This week, Truist Park is set to host the most consequential series of the 2024 MLB regular season, as the Atlanta Braves and New York Mets square off for a three-game set that could shape the postseason landscape dramatically.
The stakes couldn't be higher. Both the Braves and The Mets are embroiled in a nail-biting battle for a potential postseason berth. The series, which kicks off on Tuesday, Sept. 24 at 7:20 p.m. ET, will start with a right-handed pitchers' duel between Luis Severino of the Mets and Spencer Schwellenbach of the Braves. The following games will see accomplished left-handers David Peterson against Chris Sale on Wednesday, and Sean Manaea versus Max Fried on Thursday. The intense atmosphere could be further complicated by a potential hurricane bearing down on the region, adding urgency to what promises to be a gripping showdown.
The Braves have a tough road ahead. Despite eliminating all other National League teams behind them in the wild-card race, they must still climb over multiple hurdles. “You knew it a couple weeks ago, right? That series is probably gonna help decide this thing,” stated Sean Murphy. All eyes will indeed be on the field as Atlanta scrambles for a wild-card spot alongside three other teams in this fierce four-team dogfight.
In what could be a tactical masterstroke, the Mets have adjusted their rotation, moving Jose Quintana’s start back to Friday to maximize their chances. With rookie sensation Luisangel Acuña hitting .409 and veteran Jose Iglesias batting .467, the Mets have shown remarkable adaptability amidst injuries. Francisco Lindor remains hopeful of a return before season’s end, but admits he will likely play in pain.
Despite the high stakes, even a series sweep of the Mets won’t immediately clinch a wild-card spot for the Braves. They would still be dependent on the Arizona Diamondbacks’ performance against the San Francisco Giants. Conversely, if the Mets manage to take two out of three games, they will secure their postseason ticket. However, a two-game loss doesn’t necessarily spell doom for the Braves; the final standings could hinge on the remaining games against other teams, particularly Arizona.
Individual performances could tip the scales. Marcell Ozuna has been an offensive juggernaut in September, slashing .329/.417/.425. In contrast, JD Martinez and Mark Vientos have struggled to find their rhythm. Nevertheless, contributions from Ramón Laureano and Whit Merrifield have bolstered the Braves’ lineup during this critical stretch.
Following this series, the Mets will head to Milwaukee to face the Brewers, who have clinched the NL Central and are focused on securing a Wild Card Series bye. The Braves will stay home to contend with the Kansas City Royals, another team embroiled in a tight wild-card race. Given the circumstances, Game 162 could very well be a decisive, win-or-go-home affair for both the Braves and Royals, lending an added layer of intensity to the final week of the regular season.
With so much at stake, Truist Park will undoubtedly be the epicenter of baseball drama this week, with fans and players hanging on every pitch, hit, and out.