This week, the spotlight of the 2024 MLB regular season falls on Truist Park, where the Atlanta Braves are set to host the New York Mets in a pivotal three-game series. Stakes are high, as both teams are vying for a coveted postseason spot hanging in the balance. A potential hurricane looms over the region, adding another layer of unpredictability to what promises to be an intense showdown.
Historically, this matchup has carried weight. Just two years ago, the Braves swept the Mets in a critical series, effectively knocking New York out of first place in the NL East. This time around, all other National League teams trailing Atlanta have been eliminated from the wild-card race, leaving a four-team melee for three postseason spots.
Pitching Matchups
The series kicks off on Tuesday, Sept. 24, at 7:20 p.m. ET, featuring a right-hander duel between Luis Severino of the Mets and Spencer Schwellenbach of the Braves. The following games promise equally thrilling contests. On Wednesday, left-handers David Peterson and Chris Sale will take the mound, followed by a Thursday showdown between Sean Manaea and Max Fried. The Mets have strategically shifted their rotation, using Monday's off-day to push Jose Quintana's start back to Friday.
Key Players
Both teams are fielding notable talent despite some injuries. Rookie Luisangel Acuña has been a revelation at shortstop, batting .409 with two doubles, a triple, and three home runs since stepping in for the injured Francisco Lindor. Veteran Jose Iglesias has seamlessly transitioned into the leadoff spot, hitting an impressive .467 since taking over second base duties due to Jeff McNeil’s wrist injury. While Lindor is hopeful for a return this season, he has acknowledged that he may not play pain-free.
On the Braves' side, Marcell Ozuna has been on fire this September, slashing .329/.417/.425. Meanwhile, Ramón Laureano and Whit Merrifield have also made substantial contributions to Atlanta's lineup. However, not all news is positive; JD Martinez and Mark Vientos have struggled this month, impacting the Mets' offensive depth.
Series Implications
The outcome of this series will significantly shape the postseason landscape. Even a sweep by the Braves won't guarantee a wild-card spot due to the Arizona Diamondbacks' concurrent games against the San Francisco Giants. Should the Mets clinch two wins, their ticket to the postseason would be confirmed. The Braves, on the other hand, aren't necessarily out if they drop two games; they could still surpass Arizona based on the final game's outcomes.
Upcoming Challenges
Post-series, the Mets head to Milwaukee to face the Brewers, who have already secured the NL Central and are now fighting for a Wild Card Series bye. Meanwhile, the Braves will stay at home for a critical three-game set against the Kansas City Royals, another team deeply embroiled in the wild-card race. The tension may peak with Game 162, potentially setting up a win-or-go-home situation for both the Braves and Royals.
As catcher Sean Murphy aptly put it, "You knew it a couple weeks ago, right? That series is probably gonna help decide this thing.” Indeed, as weather unpredictability and player performances converge, the Braves-Mets series could very well be the defining moment of the season.