Where to watch Mets vs. Braves: TV channel, live stream online, odds as doubleheader determines playoff spots

There is still one day left in the Major League Baseball regular season. Instead of everything wrapping up yesterday, there's a crucial doubleheader on the eve of the postseason that will decide the final two spots in the season 2024 MLB Playoff Series. The Atlanta Braves host the New York Mets at Truist Park on Monday afternoon (see live updates here). Each team needs a win to secure a spot in the playoffs.

The first game is scheduled for 1:10 p.m. ET, with the second game starting 40 minutes later. The Arizona Diamondbacks still have a chance to reach the postseason, but they will be looking for a win on Monday.

Here's what else you need to know about the twin bill.

Where to watch Mets vs. Braves

Date: Monday September 30th | Time: 1:10 p.m. ET (Game 1) | Location: Truist Park
TV channels: Bally Sports South, SNY, ESPN2 | Live stream: fubo (try for free)
Likely throwers: RHP Spencer Hügelbach (8-7, 3.47 ERA) vs. RHP Tylor Megill (4-5, 3.98 ERA)
Opportunities: ATL-145 | NYM +122 | O/U: 7.5

Hurricane Helene is to blame for this

The Mets were originally scheduled to play three games in Atlanta from Tuesday to Thursday. The bad weather experienced in the Atlanta area due to Hurricane Helene resulted in Wednesday and Thursday games being postponed. Consider this Monday an emergency doubleheader.

Why it matters and how it impacts the Diamondbacks

Right now, the Mets and Braves are 88-72 overall. The Diamondbacks are 89-73. Two of these three teams make the playoffs as fifth and sixth seeds, respectively. The D-Backs have a losing record against both the Mets and Braves this season, so they lose the tiebreaker.

Here are the scenarios for Monday:

• The Mets reach the playoffs by either splitting or sweeping the doubleheader.
• The Braves reach the playoffs by either splitting or sweeping the doubleheader.
• The Diamondbacks will reach the playoffs if either the Mets or Braves win the doubleheader.

It seems like the D-backs are in a tough spot here. Whichever team wins the first game of the doubleheader will have secured a spot in the playoffs and will then most likely give their key players a break. The most likely outcome is therefore a split. Still, a sweep could very well happen, and that would send the D-Backs back to the playoffs while the losing team between the Mets and Braves goes home for a long winter.

Interestingly, the Braves will either be the fifth seed or miss the playoffs. If they split the series, they have the tiebreaker over the Mets for the five. The Mets would be fifth with a sweep and six with a split, otherwise they would miss the playoffs by losing both games. The Diamondbacks can only be a No. 6 seed or miss the playoffs.

Remember how I said that the winning team of Game 1 will bounce back for Game 2? To illustrate, just look at the pitching plans…

The Mets will start Megill and (maybe) Severino

The Mets will start Tylor Megill in the first game and Luis Severino will start the second game. If they win Game 1, they save Severino for the Wild Card Series.

Megill, 29, is 4-5 this season with a 3.98 ERA, 1.28 WHIP and 83 strikeouts in 72 1/3 innings. He spent most of July in the minors but has been very good since returning to the bigs, although without getting too involved in the games. In his last six appearances, he had a 1.98 ERA in 27 1/3 innings.

“We know we need one,” Mets manager Carlos Mendoza told reporters on Tuesday. “Megill threw the ball well. If we don't make it in Game 1, we have Sevy. We just went through a lot of scenarios and thought it would be best to play with Megill. He’ll give us a chance to win a baseball game, and then we’ll move on.”

Severino is 11-7 with a 3.91 ERA in 182 innings.

The Braves will start Wechselbach and (maybe) Sale

Similar to how the Mets set up their pitching, the Braves plan to use rookie Spencer Wechselbach in the first game and Cy Young leader Chris Sale in the second game if they need him. If they win Game 1, they save the Wild Card Series sale, according to MLB.com.

Schlafenbach, 24, is 8-7 this season with a 3.47 ERA, a 1.07 WHIP and 122 strikeouts in 116 2/3 innings. He made his MLB debut on May 29 and has 20 MLB starts to his name.

Selling is 18-3 with a 2.38 ERA. He leads the majors in ERA and NL in strikeouts. The Braves would certainly like to win Game 1 and save their ace for Game 1 of the Wild Card Series. The Mets would also like not to play him.

Lineups for Game 1

Here are the lineups for the first game.

Mets

1. Francisco Lindor, SS
2. Jose Iglesias, 2B
3. Mark Vientos, 3B
4. Brandon Nimmo, LF
5. Pete Alonso, 1B
6. JD Martinez, DH
7. Tyrone Taylor, RF
8. Francisco Alvarez, C
9. Harrison Bader, CF

Brave

1. Michael Harris II, CF
2. Ozzie Albies, 2B
3. Marcell Ozuna, DH
4. Matt Olson, 1B
5. Jorge Soler, RF
6. Ramon Laureano, LF
7. Travis d'Arnaud, C
8. Gio Urshela, 3B
9. Orlando Arcia, SS