The playoffs don’t officially start until Oct. 1, but the Mets have essentially been playing games with postseason implications for a while now and that will be especially true in their next three games against the Braves in Atlanta beginning Tuesday.
Two wins by the Mets puts them in the playoffs, while Atlanta can’t afford to lose the series.
So with a potential wild card spot on the line, here’s a look at how the NL East rivals match up before their battle at Truist Park.
At the plate
Getting on base
This series will be missing some star power, with Ronald Acuña Jr. out for the season and Austin Riley also on the IL, while Francisco Lindor has been out a little more than a week with back discomfort.
Atlanta’s offense is now led by Marcell Ozuna and only six batters have a higher on-base percentage.
First baseman Matt Olson has been terrific for the last two months and ex-Met Travis d’Arnaud tends to enjoy hitting against his old team.
With Lindor questionable, Jose Iglesias will be relied upon again, with Brandon Nimmo trying to shake off a rough second half.
Edge: Mets
Power
Since the Mets turned their season around at the end of May, only the Diamondbacks and Dodgers have hit for more power, but so much of the Mets offense is driven by Lindor.
If he’s healthy, the Mets have the edge.
If not, perhaps Atlanta figures out Luisangel Acuña.
Mark Vientos has cooled off and J.D. Martinez doesn’t have a hit since Sept. 9. Pete Alonso and Francisco Alvarez are looking for their power strokes.
Edge: Even
On the basepaths
Even without Lindor, the Mets have speed, thanks in part to Acuña.
No team has stolen fewer bases than Atlanta.
Edge: Mets
In the field
Infield
Acuña has stepped in well for Lindor on both sides of the ball, including at shortstop.
Atlanta getting Ozzie Albies back at second base after missing two months with a wrist injury and having Gio Urshela available to fill in for Riley at third gives them a solid infield.
Vientos and Alonso have struggled at the corners, but Acuña and Iglesias have jelled in the middle.
Edge: Braves
Outfield
Tyrone Taylor and Harrison Bader have impressed in center for the Mets, while Nimmo is fine in left and Starling Marte has struggled in right.
Michael Harris II is solid in center for Atlanta.
Edge: Mets
Bench
Whit Merrifield has been a solid addition for Atlanta and Adam Duvall and Jarred Kelenic are available.
Jesse Winker is in a 2-for-24 funk, but Tyrone Taylor has been excellent.
Edge: Mets
On the mound
Rotation
The Mets are going with Luis Severino, David Peterson and Sean Manaea in Atlanta, preferring Jose Quintana pitch against the Brewers, while Spencer Schwellenbach, Chris Sale and Max Fried are on tap for Atlanta.
Sale is almost certain to win his first Cy Young Award, but a drop in velocity his last time out could be cause for concern.
Edge: Braves
Bullpen
Edwin Diaz earned back-to-back saves against the Phillies and got four outs on Saturday and six more on Sunday.
He may feel the effects of that workload. Atlanta’s Raisel Iglesias also pitched two innings Sunday, so Monday’s off day was key for both closers.
Edge: Even
Manager
Brian Snitker has gotten the Braves to the playoffs six years in a row and has kept them in contention during this injury-ravaged season.
It’s hard to envision a better job from a first-year manager than the one Carlos Mendoza has had.
Edge: Braves
Intangibles
The Mets find themselves on the verge of a playoff berth few could have seen coming at various points of the season.
They’ve won six of seven and have a two-game cushion over Atlanta, but the Braves have lights-out starting pitching, are playing at home and have been battle-tested.
Edge: Even
