The final spot in the 2024 MLB playoff bracket will be determined Monday evening in Atlanta. The New York Mets won a thriller in Game 1 of their doubleheader against the Braves, coming back for an 8-7 victory as Francisco Lindor hit a game-winning home run in the ninth inning. The pressure is on the Braves in Game 2 (follow live updates here).
Atlanta is in the playoffs as the No. 5 seed with a win. If the Braves lose Game 2 -- which started just before 5 p.m. ET -- then the Arizona Diamondbacks will slither back into the playoff picture and Atlanta's season will be over.
Here's what else you need to know about Game 2.
Where to watch Mets vs. Braves
Date: Monday, Sept. 30 | Time: 4:50 p.m. ET (Game 2) | Location: Truist Park
TV channel: Bally Sports South, SNY, ESPN2 | Live stream: fubo (try for free)
Why it matters and how it affects the Diamondbacks
The Diamondbacks are 89-73. The Braves and Mets could both finish with the same record. The problem for Arizona is the club lost the tiebreaker to both of the NL East teams this season. The D-backs' hopes now rest with the Mets winning again in Game 2 while resting some key players.
It sure seems like the D-backs are in a tough spot here. The most probable result on Monday is a split.
Interestingly, the Braves are either going to be the No. 5 seed or miss the playoffs. If they split the series, they'll have the tiebreaker over the Mets . The Mets would be the five seed with a sweep, the six with a split. The Diamondbacks can only be the six seed or miss the playoffs.
Sale scratched with back spasms
Contrary to hopes and plans, the Atlanta Braves are not starting lefty ace Chris Sale in the second game of their Monday doubleheader against the Mets because of back spasms. Instead, the Braves started right-hander Grant Holmes at the front end of what figures to be a bullpen-heavy game for manager Brian Snitker. Per MLB.com, Holmes didn't learn of his starting assignment until late Monday afternoon.
The 35-year-old Sale enjoyed a dominant campaign in his first season with the Braves. Across 29 starts and 177 2/3 innings, Sale pitched to an MLB-leading 2.38 ERA and an MLB-leading 2.09 FIP with 225 strikeouts – tops in the NL – and 39 unintentional walks. Very likely, he'll win the Cy Young Award for the first time in his 14-year career. The nature of Sale's injury would seem to complicate his status for a Game 1 start in the Wild Card Series, particularly after a cross-country flight to San Diego. This, of course, assumes the Braves win the second game of the doubleheader against New York.