Doubleheader Game Chat: Mets vs Braves, Game 1, 1:10 p.m

Monday, September 30, 2024 • 1:10 p.m
Truist Park • Atlanta, GA
RHP Tylor Megill (4-5, 3.98) vs. RHP Spencer Wechselbach (8-7, 3.47)
SNY • ESPN2

The entire 2024 season comes down to a doubleheader in Atlanta today. The Mets and Diamondbacks both won on Sunday while the Braves lost, leading to a doubleheader on Monday with both games to be played. The name of the game is simple: win and you're in. That's all the Mets and Braves have to do. When each of them wins a game, they both celebrate before flying to San Diego and Milwaukee.

If either team is defeated, the Diamondbacks will play baseball in October. The stage is set. Can the Grimace Mets find a little more magic?

Tylor Megill. Mandatory Credit: David Banks-USA TODAY Sports

Mets lineup

1. Francisco LindorSS
2. Jose Iglesias2B
3. Mark Vientos3B
4. Brandon NimmoLF
5. Pete Alonso1B
6. JD MartinezDH
7. Tyrone TaylorRF
8. Francisco AlvarezC
9. Harrison BaderCF

The Mets are sending Tylor Megill, who has not yet played against the Braves this season, to the first game. In 15 games this season and 72 1/3 innings, Megill has a 3.98 ERA, 3.36 FIP, 1.272 WHIP and 99 ERA+ (all career highs except his WHIP). Since returning to the rotation, he has thrown 25 1/3 innings with a 1.78 ERA and 2.02 FIP while striking out 28 batters. The Braves have the following career numbers against him:

• Ozzie Albies 5-18, HR, 5 K
• Orlando Arcia 2-9, 2B, BB, K
• Travis d'Arnaud 2-9, 2B, K
• Adam Duvall 2-5
• Michael Harris II 1-5, 2 K
• Jarred Kelenic 0-3, 2 K
• Whit Merrifield 0-3
• Sean Murphy 2-3, 3BB
• Matt Olson 3-14, HR, 2 BB, 3 K
• Marcell Ozuna 6-12, 2B, 2 HR, 3 K
• Jorge Soler 0-5, K
• Gio Urshela 0-2, K

Opposing formation

1. Michael Harris IICF
2. Ozzie Albies2B
3. Marcell OzunaDH
4. Matt Olson1B
5. Jorge SolerRF
6. Ramon LaureanoLF
7. Travis d'ArnaudC
8. Gio Urshela3B
9. Orlando ArciaSS

The Braves will find out this afternoon whether the Mets can adjust Spencer Schellenbach. Schlafenbach officiated the first game of the Mets vs. Braves series on Tuesday, holding the Mets to just one solo home run Mark Vientos over seven innings. In his last three starts, he allowed just four runs over 19 innings. The solo dinger scored by Mark Vientos on Tuesday night was their only run scored against thresholds all season (14 innings). The Mets have the following career numbers against him:

• Luisangel Acuna 0-2
• Pete Alonso 1-5, 2B, BB, 2K
• Francisco Alvarez 0-3, K
• Jose Iglesias 1-5, K
• Francisco Lindor 0-3
• Starling Marte 0-3
• JD Martinez 0-3, 3 K
• Brandon Nimmo 0-6, K
• Tyrone Taylor 0-3, K
• Luis Torrens 0-2, 2 2K
• Mark Vientos 2-5, HR, 3 K
• Jesse Winker 0-6, K

Game notes

• Jose Iglesias starts the day with a career-best 20-game scoring streak.
• Although Edwin Diaz He threw 26 pitches on Sunday and said he would be available for both games if needed.
• MLB.com's Anthony DiComo reports that the Mets are cautious with their pitching strategy for the doubleheader. Carlos Mendoza stated that the Mets have additional players in Atlanta for roster moves between games (which is allowed, just not an additional player since rosters were already expanded in September). The Mets currently have a maximum of 14 pitchers on their roster. That means that If they brought in a new pitcher today, they would have to cut off an arm today to make the trade. If the Mets were to make the playoffs, they would have to reduce their rotation from 28 to 26. They would begin this process today. Whichever arm they decided to replace today, they wouldn't be taking them to the playoffs. LHP Joey Lucchesi makes the most sense for a game two scenario if the Mets win game one. Some possible names that could be dropped are LHP Alex YoungRHP Huascar Brazoban and RHP Adam Ottavino.
• MLB advised The Mets and Braves have said that whoever wins the first game should not have the usual celebratory champagne celebration at the end of the first game. So it is possible that two celebrations will take place after the end of both games.
• For a more detailed breakdown of Monday's win scenarios, see Metsmerized's latest article Here.

Three things to pay attention to

1. How do the Mets come out on top in Game 1? On Tuesday night in Atlanta, the Mets looked under pressure from the start, and that feeling accompanied them in the first two games in Milwaukee. On Sunday afternoon, the Mets came out aggressive and full of energy, starting with Lindor getting on base and immediately stealing a base. The Mets would have 12 hits, including multi-hit days from Lindor, Iglesias, Vientos, JD Martinez and Francisco Alvarez. The Mets need the same energy today so they don't fall into the same game script against thresholds.
2. Jose Iglesias. Iglesias continued to strike even as the rest of the team fell silent over the last week. He has a 20-game hitting streak and slashed .416/.451/.507 in those games. He has scored at least two goals in six of his last eight games. The difference for the Mets is that Iglesias hasn't hit since September 21st. He also hasn't had an RBI since September 21st. He gets on base, but can the Mets take advantage of it today?
3. Using the Mets bullpen. The first game on Monday will have the feel of “Game 7” as both managers do everything they can to get their teams into the postseason. The Mets used Díaz yesterday, he had to use 26 pitches to get through the inning, but it was the first time he pitched in a week, he says he's ready to go today. The only pitcher that probably won't be available is Phil Maton who played in back-to-back games on Saturday and Sunday. There is also a second game today. If things go badly for the Mets, will Mendoza be at his best in Game 2?

Let's go, Mets!