DBacks split next 2, finish with 89 wins. Braves win both, Mets split 2.

Braves at 89 wins
Mets at 88.
Both have tiebreaker vs DBacks so need 89 wins to get in. Thus Braves are in. Mets need 1.

If Braves win game 1 they have to play a 2nd, so they literally want to lose game 1. So everyone in the stadium is playing a game they want the Mets to win.

The moneyline on that game would be fascinating. The Braves would be striking out on purpose. Would they even go through the charade and play it?

If I understand the rules correctly if they just passed on playing game 162 the Mets would win the tiebreaker and fly to San Diego based on their record against the NL East.

This scenario could be reversed with Mets at 89 and the Braves with 88 wins and needing a win to get in and going to San Diego.

Scenario 2, 3 sweep their locked in playoff opponent. Win totals:

Dbacks 90
Mets 89
Braves 89

2 games will have to be played, but there seems like a lot of incentive to work out a split with both teams to get to 90 without wasting any pitching.

We've been told Sale won't pitch unless there is an elimination game, but what if there is one that by agreement or by virtue of playing a couple AA level pitchers they have zero chance of losing.

Scenario 3.

DBacks 89
Mets (or Braves) 89
Braves (or Mets) 87

Mets are in. But if they win game 1 they don't have to play game 2. If they lose they do have a 2nd game. How do they play it? Do they pitch like their number 4 starter? Do they use any high leverage arms at all?

I think most likely they play their everyday lineup (resting them all if there is a game 2) and pitch their B tier arms. They hope to win but they'd rather play 2 than use their top pitchers.

The whole thing is clearly fascinating. It's highly likely one of these scenarios comes to fruition.

Gotta be really uncomfortable being a DBacks fan right now. It's not looking good.