After a rough start to their series against the Cubs on Monday, the Atlanta Braves roared back on Tuesday thanks to two-run homers from Ronald Acuña Jr., Drake Baldwin, and Ozzie Albies. It was a welcome sight to see the offense come to life, especially with what is shaping up to be a real chance to lock up a playoff run in 2026 in the very near future.
The last two weeks were the last major test on the Braves' schedule, with series against the Rays, Cubs, and the Phillies twice. The Braves handled business against Philly and have now guaranteed they won't get swept at all during this stretch. That may not seem like much to brag about, but it matters a great deal given the size of the Braves' lead in the division heading into September.
In fact, odds are getting better and better that the Braves will punch their ticket to the postseason this week, with a chance to clinch the NL East soon as well as quickly as Atlanta's magic numbers are going down.
Braves' magic numbers for both the playoffs and to win NL East can be counted on one hand now
There are two sets of magic numbers (combined Braves wins and competitor losses) that fans have to keep in mind with the Braves. Since the Braves haven't clinched anything yet, they have a magic number to make the playoffs and another to win the National League East. As of the morning of September 16, the Braves' playoff magic number is 2, and the NL East magic number sits at 5.
In short, you can probably expect the Braves to clinch a postseason spot in the coming days. A pair of Braves wins without any help from the Padres or Diamondbacks would be enough to get Atlanta to the postseason, although them losing some more games certainly would make it easier. The Braves need a little more cooperation from the Phillies to clinch the division this week, but they did just get beat up by the Nationals on Tuesday and have a weekend series against the Mets coming up next.
The Braves control their own destiny at this point, and as long as they keep winning, they are going to get where they want to go. Odds are extremely good that Atlanta will be taking on one of the Padres or Diamondbacks in the first round of the postseason, although there is a chance it is the hated Phillies if they continue to collapse.
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