How Braves can still play their way into a home playoff series

Don’t give up on the 2024 season yet, Braves fans.

It is no secret that the Atlanta Braves have struggled offensively this season, due largely to several injuries key players have sustained. Despite all of the injuries and offensive woes, the Braves could still punch a ticket into the playoffs, and could even still host a home playoff series.

After the Braves’ 12-run onslaught versus the Washington Nationals Tuesday night, Atlanta woke up to find itself tied with the New York Mets for the third National League Wild Card spot with three games left versus that very team. On top of that, the Mets still have seven games left versus the first place Phillies before the end of the season.

But beating out the Mets for the third Wild Card spot is not what should be talked about, a playoff series at home is.

The San Diego Padres currently hold the top Wild Card spot, but are only up 3.5 games on the Braves, which is not in any way unsurmountable. After the Braves play the Dodgers at home, they go on the road to play Cincinnati Reds and Miami Marlins, both very beatable teams. The Padres also play the Dodgers before the month is out, but also play series against the Arizona Diamondbacks and Houston Astros, both teams vying for playoff contention themselves.

It has been a tough season full of many obstacles to overcome, but if there is one thing that we all know about this Atlanta Braves team, is they are resilient.