This week, Truist Park in Atlanta is set to become the epicenter of Major League Baseball as the Atlanta Braves host the New York Mets for a pivotal three-game series. With postseason implications hanging in the balance, this series promises to be a gripping spectacle for baseball fans.
The stakes couldn't be higher as both teams vie for a coveted postseason spot, with the National League wild-card race narrowing down to a fight amongst four teams. The urgency is palpable, especially considering the turbulent history between these two franchises. Just two years ago, the Braves swept the Mets in the penultimate series of the regular season, derailing New York's grip on first place in the NL East.
Adding to the drama is the looming threat of a potential hurricane bearing down on the region, which could impact the series. Nevertheless, all other National League teams behind Atlanta have been eliminated from the wild-card race, ensuring that this showdown will be critical.
Pitching Duels to Watch
The series kicks off on Tuesday, September 24, at 7:20 p.m. ET, featuring a duel between right-handers Luis Severino of the Mets and Spencer Schwellenbach of the Braves. This initial matchup sets the tone for what promises to be a tightly contested series.
The subsequent games will showcase experienced left-handers: David Peterson will face Chris Sale on Wednesday, followed by Sean Manaea against Max Fried on Thursday. The Mets have strategically adjusted their rotation, using Monday's off-day to bump Jose Quintana’s start back to Friday.
Key Players and Impacts
A few standouts have emerged as pivotal figures for their respective teams. Rookie Luisangel Acuña has been exceptional 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 also stepped up, batting .467 since taking over the leadoff spot and second base duties due to Jeff McNeil’s wrist injury.
While Lindor is optimistic about returning before the season ends, he has acknowledged that playing pain-free might not be possible. This uncertainty places additional pressure on the likes of Acuña and Iglesias to maintain their high performance levels.
On the Braves’ end, Marcell Ozuna has been impressive in September, slashing .329/.417/.425. Meanwhile, veterans like Ramón Laureano and Whit Merrifield have made significant contributions. However, not all news is positive; JD Martinez and Mark Vientos have struggled offensively this month, and their performance could be a cause for concern as the Braves look to secure their postseason berth.
Postseason Scenarios
The series outcome will heavily influence the wild-card standings, but it won't be the final determinant. Even a sweep by the Braves won’t clinch their wild-card spot if the Arizona Diamondbacks lose their concurrent series against the San Francisco Giants. However, if the Mets manage to win two games, their postseason ticket will be punched.
Interestingly, the Braves could still surpass Arizona in the wild-card standings depending on the outcomes of their final games, even if they lose two to the Mets. "You knew it a couple weeks ago, right? That series is probably gonna help decide this thing," noted Sean Murphy, underscoring the series' critical nature.
Looking Ahead
Following this decisive series, the Mets will travel 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 home for a three-game series against the Kansas City Royals. Intriguingly, the Royals are also in a tight wild-card race, which means Game 162 could become a win-or-go-home situation for both the Braves and the Royals.
As the baseball world watches with bated breath, the upcoming series promises to deliver high-intensity, dramatic baseball. With seasoned veterans, promising rookies, and a history of fiercely contested battles, the Braves and Mets are set to remind everyone why September baseball is a spectacle unlike any other.