This week, the 2024 MLB regular season reaches its most critical juncture as the Atlanta Braves host the New York Mets for a pivotal three-game series at Truist Park. With one potential postseason spot up for grabs, both teams find themselves in a high-stakes battle that could determine their playoff fates. Adding to the drama, a potential hurricane is bearing down on the region, threatening to impact the series.
All other National League teams trailing Atlanta have been eliminated from the wild-card race, leaving a four-team fight for three coveted postseason spots. Two years ago, the Braves delivered a devastating sweep to the Mets in the penultimate series of the regular season, causing New York to relinquish their grip on first place in the NL East. This year, the stakes feel equally high, if not higher.
Series Kicks Off
The series begins on Tuesday, Sept. 24, at 7:20 p.m. ET with a pitching duel between right-handers Luis Severino of the Mets and Spencer Schwellenbach of the Braves. The following two games will feature equally compelling matchups of accomplished left-handers, with David Peterson facing Chris Sale on Wednesday and Sean Manaea taking on Max Fried on Thursday.
The Mets have shuffled their rotation, using Monday's off-day to push Jose Quintana’s start back to Friday. New York is clearly strategizing every move as the team aims to secure its postseason berth. If the Mets manage to win two games in this series, their postseason ticket will be punched, setting the stage for a final push towards October.
Injury and Performance Updates
Rookie Luisangel Acuña has been a revelation at shortstop, hitting an impressive .409 with two doubles, a triple, and three home runs since stepping in for Francisco Lindor. Meanwhile, veteran Jose Iglesias has thrived in the leadoff spot, batting .467 since taking over second base duties in the wake of Jeff McNeil’s wrist injury. Although Lindor remains optimistic about returning this season, he acknowledged that he is unlikely to do so completely pain-free.
Even a sweep of the Mets will not guarantee a wild-card spot for the Braves, especially if the Arizona Diamondbacks falter in their games against the San Francisco Giants. However, the Braves will not be entirely eliminated if the Mets win two games; they could still surpass Arizona depending on the outcomes of the final games.
Player Highlights and Struggles
Braves outfielder Marcell Ozuna has been red-hot in September, slashing .329/.417/.425. Conversely, JD Martinez and Mark Vientos have struggled for the Mets this month, adding an extra layer of complexity to New York's postseason aspirations. Ramón Laureano and Whit Merrifield have also made significant contributions to the Braves’ lineup, further enhancing the team's depth and versatility.
What Lies Ahead
Following this decisive series, the Mets will travel to Milwaukee to face the Brewers. Milwaukee has already clinched the NL Central and is now focused on securing a Wild Card Series bye. Meanwhile, the Braves will remain at home to host the Kansas City Royals, who are also embroiled in a tight wild-card race. Game 162 stands as a potential win-or-go-home situation for both the Braves and Royals, emphasizing the magnitude of every pitch and at-bat.
As Braves catcher Sean Murphy astutely noted, “You knew it a couple weeks ago, right? That series is probably gonna help decide this thing.” Indeed, for both Atlanta and New York, this week's showdown at Truist Park might very well dictate their October destinies, making each game a must-watch event in the baseball world.