Atlanta Braves News: DoubleHeader decides Atlanta’s season, Spencer Wechselbach starts Game 1, more

It’s a story we’ve seen far too many times this season.

The Braves had an opportunity to potentially make it easy and simple when it came to making the postseason on Sunday. However, due to a 4-2 loss to the Royals, Atlanta will now have to play a doubleheader in Atlanta against the Mets with the season on the line on Monday. While Charlie Morton made a few costly errors, the offense once again failed to capitalize on run-scoring opportunities several times.

So on Monday it’s either win or go home for the Braves. Luckily, they only need to win one of the two games to get into the playoffs. And since the same goes for the Mets, there’s a good chance that whoever ever wins Game 1 won’t put in much effort in Game 2.

It will be Spencer Wechselbach in the first game for the Braves, while Tylor Megill will take the mound for the Mets. On paper, this matchup favors the Braves, and Atlanta will have added incentive to win Game 1 since that means NL Triple Crown pitcher and likely Cy Young winner Chris Sale will then be eligible for Game 1 of the NL Wild Card round can be canceled. If Atlanta loses Game 1 on Monday, Sale will get the ball in Game 2.

The setup is simple for the Braves:

If they win one or more games tomorrow, they will play the Padres in the first round of the NL Wild Card round on Tuesday in San Diego.

If they lose both games, the season is over.

Atlanta has rebounded many times this season and now they have no choice but to do it again.

Braves News

Five Braves are finalists for the 2024 ALL-MLB Awards.

David O’brien explains all the chaos and why the Braves and Mets have to play both games on Monday.

Justin Toscano points out that the Braves are still in control of their own destiny.

MLB.com breaks down all the scenarios for tomorrow’s doubleheader.

Mark Bowman talks about Morton’s performance and what Monday means to the Braves.

MLB News

The Mets’ road win over the Brewers and the Diamondbacks’ win over the Padres made for a dramatic end to the National League season on Monday.

Tarik Skubal wins the AL pitching Triple Crown in what will likely be a Cy Young season for him, similar to Chris Sale in the National League.

Many of the timing and locations of the first round of the playoffs are already known as we wait for the final two teams in the National League.

Rocco Baldelli will return as Twins manager in 2025.

The Cardinals will likely trade veteran slugger Paul Goldschmidt this offseason. They’ll also likely listen to offers for veteran pitcher Sonny Gray.

Justin Turner plans to continue playing in 2025.