This week, Truist Park will be the stage for one of the most pivotal series in the 2024 MLB regular season. The Atlanta Braves are set to host the New York Mets in a three-game faceoff that could shape the future of both teams’ postseason aspirations. With a possible postseason berth hanging in the balance, the intensity is palpable.
Beyond the game itself, there is an external force that could play a role in this drama—a potential hurricane bearing down on the region, adding an element of uncertainty to an already high-stakes series. Atlanta, which has seen all other National League teams eliminated from the wild-card race, finds itself in a four-team battle for three coveted postseason spots.
The rivalry between these two teams extends beyond the current season. Just two years ago, the Braves swept the Mets in a crucial series, causing the Mets to lose their grip on first place in the NL East. With so much history and tension between the teams, the first game at 7:20 p.m. ET on Tuesday will see right-handers Luis Severino of the Mets and Spencer Schwellenbach of the Braves face off. Following that, left-handers David Peterson and Chris Sale will take the mound on Wednesday, with Sean Manaea and Max Fried closing out the series on Thursday.
From a tactical standpoint, the Mets have adjusted their rotation with Monday's off-day, pushing back Jose Quintana’s start to Friday. Adding to the intrigue are the key performances from rookies and veterans alike. Rookie Luisangel Acuña has stepped up phenomenally at shortstop, hitting .409 with extra-base hits since filling in for Francisco Lindor, while veteran Jose Iglesias has been batting .467 in the leadoff spot, a necessary adjustment due to Jeff McNeil’s wrist injury.
Even though Lindor hopes to return this season, he has admitted that playing pain-free might be out of the question until fully recovered. Yet, the series outcome may not immediately decide the fate of either team. Even if the Braves manage a sweep, they can't clinch a wild-card spot this series alone, especially if the Arizona Diamondbacks drop their games against the San Francisco Giants. However, if the Mets win two games, they secure their postseason ticket. The Braves, on the other hand, would remain in the hunt, potentially surpassing Arizona depending on the final games’ outcomes.
Sean Murphy aptly encapsulated the gravity of this moment: “You knew it a couple weeks ago, right? That series is probably gonna help decide this thing.”
In terms of individual performances, Braves' Marcell Ozuna has been exceptional in September, slashing .329/.417/.425, whereas JD Martinez and Mark Vientos have struggled. Ramón Laureano and Whit Merrifield have also been solid contributors to the Braves’ lineup during this crucial stretch.
Looking at their respective schedules after this series, the Mets will head to Milwaukee to face the Brewers, who have already clinched the NL Central and are now looking to secure a Wild Card Series bye. Meanwhile, the Braves will stay home for a three-game series against the Kansas City Royals. The Royals are also immersed in a tight wild-card race, making it possible that Game 162 could be a win-or-go-home scenario for both the Braves and Royals.
As the Braves and Mets gear up for what promises to be a nail-biting series, one thing is for sure: every pitch, every swing, and every play will be under the microscope, shaping the destiny of their 2024 seasons.