Diamondbacks’ Wild Card scoreboard watching guide: Schedules for Padres, Mets, Braves
Sep 16, 2024, 11:10 AM | Updated: 11:40 am
Geraldo Perdomo #2 of the Arizona Diamondbacks scores ahead of the tag of Kyle Higashioka #20 of the San Diego Padres during the tenth inning of a baseball game at Petco Park on July 6, 2024 in San Diego, California. (Photo by Denis Poroy/Getty Images)
(Photo by Denis Poroy/Getty Images)
Four teams are in a dogfight for three National League Wild Card spots in the tightest postseason race in Major League Baseball entering the final two weeks, and the Arizona Diamondbacks remain in the thick of it.
The D-backs have 13 games remaining in four series, including a potential knock-out matchup with the San Diego Padres to close the season with how close the four clubs are.
The Padres ended the weekend in the top Wild Card spot at 85-65. Arizona is 1.5 games back at 83-66, while the Atlanta Braves and New York Mets are two behind the D-backs at 81-68.
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FanGraphs updated its playoff odds projections, giving the D-backs an 89.3% shot at the postseason. The Braves (67.1%) and Mets (44.7%) are looked at closer to 50-50, while the Padres are nearly a lock (98.7%).
Let’s see who stands in the way of all four clubs on the schedule.
Diamondbacks NL Wild Card schedule roundup
Padres
Remaining opponents: vs. Houston Astros (3), vs. Chicago White Sox (3), at Los Angeles Dodgers (3), at Arizona Diamondbacks (3)
Key note: San Diego is back in the race for a National League West title, as the Padres enter Monday only 3.5 games back of the Dodgers. That’s a significant hurdle with so few games left, but the Padres could control their own destiny if they walk into their series in Los Angeles only three games or fewer back. San Diego already has the head-to-head tiebreaker.
Diamondbacks
Remaining opponents: at Colorado Rockies (3), at Milwaukee Brewers (4), vs. San Francisco Giants (3), vs. San Diego Padres (3)
Key notes: The D-backs placed starter Ryne Nelson on the 15-day injured list with right shoulder inflammation, retroactive to Sept. 11. Jordan Montgomery will fill in for the meantime, as Nelson is not eligible to pitch again until the final series against San Diego. Catcher Gabriel Moreno is back off the 10-day IL (adductor strain) after six weeks down, and left fielder Lourdes Gurriel Jr. is not far behind.
Braves
Remaining opponents: vs. Los Angeles Dodgers (1), at Cincinnati Reds (3), at Miami Marlins (3), vs. New York Mets (3), vs. Kansas City Royals (3)
Key notes: Atlanta put All-Star starter Reynaldo Lopez on the 15-day IL with shoulder inflammation on Wednesday. Second baseman Ozzie Albies told reporters he hopes to rejoin the club this week after two months on the shelf, but the switch-hitter is only comfortable swinging from the right side.
Mets
Remaining opponents: vs. Washington Nationals (3), vs. Philadelphia Phillies (4), at Atlanta Braves (3), at Milwaukee Brewers (3)
Key note: The Mets could be in trouble, as superstar shortstop and MVP candidate Francisco Lindor will have an MRI on Monday after leaving Sunday’s game with back discomfort. Lindor leads the NL with 7.4 fWAR.
Notable announced national TV Games this week
Monday: Dodgers at Braves on MLB Network at 4:20 p.m.
Tuesday: Astros at Padres on TruTV at 6:40 p.m.
Thursday: Diamondbacks at Brewers on FOX at 4:15 p.m.
Friday: Phillies at Mets on Apple TV+ at 4:10 p.m.
Sunday: Phillies at Mets on ESPN at 4:15 p.m.
