They’re right back in the thick of the race for a first-round bye and the top overall seed in the National League, but at the same time, the NL East crown is far from a sure thing.
NL East Standings
- Braves (82-55)
- Phillies (77-60) — 5.0 GB
- Marlins (69-68) — 13.0 GB
- Nationals (65-74) — 18.0 GB
- Mets (61-76) — 21.0 GB
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A month ago, the Phillies looked like they might be fighting for their playoff lives. But they’ve been brilliant throughout August, and even with the Braves winning seven straight, Philadelphia remains within striking distance — especially considering the two teams meet seven times in the final month. If the Braves can win a majority of those matchups, you’d have to think the Braves run away with the division for the first time since 2023.
Race for the NL’s No. 1 Seed
- Brewers (85-52)
- Braves (82-55) — 3.0 GB
- Dodgers (82-55) — 3.0 GB
- Cubs (77-60) — 8.0 GB
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The Brewers have had the best record in baseball for most of the season, but the Braves have done enough to make this an intriguing race — and earning the top overall seed comes with some incredible benefits. Most importantly, it would mean only having to face one of the Brewers or Dodgers on the path to the World Series. It would also guarantee home-field advantage in the first couple of rounds, along with a first-round bye.
It’s probably more realistic for the Braves to focus on that last part. They’re currently tied with the Dodgers for the second seed, which would earn them the bye. That’s been a hot topic of discussion since it was introduced a few years ago. Some believe the lengthy time off actually hurts offensive rhythm, and the Braves are a prime example, given they’ve lost in the NLDS both times they’ve earned it.
However, given the question marks surrounding Atlanta’s pitching staff, a bye comes with some huge advantages, allowing the Braves to line up their rotation and enter the series with a completely fresh bullpen.
Atlanta owns the tiebreaker over the Dodgers thanks to a 5-1 record against them this season. So in the event of a tie, the Braves would be awarded the extra time off.
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(Photo by Rich von Biberstein/Icon Sportswire)