The stage is set for the most pivotal series of the 2024 MLB regular season as the Atlanta Braves prepare to host the New York Mets at Truist Park for a three-game showdown. With both teams vying for a potential postseason berth, the stakes could not be higher. The outcome of this series could very well determine who secures a wild-card spot and who falls short.
The High-Stakes Battle
As the Braves and Mets face off, the realization that all other National League competitors have already been eliminated from the wild-card race adds an extra layer of intensity. This face-off is now a critical four-team contest, with three postseason spots up for grabs. The air around the stadium is thick with the implications of each game, and even the potential threat of a hurricane bearing down on the region seems to amplify the urgency.
“You knew it a couple weeks ago, right? That series is probably gonna help decide this thing,” Braves' catcher Sean Murphy remarked, encapsulating the high drama of the moment.
Pitching Matchups
The series kicks off on Tuesday, Sept. 24 at 7:20 p.m. ET with a duel between right-handers Luis Severino for the Mets and Spencer Schwellenbach for the Braves. Following this, Wednesday's game features a matchup of adept left-handers, David Peterson going up against Chris Sale. The final game on Thursday will see Sean Manaea face Max Fried, another highly anticipated clash of southpaws.
The Mets have made strategic adjustments to their rotation, using Monday's off-day to push Jose Quintana’s start back to Friday. This series is set up to be a battle of both tactical genius and raw talent.
Player Performance
On the Mets' side, rookie Luisangel Acuña has been making waves, hitting an impressive .409 with two doubles, a triple, and three home runs since stepping in for Francisco Lindor. Meanwhile, veteran Jose Iglesias has been a powerhouse at the leadoff spot, batting .467 in Jeff McNeil’s absence due to a wrist injury. Lindor himself remains optimistic about returning this season, though he concedes that he’s unlikely to play without discomfort.
For the Braves, Marcell Ozuna has been slashing .329/.417/.425 in September, showcasing his formidable offensive prowess. However, JD Martinez and Mark Vientos have struggled, adding to the concerns for Atlanta's lineup consistency. Despite these ups and downs, contributions from Ramón Laureano and Whit Merrifield have kept the team competitive.
Possible Outcomes
Even if the Braves manage to sweep the series, a wild-card spot won't be clinched immediately, especially if the Arizona Diamondbacks falter against the San Francisco Giants. On the flip side, if the Mets can secure two wins, their passage to the postseason will be assured. That said, even then, the Braves wouldn’t be completely out of the running, given the vagaries of the final games and Arizona’s outcomes.
What Comes Next
Looking beyond this high-stakes series, the Mets will head to Milwaukee to face the Brewers, who have already clinched the NL Central and are now focusing on securing a Wild Card Series bye. In contrast, the Braves will stay home for a three-game series against the Kansas City Royals, who are also entangled in a tight wild-card race. Game 162 might prove to be a do-or-die scenario for both the Braves and the Royals.
This series between the Mets and Braves is undoubtedly a climactic chapter in the 2024 MLB season, promising nothing short of exhilarating baseball for those in attendance and fans watching from afar. The players know the stakes, the fans feel the pressure, and Truist Park is set to be the epicenter of baseball drama this week.