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Braves reduce magic number to three for potential playoff spot

Yahoo Sports • 1 min read • Latest: Sep 16, 2026, 1:53 PM

Last updated Sep 16, 2026

Braves reduce magic number to three for potential playoff spot

Summary

The Atlanta Braves are positioned to return to the postseason after missing it in 2025. Their magic number has been reduced to three following a recent win against the Chicago Cubs. They have not yet officially secured a playoff berth, but they can clinch it with three victories. Atlanta's potential playoff scenarios could be complicated by unfavorable matchups, particularly against teams they have struggled with historically, such as the Philadelphia Phillies and San Diego Padres. The Braves' best chance to advance would be to secure a higher seed in the National League playoff bracket, potentially gaining a first-round bye.

Source Links

Yahoo Sports

By the Numbers

•Braves have reduced magic number to three for playoffs
•Need three wins to clinch postseason spot
•Potential tough matchups against Phillies or Padres
•Braves have struggled against Padres historically
•Braves could aim for higher seed for first-round bye

Latest Updates

1:53 PMYahoo Sports — Braves' nightmare seeding, matchup scenarios for 2026 MLB Playoffs

What they're saying

"
Here we go again. The Atlanta Braves are once again looking to make some noise in the MLB postseason . After a disastrous 2025 campaign that saw them completely miss the postseason, Atlanta is on track to once again make the postseason. While they haven’t officially claimed a playoff spot yet, their magic number has been reduced to three following […] The post Braves' nightmare seeding, matchup scenarios for 2026 MLB Playoffs appeared first on ClutchPoints.
— Yahoo Sports

Related Teams & Leagues

Atlanta Braves Los Angeles Dodgers Philadelphia Phillies San Diego Padres MLB Baseball