Atlanta Braves Magic Number to win NL East: 17

The Phillies finally lost on Wednesday while the Braves picked up yet another win. As a result, Atlanta’s magic number to win the division dropped from 19 to 17. 

Orlando Arcia has a total of 17 doubles on the season. Now would be a good time to revisit just how good the NL All-Star starting shortstop has been for the Atlanta Braves in 2023. 

Heading into the season, there seemed to be debates on whether Vaughn Grissom or Braden Shewmake were going to be the Opening Day shortstop for the Braves. Orlando Arcia was lurking and quietly performing rather well in spring training. 

Arcia was ultimately awarded the starting job and he has kept it all season long. Aside from being sidelined from injury, Arcia has fit right into this Braves lineup. 

Sliding Arcia in the 8 spot on the lineup card has allowed Atlanta’s lineup to lengthen. There are no holes or automatic outs in this offense because of Orlando Arcia. He is hitting .280 with 16 homeruns and 52 RBIs. Orlando has a total of 109 hits on the season including his homeruns and 17 doubles. If Arcia maintains his batting average, .280 would be his career high in a single season. 

Orlando Arcia has performed well above his contract in 2023. He signed a 3 year, $7.3 million contract back in March. To put up the numbers he has this season on this budget has been the best case scenario for Atlanta and has been a major contribution to the success the Braves have had in this historic season. 

The Braves will have their work cut out for them this weekend in Los Angeles. They will take on the Dodgers in a four game series. As good as Atlanta has been, the Dodgers are only four games behind them in the race for home field advantage. Cutting into the magic number this weekend will be a challenge but the Braves won’t back down.