How do the D-Backs get into the playoffs when the Mets and Braves play?

How can the Arizona Diamondbacks secure a spot in the playoffs? The D-Backs simply need either the Atlanta Braves or the New York Mets to defeat the other team in their hurricane-delayed doubleheader on Monday and make the playoffs as an NL Wild Card team.

Arizona (89-73) won its regular season finale 11-2 over the San Diego Padres on Sunday, keeping its playoff hopes alive. The Mets defeated the Milwaukee Brewers, while the Braves lost to the Kansas City Royals in what was originally scheduled to be their final game of the year.

New York and Atlanta’s two postponed games, now scheduled for Monday, create a scenario where the D-backs are watching and need help.

The twist is that while the Diamondbacks can root for either team and not know their fate in the first game, they will likely be rooting for a team that takes their foot off the gas pedal in the later game.

Arizona doesn’t have a tiebreaker against either the Mets (88-72) or the Braves (88-72) if it is tied at 89-73 to end the season.

The winner of the first game secured a wild card spot and the series begins the next day. His best pitchers and potentially best players could rest in the afternoon game.

Time, TV: Mets-Braves games will determine NL Wild Card chances for D-backs

Mets at Braves, Monday, September 30 – 10:10 a.m. MST (ESPN2)

Mets at Braves, Monday, September 30 – 1:40 p.m. MST (ESPN2)

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