Braves can clinch postseason berth with win over Astros or D-backs loss
Yahoo Sports • 1 min read • Latest: Sep 18, 2026, 4:37 PM
Last updated Sep 18, 2026

The Atlanta Braves aim to secure a postseason berth tonight, September 18, against the Houston Astros. They qualify for the playoffs with either a win or a loss by the Arizona Diamondbacks, marking their first postseason appearance since 2024. While they lead the division, the magic number remains at five after the Philadelphia Phillies' recent victory over the New York Mets. Atlanta is looking to clinch the division at home next week, potentially against the Cincinnati Reds if scenario plays out favorably. This anticipated clinch would allow the Braves to shift focus to the upcoming Wild Card round.
- •Braves face Astros in crucial game on September 18.
- •Atlanta can clinch postseason with win or D-backs loss.
- •Magic number for division title is currently at five.
- •Phillies beat Mets, impacting Braves' division standings.
- •Potential division clinch could happen against Reds next week.
- 4:37 PMYahoo Sports — A quick look at the Postseason picture for the Braves
"The quicker the Braves wrap this division up, the better.
Sources
External linksOriginal reporting and copyright belong to the linked sources. SportsNewsReport.com aggregates and links — it does not republish full articles.
Related Stories
Last 14 days
MLB•Sep 18, 2026, 5:54 PMRangers news: Jack Leiter hoping to return from injury for playoff push- MLB•Sep 18, 2026, 5:39 PMBlue Jays have shown 'no signs' of offensive turnaround before postseason
MLB•Sep 18, 2026, 5:36 PMBrewers Magic Number: What Needs To Happen To Lock Up Bye, No. 1 Seed?- MLB•Sep 18, 2026, 5:29 PMWhat channel is Brewers vs Orioles on tonight? Time, TV, streaming
- MLB•Sep 18, 2026, 5:24 PMWhy Astros are quietly dangerous in American League pennant race
MLB•Sep 18, 2026, 5:24 PMPhillies news: Philadelphia pitcher dealt injury blow before postseason
