5 takeaways from the Atlanta Braves series sweep over the New York Mets

With the National League East title hanging in the balance, the Atlanta Braves made a statement against the New York Mets over the weekend at Truist Park.

The Atlanta Braves took all three games from the New York Mets in a meeting between the National League East leaders, giving the Braves a two-game edge over the Mets with just three games left to play in the regular season.

Atlanta will have the chance to clinch the division and the second seed in the NL postseason bracket when the Braves head to Miami to meet the Marlins on Monday. New York, meanwhile, is very likely to play in the Wild Card round this weekend and will close out the regular season with three games at home against the Washington Nationals, beginning on Monday.

5 takeaways from the Atlanta Braves sweeping the New York Mets

First, Francisco Alvarez needs some adjustment time

Alvarez, the top-ranked prospect in all of baseball, was called up on Friday prior to the series opener. Inserted in the starting lineup that night, Alvarez wasn’t able to provide the pop the Mets were hoping to see from the 20-year-old catcher/designated hitter. Alvarez ended the Braves series 0-for-8 with three strikeouts, ensuring the Mets will have plenty of decisions ahead about how he fits into the postseason roster, if at all.

There is no doubt that Alvarez has the skills to make an impact at the MLB level, but this series was a rough indoctrination for the rookie. It will be interesting to see how Mets manager Buck Showalter handles Alvarez this week and how much playing time he receives moving forward.

Alvarez may be the future, but the Mets have to be concerned about the present with a tough road ahead of them through the Wild Card round.