NL wild-card storylines: Aces down, underdogs up and playoff drama begins

October has arrived, and with it comes the thrill of postseason baseball. As the first pitch approaches, these storylines set the stage for what promises to be an electrifying National League postseason.

Hangover or momentum for Braves and Mets?

Monday’s historic doubleheader left the baseball world buzzing. The Mets clinched a thrilling victory in the opener, while the Braves secured their postseason berth in the nightcap, leaving the Diamondbacks as the odd team out. 

Both teams emptied their benches across 18 grueling innings. Now, they face a crucial question: Can they harness this momentum like last year’s Rangers, or will fatigue derail their championship aspirations?

The Mets and Brewers kick off the action at 5:30 p.m. ET, while the Braves and Padres cap the night at 8:30 p.m. ET. 

These opening games could set the tone for each team’s entire postseason journey.

Will bad back derail Mets’ star shortstop?

Francisco Lindor has been dealing with a back injury that’s kept him out of the lineup for several games since Sept. 22. Despite this, the shortstop, who’s had an MVP-caliber season (.273/.344/.500 with 33 HR, 91 RBI, 29 stolen bases), came through in dramatic fashion on Monday. 

He hit a game-winning two-run homer, giving the Mets an 8-7 ninth-inning lead that clinched their postseason spot. 

Though Lindor is clearly laboring in the field, if he can play like he did for most of 2024—and deliver more moments like Monday’s—the Mets have a fighting chance. Without him, it’s going to be an uphill battle.

Braves lose their ace

Speaking of bad backs, pitcher Chris Sale was scratched from his Monday start with back spasms in a shocking development. Manager Brian Snitker confirmed the Cy Young frontrunner will likely miss the wild-card series against San Diego. 

— Rob Friedman (@PitchingNinja) September 15, 2024

Sale’s absence is a devastating blow for Atlanta. The 35-year-old led the majors in ERA (2.38) and wins (18) while pacing the NL with 225 strikeouts. 

Stearns returns to Milwaukee

David Stearns, the architect of Milwaukee’s recent success, now leads the Mets into battle against his former club. Stearns transformed the Brewers into perennial contenders, reaching the postseason in five of the last six years. 

Now, armed with MLB’s highest payroll, he aims to replicate that success in New York. 

The Mets may have barely squeezed into the playoffs, but their $200 million payroll advantage over Milwaukee comes with championship-or-bust expectations.

Padres’ inspiring run

The late Peter Seidler’s dream of bringing a championship to San Diego lives on through this resilient Padres squad. 

Seidler purchased the team in 2012 and became the controlling owner in November 2020, endearing himself to fans with bold financial commitments. After his passing in November 2023 and the subsequent Juan Soto trade, San Diego’s outlook seemed grim.

However, the Padres caught fire, going 43-20 in the second half. 

Rookie center fielder Jackson Merrill, veteran left fielder Jurickson Profar and pitcher Michael King – a key piece in the Soto trade – fueled their surge. Profar, in particular, had a career season, compiling an impressive .839 OPS. 

Can the Padres honor Seidler’s memory with a magical October run?