The National League playoff picture remains uncertain as the New York Mets and Atlanta Braves prepare for a makeup doubleheader that will determine the final two wild card spots.
The American League playoff matchups are set, with Houston hosting Detroit and Baltimore facing Kansas City in the Wild Card Series starting Tuesday.
However, due to rainouts caused by Hurricane Helene, the NL standings are still unclear. The Mets, Braves, and Arizona Diamondbacks are all vying for two remaining playoff spots. Arizona finished the season at 89-73, while the Mets and Braves both stand at 88-72. A sweep by either New York or Atlanta would eliminate Arizona, while a split would send both the Mets and Braves to the playoffs, knocking the Diamondbacks out due to losing their season series against both teams.
Arizona outfielder Corbin Carroll expressed the team’s uncertainty, saying, “We don’t even know who to root for… We’ll work out here and be ready to go.” Diamondbacks manager Torey Lovullo added, “It’s frustrating, but we’ve made our bed and have to lie in it.”
If Atlanta wins either game of the doubleheader, they will face San Diego in the Division Series. A Mets sweep would make them the No. 5 seed, with an upcoming matchup against San Diego. Should the Mets split the doubleheader, they would be the No. 6 seed and head to Milwaukee to face the Brewers.
Mets designated hitter J.D. Martinez voiced concerns over the scheduling, suggesting that MLB should delay the playoffs to give teams like New York and Atlanta a fair shot after an exhausting stretch.
The pitching lineup for the doubleheader opener includes Mets’ Tylor Megill and Atlanta’s Spencer Schwellenbach. In the second game, Mets’ Luis Severino and Braves’ Chris Sale are expected to start, although winning the first game might lead to saving these pitchers for the Division Series.
