Mets leapfrog Braves in NL wild-card race as Atlanta falls out of playoff spot amid five-game losing streak

The Mets now hold a half-game lead over the Braves for the third wild-card spot

By R.J. Anderson Aug 8, 2024 at 5:58 pm ET• 1 min read

The National League playoff picture has been reshaped by a pair of results in getaway day matinees. With the Atlanta Braves' loss (16-7 to the Milwaukee Brewers) and the New York Mets' win (9-1 over the Colorado Rockies), the Braves have seen their half-game lead turn into a half-game deficit for the third and final wild-card spot.

In turn, the Braves would be on the outside looking in for the first time since 2017 if the playoffs started tomorrow. 

The Braves, who were six games ahead of the Mets entering July 9, are now in the midst of a five-game losing streak. Atlanta is 2-5 in August as a result, and is now 7-12 in the second half. The Mets, conversely, have now raced to a 12-8 start to the second half. 

Neither team is a serious threat for the National League East crown at this point. Although the Philadelphia Phillies have scuffled as of late, they entered Thursday with a 7 1/2-game lead that doubles as the largest held by any current division leader.