Mets-Braves Doubleheader Could Shift NL Wild-Card Race

The potential impact of a scheduled doubleheader between the New York Mets and Atlanta Braves could significantly affect the National League wild-card race. If the doubleheader is deemed necessary for seeding, it may force both teams to play eight games in seven days, which could compromise their performance in the postseason. However, if MLB commissioner Rob Manfred decides to cancel the doubleheader, the Mets and Braves would finish with only 160 games played, unlike other teams that would complete 162 games. This situation raises fairness concerns for the Milwaukee Brewers and San Diego Padres, who are vying for home-field advantage in the wild-card series. The Brewers and Padres have performed well enough to earn this advantage, but it could be undermined if the Mets and Braves do not play the full schedule. The Brewers' general manager expressed a focus on their own performance rather than the implications of the Mets and Braves' situation. The unique circumstances surrounding this scheduling issue highlight the complexities of managing playoff seeding and fairness in the league, as teams navigate the challenges of the season's end.