As the regular season draws to a close, New York Mets fans find themselves in a whirlwind of emotions. Today’s epic doubleheader against the Atlanta Braves could change the course of the playoffs, but it comes with strategic dilemmas and some peculiar scheduling decisions by Major League Baseball (MLB).

Doubleheader Dilemmas: Mets and Braves Face Strategic Choices

Heading into the doubleheader, many fans were left debating whether Tylor Megill or Luis Severino should start in the first game. Both teams appear poised to save their ace pitchers for a potential second game, opting to win the first while preserving their top arms for the Wild Card opener on Tuesday. However, a split between the two games is not guaranteed.

There is speculation that the team winning the first game may field a weaker lineup in the second. For instance, if the Mets emerge victorious, they might have Eddy Alvarez batting leadoff in the next matchup. Additionally, the pitcher not included in the playoff roster could be tasked with throwing as many innings as possible in the second game. The question remains whether starting Megill in the second game could prove beneficial, even if it means he won’t pitch in the Wild Card round.

While splitting the doubleheader might seem likely, both teams have a strong incentive to aim for a sweep. Knocking the Braves out of playoff contention would shift their flight plans from Milwaukee to San Diego, a significant advantage considering the challenges posed by the Brewers.

MLB’s Awkward Celebration Timing

MLB’s desire for meaningful games has led to an awkward celebration scenario. With both games expected to carry significance—though perhaps only partially—whoever wins the first will likely lack motivation for the second. The celebration for clinching a playoff berth is slated for around 3:45 PM, which feels more like a participation trophy than a true achievement.

The dissatisfaction with how last week’s rainouts were managed adds to the frustration. There were opportunities for additional games on Monday and Tuesday, but those chances were squandered. For many fans, the planned dual celebrations feel poorly timed and underwhelming, detracting from the joy of clinching a playoff spot.

Disadvantages for the Mets and Braves: Don’t Overlook the Diamondbacks

As both the Mets and Braves prepare for the playoffs, they face significant disadvantages. Traveling to Milwaukee or San Diego after a demanding doubleheader on Tuesday complicates their strategies and limits rest for their pitchers, unlike their opponents.

In the midst of this playoff race, it’s essential to remember the Arizona Diamondbacks. With 162 chances to secure their postseason spot, they now find themselves at a potential disadvantage due to the circumstances of the doubleheader. If there’s any perception of a conspiracy against the Mets, the Diamondbacks may feel the repercussions even more acutely.

If the Mets and Braves both win one game today, it could be a bitter pill for Diamondbacks fans to swallow. The league’s narrative seems to favor the Mets and Braves, whose draw as both fan favorites and rivals far outweighs that of the Diamondbacks, making their potential exit from the postseason all the more disappointing.

In conclusion, as Mets fans navigate through today’s games, they are left to ponder the ramifications of MLB’s scheduling and their team’s performance. With so much on the line, the anticipation is palpable, but it remains to be seen how these strategic decisions will impact the playoffs.