Mets-Braves battle for final wild-card spot intensifies

The New York Mets have lifted themselves into a tie for the final National League wild-card spot with their strong start to September, winning nine of their past 13 games entering play Monday.

In contrast, the Atlanta Braves' rather middling start to the month — winning just seven of their last 13 — has left them tied with the Mets. Both teams are 81-68.

Shortstop Francisco Lindor is the central figure in the Mets' recent success, delivering MVP-caliber performances. Per StatMuse , he is slashing .295/.367/.568 in September with three home runs and seven RBI in 12 games.

However, Lindor is battling back discomfort and will have an MRI exam on Monday, per the New York Post , leaving his availability for the near future in question.

With two weeks left in the regular season, the remaining schedules for both teams are fraught with challenges.

The Mets return home for a seven-game homestand featuring three games against the Washington Nationals (68-81) and four games against the NL East-leading Philadelphia Phillies (90-59).

To conclude the regular season, the Mets will embark on a six-game road trip featuring three critical games against the Braves and then a final three games against the NL Central-leading Milwaukee Brewers (86-63).

The Braves will begin their pivotal stretch with one remaining game against the formidable Los Angeles Dodgers (88-61). Atlanta will then head out on a six-game road trip, facing the Cincinnati Reds (73-78) and Miami Marlins (55-95) before returning home for a crucial series against the Mets and a final three-game set against the Kansas City Royals (82-68).

Safe to say, the three-game series between the two ballclubs from Sept. 24-26 will be the most important series of each team's season. If a tiebreaker prevails, Major League Baseball's new tiebreaker system would come into play.

Currently holding the top two spots in the wild-card race are the Arizona Diamondbacks (83-66) and the San Diego Padres (85-65).

Per FanGraphs as of Monday , the Braves hold a sizable advantage with a 67.5 percent chance to earn a wild-card spot while the Mets have a 44.1 percent chance.

As the regular season winds down, the final outcome will hinge on how well each team can navigate its remaining schedule and which one can better capitalize on key matchups against others in the hunt.