Pitching duels for the decisive series of the Atlanta Braves against the NY Mets

The Braves could have started Sale in Tuesday's game, which would have made him available for the final game of the regular season if needed.

“Just like when we gave him an extra day,” Braves manager Brian Snitker said. “They're all going to throw. We've been going over it all morning — what would be the best option? And (we) talked to the guys, and they're all really happy with it.”

After the series with the Mets, the Braves will host the Royals for three games to close the regular season. The Mets will play their final three games at the Brewers.

The Braves are currently two games behind the Mets and Diamondbacks for the last two wild card spots in the National League. The Braves and Mets are 5-5 head-to-head this season, with the first tiebreaker being if they end up tied at the end of the season.

Here are the likely pitching duels for the decisive series:

Tuesday: Luis Severino (11-6, 3.79) vs. Spencer Schwellenbach (7-7, 3.61)

Wednesday: David Peterson (9-3, 3.08) vs. Chris Sale (18-3, 2.38)

Thursday: Sean Manaea (12-5, 3.29) vs. Max Fried (10-10, 3.42)