This story was excerpted from Mark Bowman’s Braves Beat newsletter. To read the full newsletter, click here. And subscribe to receive it regularly in your inbox.
ATLANTA — September’s chaos brings October’s joy. To be completely transparent, I landed this role after Hallmark turned me down.
The impending madness as we approach the last weekend of the regular season suggests a high possibility of a doubleheader on Monday between the Braves and Mets, which will determine who secures the final Wild Card spot in the National League. The only scenario where this might not unfold is if the D-backs lose their grip on the race during their weekend series with the Padres.
How wild could this weekend become? Braves manager Brian Snitker highlighted a concern on Wednesday when he noted that Hurricane Helene may hinder the Royals’ ability to travel from Washington D.C. to Atlanta on Thursday night.
Thankfully, the Mets managed to fly from Atlanta to Milwaukee early Thursday. They might return to Georgia late Sunday night and potentially head back to Milwaukee late Monday to prepare for a Wild Card Series.
The best-case scenario for the Braves this weekend would be to secure enough victories to avoid a need for Monday’s doubleheader. Is it possible? Yes. Is it likely? Probably not, particularly after the D-backs’ victory over the Giants on Wednesday, which put them level with the Mets, placing them one game ahead of the Braves in the race for the final two Wild Card spots.
As my MLB.com colleague Anthony DiComo remarked on Wednesday, “Embrace the Chaos.”
The Braves are making decisions on a day-to-day basis, influenced by the outcomes of each game that affects their standing. Initially, I thought Chris Sale would start on Friday to ensure he is also ready for Game 2 of the Wild Card series on Wednesday. However, since Max Fried does not perform as well with extended off-days as Sale, he will start the series opener against the Royals.
Regarding Sale, he will be held back until the Braves face an elimination situation. Should Friday’s results necessitate a must-win game on Saturday, the Cy Young contender will take the mound that evening. The same applies for the two subsequent days.
A key uncertainty in this scenario is Reynaldo López, who appears set to come off the injured list to start one of the four games scheduled from Saturday to Monday. López may only pitch for three or four innings, but if he performs well and the Braves make it to the postseason, he could enhance the excitement of his inaugural season with the team.
The Braves also need to determine when to utilize Spencer Schwellenbach, who boasts a 1.79 ERA in seven starts against the NL’s top six teams this year. Schwellenbach could pitch on regular rest on Sunday or face the Mets on Monday, a team that has scored just one run in 14 innings against him this season.
Who would take the mound for Tuesday’s Game 1 of the Wild Card Series if the Braves need to rely on Fried, Sale, Schwellenbach, López, and Charlie Morton over the upcoming four days? This dilemma is recognized, but for now, the Braves must focus on doing everything necessary to secure their playoff spot.
Braves Face September Chaos: Playoff Plans Hang in Balance
Understanding the Current Standings
The Atlanta Braves are in the midst of an intense September, with their playoff aspirations hanging by a thread. As the season approaches its climax, the team faces a critical juncture that could define their postseason journey. Currently, the Braves sit in a competitive division, battling against formidable opponents for a playoff berth.
Current National League Standings
| Team | Wins | Losses | Win Percentage | Games Behind |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Atlanta Braves | 85 | 65 | .566 | 0 |
| Philadelphia Phillies | 82 | 68 | .547 | 3 |
| Miami Marlins | 80 | 70 | .533 | 5 |
Key Factors Influencing the Braves’ Playoff Outlook
As the Braves navigate through a chaotic September, several factors will influence their chances of reaching the playoffs:
1. Injury Management
Injuries have plagued many teams this season, and the Braves are no exception. Managing player health is crucial at this stage:
- Pitching Rotation: Maintaining a solid rotation without key injuries can make or break the season.
- Star Players: Keeping stars like Ronald Acuña Jr. and Freddie Freeman healthy ensures offensive power.
2. Scheduling Challenges
The Braves face a challenging schedule in September, featuring crucial matchups against division rivals:
- Competitive Matchups: Games against the Phillies and Marlins are pivotal for Wild Card standings.
- Travel Fatigue: Long road trips can affect performance, making every game critical.
3. Team Morale and Chemistry
As the pressure mounts, team chemistry becomes essential. A united team can perform better under pressure:
- Leadership: Experienced players should motivate younger teammates.
- Off-Field Dynamics: Strong off-field relationships translate to better on-field performance.
Playoff Scenarios for the Braves
As the Braves look to solidify their playoff plans, various scenarios can unfold:
1. Winning the Division
Securing the National League East title would provide the Braves with a direct path to the playoffs:
- Head-to-Head Matchups: Winning crucial games against division rivals is essential.
- Consistent Performance: A strong finish in September could seal their fate.
2. Wild Card Position
If division victory eludes them, the Braves have the option of contending for a Wild Card spot:
- Win Percentage: Maintaining a solid win percentage is crucial for Wild Card contention.
- Head-to-Head Records: Winning series against contenders can prove beneficial.
3. Risk of Elimination
The stakes are high, and a losing streak could jeopardize their playoff dreams:
- Pressure Situations: The team must perform under pressure to avoid elimination.
- Need for Adaptability: Quick adjustments to strategies may be necessary to regain momentum.
Benefits of a Strong Finish in September
Finishing strong in September can have numerous advantages for the Braves:
1. Momentum Going into Playoffs
Teams that finish the regular season strong often carry that momentum into the playoffs, which can be critical:
- Boosted Confidence
- Increased Team Cohesion
2. Home Field Advantage
Securing a higher seed can lead to home-field advantage in the playoffs, which has proven beneficial:
- Support from Home Fans
- Favorable Conditions
Practical Tips for the Braves’ Success
To enhance their playoff chances, the Braves can adopt several practical strategies:
1. Focus on Player Health
Implementing a strict health and recovery program can help keep players fit:
- Regular Assessments
- Customized Recovery Plans
2. Optimize Game Strategies
Adapting game strategies according to the opponent’s strengths can be advantageous:
- Analyze Opponent Tactics
- Adjust Lineup Accordingly
3. Enhance Fan Engagement
A strong fan base can lift team spirits:
- Increased Community Events
- Social Media Engagement
Case Studies: Successful September Runs
Several teams over the years have faced similar September chaos and emerged victorious:
1. 2016 Cleveland Indians
The Indians faced significant challenges but maintained a strong run to the postseason, showcasing resilience and strategic gameplay.
2. 2019 Washington Nationals
The Nationals turned their season around in September, clinching a Wild Card spot and ultimately winning the World Series.
First-Hand Experience: Insights from Braves Players
Feedback from players provides insight into the challenges and strategies during this critical month:
Ronald Acuña Jr. on Team Morale
“Staying positive and keeping our focus is key. We know we have the talent to succeed.”
Freddie Freeman on Strategy
“We need to adapt our strategies and be ready for anything the opponents throw at us. Every game matters now.”
Conclusion
As September unfolds, the Atlanta Braves must confront various challenges to secure their playoff aspirations. With careful management of injuries, strategic gameplay, and a focus on team chemistry, they can navigate through the chaos and emerge as a strong contender in the postseason. The stakes are high, but the reward of playoff baseball is within their reach!
