This week, the 2024 MLB regular season reaches a pivotal moment as the Atlanta Braves welcome the New York Mets to Truist Park for a decisive three-game series. With one potential postseason spot hanging in the balance, both teams find themselves in a high-stakes battle, underscored by a brewing threat from an approaching hurricane.
The significance of this series cannot be overstated. Atlanta's recent history against the Mets proves just how critical these matchups can be, with the Braves sweeping the Mets in a similar series two years ago that cost New York their grip on first place in the NL East. As the only other National League teams behind Atlanta have been eliminated from the wild-card race, the battle now centers around four teams vying for three coveted postseason spots.
Pitching Matchups
The series begins on Tuesday, Sept. 24 at 7:20 p.m. ET with a duel between right-handers Luis Severino of the Mets and Spencer Schwellenbach of the Braves. Following that, fans can look forward to a showdown of talented left-handers: David Peterson will face Chris Sale on Wednesday, while Sean Manaea goes up against Max Fried on Thursday. The Mets have also adjusted their rotation, using Monday's off-day to push Jose Quintana’s start back to Friday.
Key Players
The spotlight will also be on Braves rookie Luisangel Acuña, who has been spectacular at shortstop, hitting .409 with two doubles, a triple, and three home runs since stepping in for Francisco Lindor. Meanwhile, veteran Jose Iglesias has been exceptional, batting .467 since taking over the leadoff spot and second base duties due to Jeff McNeil’s wrist injury.
For the Mets, the series holds immense significance. If they win two games, their postseason ticket will be punched. However, should the Braves come out on top, their wild-card fate will still hinge on Arizona’s performance against the San Francisco Giants. The Braves could stay in contention even if they lose two games, provided they can surpass Arizona in the final matches of the season.
Player Performances
Marcell Ozuna’s contribution will be critical for Atlanta; he has been slashing .329/.417/.425 in September. On the other hand, Mets players JD Martinez and Mark Vientos have struggled this month, placing added pressure on other key contributors like Ramón Laureano and Whit Merrifield to step up for the Braves.
Upcoming Challenges
Once this series concludes, 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. The Braves, meanwhile, remain at home for a three-game series against the Kansas City Royals, another team embroiled in a tight wild-card race. The final game of the season, Game 162, could very well be a win-or-go-home situation for both the Braves and Royals, adding an extra layer of drama to an already tension-filled September.
As Braves’ Sean Murphy aptly put it, “You knew it a couple weeks ago, right? That series is probably gonna help decide this thing.” His words encapsulate the weight of this week's showdown. Braves fans will be hoping that history repeats itself and that the team can deliver another stunning performance against their fierce rivals from New York.