and versatility to the Braves' lineup, players like Ramón Laureano and Whit Merrifield have also risen to the occasion this month.
Anticipation for the series is tinged with concern about a potential hurricane threatening the region, adding another layer of tension to an already dramatic setting. "You knew it a couple of weeks ago, right? That series is probably gonna help decide this thing," noted Sean Murphy, encapsulating the prevailing sentiment around this showdown.
Looking ahead, the Mets are scheduled to head to Milwaukee to face the Brewers after this series. Milwaukee has already clinched the NL Central and is now aiming to secure a Wild Card Series bye. The Braves, on the other hand, will remain at Truist Park to battle the Kansas City Royals, who are also locked in a tight wild-card race. Game 162 could very well become a decisive, win-or-go-home situation for both Atlanta and Kansas City, adding another chapter to this dramatic narrative.
As the series progresses, fans will be closely monitoring every pitch, every at-bat, and every strategic move, knowing that each moment could tip the scales of the postseason race. Whatever the outcome, this series promises to deliver the kind of tension and drama that defines Major League Baseball's most memorable moments.