This week, all eyes are on Truist Park as the Atlanta Braves prepare to host the New York Mets for a pivotal three-game series. This matchup could very well determine the postseason fate of both teams, with one possible playoff berth hanging in the balance.
In an already tense atmosphere, nature adds another element of uncertainty—a potential hurricane bearing down on the region. Amid this, Atlanta finds itself in a do-or-die situation; all other National League teams behind them have been eliminated from the wild-card race. What remains is a cutthroat four-team fight for three coveted postseason spots.
The gravity of this series echoes a similar scenario from two years ago, when the Braves swept the Mets in the penultimate series of the regular season, thus knocking the Mets out of first place in the NL East. History has a way of repeating itself, and the Braves hope it will, but this time with a postseason berth on the line.
Pitching Matchups
The series kicks off on Tuesday, September 24 at 7:20 p.m. ET with a compelling duel between right-handers Luis Severino of the Mets and Spencer Schwellenbach of the Braves. On Wednesday, accomplished left-handers David Peterson and Chris Sale will face off, followed by another southpaw showdown on Thursday between Sean Manaea and Max Fried.
The Mets have strategically adjusted their rotation to maximize their chances, utilizing Monday's off-day to bump Jose Quintana’s start to Friday. These tactical decisions underscore just how high the stakes are for the Mets.
Battle at the Plate
Amid these high-stakes games, individual performances stand out. Rookie Luisangel Acuña has been a revelation at shortstop for the Mets, hitting .409 with two doubles, a triple, and three home runs since Francisco Lindor’s injury. Veteran Jose Iglesias has also stepped up, batting .467 while filling in as leadoff and second baseman due to Jeff McNeil’s wrist injury.
On the Braves' side, Marcell Ozuna has been in stellar form, slashing .329/.417/.425 in September. Contributions from Ramón Laureano and Whit Merrifield have also bolstered Atlanta's lineup. Conversely, JD Martinez and Mark Vientos have struggled this month, a concern as the Mets approach this decisive series.
Implications and Odds
Even sweeping the Mets will not automatically clinch a wild-card spot for the Braves this series, especially if the Arizona Diamondbacks stumble against the San Francisco Giants. For the Mets, winning two out of three games would secure their postseason ticket.
Sean Murphy, a key figure in these intense matchups, aptly summarized the significance of the series: “You knew it a couple weeks ago, right? That series is probably gonna help decide this thing.”
Adding to the drama, Francisco Lindor remains optimistic about his return this season, though he acknowledges he might have to play through pain. If the Mets secure two wins, they will punch their postseason ticket, though the Braves won’t necessarily be eliminated; they could still surpass Arizona depending on the final games' outcomes.
Looking Ahead
Following this series, the Mets will head to Milwaukee to face the Brewers, who have already clinched the NL Central and are now eyeing a Wild Card Series bye. The Braves, meanwhile, will stay home for a three-game series against the Kansas City Royals. The Royals themselves are in a tight wild-card race, making Game 162 a potential win-or-go-home scenario for both Atlanta and Kansas City.
With so much on the line, Truist Park is set to be the stage for some of the most compelling baseball of the season. Whether it’s stellar pitching, pivotal batting performances, or strategic managerial moves, every moment will count in this high-stakes showdown. Fans and players alike can expect a series marked by tension, grit, and perhaps, the making of post-season legends.