The MLB playoff race is heating up, but Mother Nature has thrown a curveball at the Mets and the Braves. Scheduled to enjoy a day of rest on Monday, Sept. 30, before the postseason frenzy begins, these two teams will instead find themselves embroiled in a doubleheader showdown at Truist Park, courtesy of Hurricane Helene.
Despite the best efforts of Major League Baseball to design a buffer day into the schedule, the unforeseen delays on Wednesday and Thursday due to the hurricane have disrupted these plans. The Braves were set to host games on those days, but the storm's impact forced a postponement, leaving no choice but to reschedule.
An Unexpected Doubleheader
The revised schedule mandates the Mets and Braves to face off in an arduous double-header on Monday, a day both teams had originally marked for rest. This sudden change not only disrupts their planned downtime but also intensifies the pressure as the playoffs loom just two days later.
Truist Park will see both squads battling for their postseason fates with every pitch, swing, and inning taking on heightened importance. As it stands, the Mets hold a slim tiebreaker over the Arizona Diamondbacks, while the Braves trail just one game behind the Mets. Adding to the complexity, both teams initially had only three games left to play before this unexpected doubleheader addition.
Resistance and Reality
While various alternatives were considered, including moving the games to Globe Life Field in Arlington where the Rangers are currently on the road, the Braves resisted rescheduling the games to a different location or time. Major League Baseball, as often the case, had the final say in this matter. One source close to the discussions noted, "Major League Baseball is the boss."
MLB Commissioner Rob Manfred has previously termed the recent collective bargaining agreement as a "defensive lockout," highlighting the league's inherent control over such decisions. This dictate has caused a logistical conundrum for the Mets, who now face a demanding travel schedule that might see them heading to Atlanta, Milwaukee, and potentially San Diego within six days.
For the Braves, hosting these critical games at Truist Park presents its advantages. However, they will not have it easy either. Following the doubleheader, they are slated to host the Kansas City Royals, adding yet another layer of intensity to their schedule.
Playoff Implications
The stakes could not be higher. With the Mets and Braves both within striking distance of securing their postseason spots, every moment of Monday’s doubleheader becomes a quintessential battle for survival and supremacy. Should both teams clinch their playoff berths, it may very well come at the expense of the Diamondbacks, who are precariously positioned in this competitive race.
As these two formidable teams prepare for their unexpected Monday clash, the outcome will undoubtedly shape the landscape of the upcoming playoffs. Baseball fans, brace yourselves for a day of high-stakes drama as the Mets and Braves play for more than just a win—each at-bat, each pitched ball could very well determine their postseason destiny.