The 2024 season for the Atlanta Braves ended in disappointment as they were swept in the wild-card round by the San Diego Padres. Despite winning 89 games, the team faced significant injuries that hindered their offensive performance, particularly from star players like Ronald Acuña Jr. and Michael Harris II.

On the pitching side, Chris Sale excelled, leading the National League in key categories, but his postseason impact was limited due to injury. The Braves are now looking ahead to the 2025 season with a strong roster and plans to improve after a rare year without playoff success.

The final day of regular-season baseball brings a crucial doubleheader between the New York Mets and Atlanta Braves, with the Arizona Diamondbacks watching closely. Both the Mets and Braves are vying for playoff spots, and the outcomes of these games will determine their fates.

Each team has various scenarios to clinch a playoff berth, with the Diamondbacks needing a sweep to advance. Starting pitchers include Tylor Megill for the Mets and Spencer Schwellenbach for the Braves, with Chris Sale possibly in reserve for an emergency situation.

The Atlanta Braves secured their series against the Miami Marlins with a 5-4 victory, marking their return home with two wins out of three matches.

The bullpen played a pivotal role, pitching five innings, with closer Raisel Iglesias achieving his 32nd save of the season. Despite Dylan Lee allowing runs, the relief efforts were effective.

With a crucial series against the New York Mets ahead, the Braves' bullpen has seen significant improvements, boasting a 1.50 ERA over their last 18 innings pitched.

The Atlanta Braves enter the spring with lower expectations, now focusing on making the playoffs rather than aiming for a World Series title. They trail the New York Mets and the Arizona Diamondbacks for the final National League wild-card spot. Despite struggling with injuries to key players like Ronald Acuña Jr. and Spencer Strider, the Braves remain competitive.

Rookie Spencer Schwellenbach has emerged as a significant asset in the rotation, boasting strong performance in his recent outings. The team has also benefited from contributions of players like Whit Merrifield and Ramón Laureano, who were picked up after being released from their previous teams.

Matt Olson has improved his game after a slow start, and the Braves' bullpen has been one of the best in Major League Baseball, recording minimal meltdowns and helping maintain close games. With these factors combined, the Braves continue to fight for a playoff spot.

In a notable game, the Atlanta Braves defeated the Los Angeles Dodgers 6-2, with Spencer Schwellenbach effectively preventing Shohei Ohtani from making an impact. Ohtani struggled, finishing hitless while trying to approach a historic 50-homer, 50-stolen bases milestone.

Gio Urshela and Jorge Soler contributed with two-run home runs, while Schwellenbach pitched well, allowing only two runs in six innings. Atlanta remains in the race for a wild-card spot as the Dodgers lead the NL West.