It already feels like the postseason down in Atlanta.
The New York Mets are in Georgia to take on the NL East rival Braves, and the stakes are high.
Postseason spots are on the line, and, for the Mets, it’s simple. Win the series, and they’ll be playing in October.
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New York Mets shortstop Luisangel Acuna throws out Philadelphia Phillies third baseman Alec Bohm during the eighth inning at Citi Field. (Gregory Fisher/Imagn Images)
The Mets added rookie shortstop Luisangel Acuna, the younger brother of Braves superstar outfielder Ronald Acuna Jr., to their lineup this season.
The infielder told reporters he has about 15 family members in town for Tuesday night’s game, and he says the family has an easy rooting interest.
“Me. My brother’s not playing,” he said through an interpreter.
The older brother, the National League’s reigning MVP, tore an ACL earlier this year to end his season. It’s the same injury he suffered in 2021, but Atlanta wound up winning the World Series that year.
New York Mets shortstop Luisangel Acuna celebrates a solo home run against the Washington Nationals during the eighth inning at Citi Field. (Brad Penner/Imagn Images)
Entering the series, the Mets are two games ahead of Atlanta, and the season series is tied at five. So, if the Mets win this three-game set, that would ensure Atlanta cannot pass them in the standings. New York is 87-69, while the Braves are 85-71.
Two years ago, the Mets and Braves were in a similar situation. Although both teams had clinched postseason spots by the time they met in late September, the division title was on the line. The Braves swept New York, putting the Mets in the wild-card round, where they lost.
New York Mets shortstop Luisangel Acuna runs to first base during a game against the Philadelphia Phillies at Citi Field. (Lucas Boland/Imagn Images)
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The latest series may face some weather delays due to a rainstorm expected to hammer the southeast Wednesday and Thursday.
A contingency plan has not yet been announced, but options could include a doubleheader Monday or moving the series to a different location.
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