October has arrived, and with it comes the fun of postseason baseball. As the primary pitch approaches, these storylines set the stage for what guarantees to be an electrifying Nationwide League postseason.
Hangover or momentum for Braves and Mets?
Monday’s historic doubleheader left the baseball world buzzing. The Mets clinched an exhilarating victory within the opener, whereas the Braves secured their postseason berth within the nightcap, leaving the Diamondbacks because the odd crew out.
Each groups emptied their benches throughout 18 grueling innings. Now, they face a vital query: Can they harness this momentum like final yr’s Rangers, or will fatigue derail their championship aspirations?
The Mets and Brewers kick off the motion at 5:30 p.m. ET, whereas the Braves and Padres cap the evening at 8:30 p.m. ET.
These opening video games may set the tone for every crew’s whole postseason journey.
Will dangerous again derail Mets’ star shortstop?
Francisco Lindor has been coping with a again damage that’s saved him out of the lineup for a number of video games since Sept. 22. Regardless of this, the shortstop, who’s had an MVP-caliber season (.273/.344/.500 with 33 HR, 91 RBI, 29 stolen bases), got here by way of in dramatic vogue on Monday.
He hit a game-winning two-run homer, giving the Mets an 8-7 ninth-inning lead that clinched their postseason spot.
Although Lindor is clearly laboring within the subject, if he can play like he did for many of 2024—and ship extra moments like Monday’s—the Mets have a combating likelihood. With out him, it’s going to be an uphill battle.
Braves lose their ace
Talking of dangerous backs, pitcher Chris Sale was scratched from his Monday begin with again spasms in a stunning improvement. Supervisor Brian Snitker confirmed the Cy Younger frontrunner will doubtless miss the wild-card collection in opposition to San Diego.
— Rob Friedman (@PitchingNinja) September 15, 2024
Sale’s absence is a devastating blow for Atlanta. The 35-year-old led the majors in ERA (2.38) and wins (18) whereas pacing the NL with 225 strikeouts.
Stearns returns to Milwaukee
David Stearns, the architect of Milwaukee’s current success, now leads the Mets into battle in opposition to his former membership. Stearns reworked the Brewers into perennial contenders, reaching the postseason in 5 of the final six years.
Now, armed with MLB’s highest payroll, he goals to copy that success in New York.
The Mets might have barely squeezed into the playoffs, however their $200 million payroll benefit over Milwaukee comes with championship-or-bust expectations.
Padres’ inspiring run
The late Peter Seidler’s dream of bringing a championship to San Diego lives on by way of this resilient Padres squad.
Seidler bought the crew in 2012 and have become the controlling proprietor in November 2020, endearing himself to followers with daring monetary commitments. After his passing in November 2023 and the following Juan Soto trade, San Diego’s outlook appeared grim.
Nevertheless, the Padres caught hearth, going 43-20 in the second half.
Rookie middle fielder Jackson Merrill, veteran left fielder Jurickson Profar and pitcher Michael King – a key piece within the Soto commerce – fueled their surge. Profar, particularly, had a profession season, compiling a powerful .839 OPS.
Can the Padres honor Seidler’s reminiscence with a magical October run?
