Heading into the final stretch of the regular season, several scenarios involving the New York Mets and the Atlanta Braves could throw a wrinkle into potential playoff matchups for the Los Angeles Dodgers and other teams.
Because of Tropical Storm Helene barreling toward the Southeast, conditions have forced some pivotal shifts in how this will all play out.
The Mets and Braves were scheduled to play a three-game series at Truist Park from Tuesday through Thursday, with significant National League Wild Card implications. But due to inclement weather, two games were postponed and a doubleheader has been scheduled for Monday, Sept. 30.
That doubleheader is taking place one day after the regular season has ended for all other teams, and one day before the first round of the postseason begins.
Given there are multiple aspects of the MLB postseason bracket that have not yet been decided, it complicates matters for the Mets and Braves, and their prospective Wild Card opponents.
How things shake out over the next few days will undoubtedly alter the roadmap to the first round of the playoffs for all teams outside the top two seeds.
These include, MLB having the ability to cancel the doubleheader altogether if the games won’t factor into how the Mets and Braves place in the standings and thus playoff seeding isn’t at stake.
All decisions would have to come from commissioner Rob Manfred, and will be subject to regular season rules with rosters.
How Dodgers could benefit from Mets-Braves
The Dodgers currently have a solid standing in avoiding playing in the Wild Card round, should things stay the same in the National League West, but there could be some advantages.
If the Mets or Braves have to play the maximum amount of games prior to the playoffs, those teams would be running on fumes heading into a Wild Card Series. That would greatly benefit the Dodgers if they slip, because of the stress and usage those teams would have endured in the days prior.
But the Dodgers are guaranteed a top-two seed if they clinch the NL West, avoiding having to play either one of the three Wild Card Series.
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