As the 2024 MLB regular season nears its conclusion, the Atlanta Braves are poised to secure one of the final two National League Wild Card spots. The Braves, currently holding an 88-71 record, are in a favorable position to clinch a playoff berth.
Braves' Path to Clinching
The Braves need just one win or a loss by the Arizona Diamondbacks to clinch their postseason spot on Sunday. With their magic number down to one, a victory against the Kansas City Royals or a Diamondbacks loss would ensure their participation in the playoffs. Even if they fail to clinch on Sunday, winning one game against the New York Mets in Monday's doubleheader would secure their spot.
Sunday's Crucial Game
The Braves face the Kansas City Royals on Sunday, with Charlie Morton scheduled to start. A win in this game would render Monday's doubleheader against the Mets meaningless in terms of clinching, as it would only determine seeding.
Mets and Diamondbacks in the Mix
The New York Mets and Arizona Diamondbacks are also vying for the remaining Wild Card spot. The Mets, with an 87-72 record, need to beat the Milwaukee Brewers and hope for a Diamondbacks loss to the San Diego Padres to keep their chances alive. If they win on Sunday but the Diamondbacks do not lose, the Mets' fate will be decided in Monday's doubleheader against the Braves.
Diamondbacks' Slim Chances
The Arizona Diamondbacks, with an 88-73 record, face the toughest road to the playoffs. They need to win their game against the San Diego Padres and hope for losses by both the Mets and Braves on Sunday to have any chance of clinching. If they lose and the Mets win, the Diamondbacks would be eliminated before Monday's games.
Monday's Doubleheader
Monday's doubleheader between the Mets and Braves will be pivotal in determining the final Wild Card spots. Depending on Sunday's outcomes, these games could decide which teams advance to the playoffs and which are eliminated. The doubleheader's significance underscores the high stakes and unpredictability of the final days of the regular season.
