What impact will the Braves' postponed game have on the Mets' playoff chances? All you need to know as NL race continues

The postponement of two crucial games between the New York Mets and the Atlanta Braves due to the arrival of Hurricane Helene could have a significant impact on the Mets’ playoff hopes as the National League Wild Card race intensifies.

Initially scheduled for Sept. 25 and 26, the games were pushed to a doubleheader on Monday, Sept. 30, at Atlanta’s Truist Park, further complicating the Mets’ already comlpex playoff journey.

The postponed games could either help or hurt the Mets, who hold an 87-70 record and are locked in a fierce battle for one of the two Wild Card spots.

From a positive perspective, the delay provides the Mets with a much-needed rest day before their final series against the Milwaukee Brewers, which could allow their bullpen to recover ahead of a tough three-game road trip. The Mets might also avoid facing Chris Sale, the Braves ace and frontrunner for the NL Cy Young Award.

The Atlanta Braves won the first game of the series on Tuesday 5-1, shortening their game deficit to the Mets. The Mets’ magic number stands at four games, with five remaining until the end of the season.

It means that New York still controls their destiny, and a combination of results could even mean that they could arrive at Monday’s doubleheader already in the playoffs.

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Monday’s doubleheader could decide the fate of the New York Mets and the Atlanta Braves

The postponement creates a high-pressure situation. Due to the rescheduled games on Monday, the Mets will have to play a doubleheader with little rest, just one day before the Wild Card round begins.

With the Braves (86-71) trailing the Mets by just half a game, both games could determine who secures the final Wild Card spots. The Arizona Diamondbacks (87-71) are also fiercely competing for a playoff berth, making every game critical for all the involved teams.

According to New York Mets manager Carlos Mendoza, the team must focus on what's within their control: winning games. However, with the Braves and the Diamondbacks on their heels, these postponed games mean that the last postseason spot in the National League could be decided on Monday, in a thrilling doubleheader.