Even though the season ended Sunday for most Major League teams, the National League’s playoff schedule is still uncertain because of two rainouts last week caused by Hurricane Helene, with the New York Mets, Arizona and Atlanta vying for the final two wild-card spots in the 12-team playoffs. The Mets traveled back to Atlanta on Sunday and will play a makeup doubleheader against the rival Braves on Monday.
Arizona finished 89-73 and the Mets and Braves are both 88-72. If either team sweeps the doubleheader, the Diamondbacks reach the playoffs. But if the twinbill is split, the Mets and Braves advance, and Arizona is out because the Diamondbacks lost their season series to both New York and Atlanta.
If the Braves win either game of the doubleheader, they would play a Division Series at San Diego.
“Sure, it’s not an ideal situation but it’s what we got,” Atlanta first baseman Matt Olson said. “Show up and win.”
If the Mets sweep the doubleheader, they become the No. 5 seed and play at San Diego beginning Tuesday. If they split and are the No. 6 seed, they go right back to Milwaukee to face the Brewers.