The one thing the Atlanta Braves HAD to do this weekend against the Phillies was avoid getting swept. With the Braves' current lead in the NL East, the most likely way Atlanta could blow it would be to let Philly back into the race with a sweep. Not only did the Braves accomplish that, they actually added to their division margin with a series win, although Sunday didn't go to plan at all.
Now that the Phillies are leaving town and the Braves have survived this stretch of 10 games with a healthy NL East lead, it is time to look forward a bit. Thankfully, a quick glance reveals an upcoming schedule that is much less imposing than the Braves have seen in a while, and that bodes quite well for their chances the rest of the way.
Here is what the rest of the Braves' schedule looks like in 2026 and how it bodes for Atlanta's chances
Every team is running of fumes this time of year, so any stretch of the schedule in September can turn ugly in a hurry if players aren't bouncing back as well anymore. However, especially when compared to some of their rivals like the Phillies and Brewers, Atlanta's schedule really eases off a good bit now that those two series against Philly are behind them.
- 9/14-9/16 at Cubs
- 9/18-9/20 at Astros
- 9/22-9/24 vs. Reds
- 9/25-9/27 at Marlins
The best team left on the Braves’ schedule is the Cubs by a pretty comfortable margin, and they are still playing for playoff positioning. However, the Braves have played Chicago well this year, and if the Cubs are the hardest team left on your schedule, you probably take that every time.
After that series, the Braves travel to the Astros, who currently occupy a playoff spot solely because the AL West is arguably the worst division in baseball right now. The Braves then close out the season with a home series against the Reds (who might be the worst team in baseball) and the Marlins, who won't be playing for anything other than to be a spoiler.
Meanwhile, the Phillies have their hands full with series still left on their calendar against the Nationals, Brewers, and Rays. Milwaukee is playing really well right now, but they also have to deal with the aforementioned Phillies as well as the Pirates and Cardinals. Unfortunately, one of the few playoff contenders that may have an easier schedule than Atlanta is the Dodgers, who also get the woeful Reds as well as a pair of series against the Giants, who are 25 games below .500.
In short, everything is lining up for the Braves at the moment. If a few things break their way, they can lock up a spot in the postseason this week, with an outside chance of clinching the NL East. If we look at what the Braves have left on their schedule and how they are playing right now, we'll guess that the Braves' final record will end up being 96-66 and Atlanta will be crown NL East champs. Whether or not they close the deal this week, the Braves' remaining schedule looks like a huge window of opportunity.
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