This week promises to be a defining moment in the 2024 MLB regular season as the Atlanta Braves prepare to host the New York Mets in a pivotal three-game series at Truist Park. With both teams vying for a coveted postseason spot, the stakes couldn't be higher.
The pressure is on both clubs as they enter this crucial face-off. Atlanta has seen all other National League teams behind them eliminated from the wild-card race, narrowing the competition to a four-team battle for three playoff positions. The meeting with the Mets brings back memories of two years ago when the Braves swept the Mets in a similarly decisive series, leading to New York's fall from the top of the NL East.
High Stakes and Key Players
The opening game, set for Tuesday, Sept. 24 at 7:20 p.m. ET, will feature a matchup between right-handed pitchers Luis Severino for the Mets and Spencer Schwellenbach for the Braves. The series will continue with left-handers David Peterson facing off against Chris Sale on Wednesday, followed by Sean Manaea against Max Fried on Thursday. The Mets have strategically adjusted their rotation, moving Jose Quintana’s start to Friday, anticipating the significance of these games.
Among the Braves' roster, rookie Luisangel Acuña has stepped up impressively at shortstop, boasting a .409 batting average with two doubles, a triple, and three home runs since filling in for Francisco Lindor. Veteran Jose Iglesias has also shone, hitting .467 after assuming leadoff and second base duties due to Jeff McNeil’s wrist injury. Lindor remains hopeful for a return this season, though he acknowledges he may have to play through pain.
A Hurricane Looms
Adding to the drama is a potential hurricane bearing down on the region, which could affect the series. Despite this, the Braves are preparing for what could be their most critical games of the year. Even a series sweep won't guarantee a wild-card spot for Atlanta, especially if the Arizona Diamondbacks falter against the San Francisco Giants.
The Mets, on the other hand, have a clear path: winning two games in this series will secure their ticket to the postseason. However, if the Braves lose two games, their hopes aren't entirely dashed, as they could still surpass Arizona depending on the final outcomes.
Performance Metrics
Individual performances are likely to play a crucial role. Marcell Ozuna has been a driving force for the Braves in September, achieving a .329/.417/.425 slash line. In contrast, JD Martinez and Mark Vientos have struggled, which could be a disadvantage for the Mets. Contributions from Ramón Laureano and Whit Merrifield have also provided the Braves with a much-needed boost in the latter part of the season.
As the Mets prepare to head to Milwaukee to face the Brewers following this series, their challenge is far from over. The Brewers, having clinched the NL Central, are now focused on securing a Wild Card Series bye. Meanwhile, the Braves will stay home for a three-game series against the Kansas City Royals, who are also in a tight wild-card race. This set of games could culminate in a win-or-go-home situation for both the Braves and the Royals.
Historical Echoes
Reflecting on the gravity of this series, Braves' player Sean Murphy succinctly put it: “You knew it a couple weeks ago, right? That series is probably gonna help decide this thing.” Indeed, the outcome of these games will likely set the stage for the final stretch of the season, defining who advances to the postseason and who faces the end of their 2024 campaign.