Atlanta Braves manager Brian Snitker expressed the intense emotions he felt following their 4-3 victory over the Blue Jays in 11 innings, describing it as one of the most draining games he’s been a part of. As September baseball unfolds, the playoff races, particularly in the National League, are shaping up to be intense battles over the next three weeks. The San Diego Padres, Diamondbacks, Mets, and Braves are in a tight race for the three available wild card spots in the NL.
Taking a closer look at the remaining schedule for each of these four teams:
1. Padres (81-64): With Fernando Tatis Jr.’s return boosting their lineup, the Padres face a challenging road ahead with 11 of their final 17 games on the road, including crucial matchups against the D-backs.
2. Diamondbacks (80-64): Despite a strong offensive lineup, the Diamondbacks have struggled with pitching. They have 11 home games out of their final 18, including a pivotal five-game series.
3. Mets (78-65): The Mets’ recent winning streak was halted, but solid pitching has been a key factor. They will play 12 of their last 19 games on the road.
4. Braves (78-65): Dealing with injuries, the Braves have been resilient and rely on Chris Sale’s pitching. They face pressure with upcoming matchups against the Mets and Royals.
In the American League, the playoff race is currently dominated by the Minnesota Twins, holding a 3 1/2 game lead for the final wild card spot. While the Boston Red Sox and Tampa Bay Rays are trailing, the New York Yankees and Baltimore Orioles are in a tight battle for the AL East title.
Mets third baseman Mark Vientos shined with a game-winning two-run homer, showcasing his strong season performance. Several young hitters, like Angels’ Zach Neto and Cardinals’ Masyn Winn, have been quietly productive this season, contributing positively to their teams.
In a trivia twist, the Athletics, Orioles, and Diamondbacks are among the teams that have suffered at least 110 losses in a season since 2021. This season, the White Sox hit the 110-loss mark, a familiar scene in recent years.
As the MLB postseason draws near, the race for playoff spots intensifies, promising an exciting and competitive finish to the regular season for these teams vying for a chance at postseason glory.
