The New York Mets and Atlanta Braves will play a doubleheader Monday (1 p.m. ET, ESPN2) to settle the National League wild-card race.
The games, makeup contests from last week’s rainouts, will determine the final two wild-card spots. The Arizona Diamondbacks need one team to sweep to qualify.
Standings:
- Diamondbacks: 89-73
- Mets: 88-72
- Braves: 88-72
The Braves lead the season series 6-5, giving them the higher seed in a split. The Mets and Braves hold the tiebreaker over Arizona.
Scenarios:
- Mets win Game 1, Braves win Game 2: Braves are No. 5 seed, Mets No. 6.
- Braves win Game 1, Mets win Game 2: Same result.
- Mets sweep: Mets are No. 5 seed, Diamondbacks No. 6.
- Braves sweep: Braves are No. 5 seed, Diamondbacks No. 6.
Starting pitchers:
- Mets: Tylor Megill (Game 1), Luis Severino (Game 2)
- Braves: Spencer Schwellenbach (Game 1), Chris Sale (Game 2, if needed)
Sale, the NL leader in wins, ERA, and strikeouts, hasn’t pitched since Sept. 19. His status and potential usage are uncertain.
Bullpen concerns:
- Mets: Edwin Diaz threw 26 pitches Sunday, potentially impacting his availability.
- Braves: Top relievers Raisel Iglesias, Joe Jimenez, and Pierce Johnson did not pitch Sunday.
The winner of the first game clinches a playoff spot, potentially altering strategy for the second game.
