MLB request could lead to strange celebration for Mets, Braves after doubleheader

Monday's doubleheader between the New York Mets and the Atlanta Braves, equalizers the result of a poorly handled situation that now decides the playoff fate of the two teams – and the Arizona Diamondbacks – was already a strange situation.

But thanks to a request from MLB, the end of Game 2 of the Twin Bill could look even stranger.

Speaking to reporters Monday before the game, Mets manager Carlos Mendoza said that MLB had asked the club that wins the first game of the doubleheader to hold off on celebrations until after the second game.

“No, we won’t,” Mendoza said when asked if the Mets would celebrate after Game 1 if they won — and secured a playoff spot.

“This is more from the MLB, so there will be celebrations after Game 2.”

As ESPN's Buster Olney noted, Mendoza even joked that the teams should give each other a “big hug” on the field.

If either of the Mets or Braves wins both games of the doubleheader, the winning club advances to the postseason along with the Diamondbacks, and the loser travels home for the winter. Should the Mets and Braves split the twin bill, they will both be signed after the season.

In this second scenario, which is a real possibility since the team that wins the first game has little incentive to win the second since the playoffs begin Tuesday, both teams could technically celebrate on the field at the same time.

If that happens, it will undoubtedly be one of the most bizarre things a baseball fan has ever seen.