The Atlanta Braves are ending their regular season with the highest stakes possible. They welcome in the Kansas City Royals (who are fighting for their own playoff spot) this weekend for a critical series. Every game of the three-game set should be viewed as must-win for this squad.
The Braves are battling the Diamondbacks for the third wildcard spot and enter play on Friday one game back. Arizona has been sputtering of late but came up clutch to maintain their lead this week. The New York Mets are also catchable, but they begin a series with the Brewers who are not expected to pitch their key arms after already clinching a playoff berth.
The fact that the Braves are in this position after sustaining numerous key injuries this season to star players is a testament to the entire squad and manager Brian Snitker. But they face their toughest test to close out the regular season as each game has enormous stakes attached. The makeup double header with the Mets on Monday will most likely decide their fate.