Some fans were disappointed that the MLB’s expanded postseason format got rid of winner-take-all tiebreaker games in 2022. Those fans are in for a treat Monday.
The Mets and Braves will play a doubleheader in Atlanta the day before the start of the postseason with two playoff spots on the line. The pressure on both teams will be intense, but it might be even more stressful for the Diamondbacks, who have to sit back and watch the games in hopes they can still fulfill their hopes of defending their National League pennant.
Despite hopes by both the Mets and Braves that they could clinch Sunday and avoid playing Monday, they will have no choice but to play both games to determine their own fate and the fate of the Diamondbacks.
Here’s a look at how each team can make (or miss) the postseason depending on Monday’s results.
SN’s MLB HQ: Live MLB scores | Updated MLB standings | Full MLB schedule
NL wild-card standings, explained
The Braves and Mets enter Monday tied at 88-72, with the tiebreaker still to be determined by the doubleheader, while the Diamondbacks are in a virtual tie with two more games played.
- WC2: Braves, 88-72 (.550)
- WC3: Mets, 88-72 (.540)
- Diamondbacks, 89-73 (.549), 0.0 GB
The scenarios for Monday are below:
- Split: Braves clinch, Mets clinch, Diamondbacks eliminated
- Braves sweep: Braves clinch, Diamondbacks clinch, Mets eliminated
- Mets sweep: Mets clinch, Diamondbacks clinch, Braves eliminated
Here’s a breakdown of how each team can make the postseason Monday:
How the Braves can make the playoffs
The Braves just need to win one game against the Mets to reach the postseason as the No. 5 seed. A sweep, however, would eliminate Atlanta altogether.
How the Mets can make the playoffs
The Mets find themselves in the same scenario, needing just one win to clinch a postseason berth. A split would make the Mets the No. 6 seed, while a sweep would make New York the No. 5 seed.
How the Diamondbacks can make the playoffs
The Diamondbacks need either the Mets or Braves to sweep the doubleheader to reach the postseason. A split would eliminate Arizona, thanks to a tiebreaker disadvantage.
The Diamondbacks don’t yet know their fate, but they do know they would face the Brewers if they made it into the playoffs.
MORE: Live MLB playoff bracket
When is the Mets vs. Braves doubleheader?
- Game 1: 1:10 p.m. ET
- Game 2: 40 minutes after Game 1 ends
The doubleheader is set to start Monday at 1:10 p.m. ET from Truist Park. Game 2 will start 40 minutes after the end of Game 1.
Both games are set to be broadcast on ESPN. Braves and Mets fans can still watch the doubleheader on local channels.
Who’s pitching for the Braves?
The Braves haven’t announced their starters for Monday, but Spencer Schwellenbach is likely to start one of the games.
Chris Sale is available for Atlanta, as well, but it isn’t yet known whether the Braves will try to save him for the Wild-Card Series knowing Game 2 of the doubleheader could be meaningless for the organization.
Who’s pitching for the Mets?
The Mets haven’t yet announced starting pitchers for Monday, but manager Carlos Mendoza said before Sunday’s game that Luis Severino and Tylor Megill are “in play” for New York.
Severino hasn’t pitched since Sept. 24, while Megill hasn’t pitched since Sept. 22, so both are fully available to give the Mets some length.
