Atlanta Braves' playoff push nothing short of miraculous

In any given year, it is virtually a guarantee that the Atlanta Braves will be in the postseason.

The Braves have made the playoffs in all but eight seasons since 1991, excluding the strike-shortened 1994 season. While this has only resulted in a pair of World Series titles, the Braves have 21 division titles and have dominated the NL East. A wild-card spot may be somewhat disappointing, but anything can happen in October.

What is miraculous is that the Braves are even in a position to reach the postseason. Atlanta has had its Opening Day lineup on the diamond at the same time exactly once this season — on Opening Day. Fifty-two different players have appeared in at least one game for the Braves this season, including 27 different pitchers. Even when a player returns from the Injured List , as pitcher Reynaldo Lopez did on Monday, another player takes his place. This time, third baseman Austin Riley was sidelined with a fractured right hand.

The Braves IL is filled with key players on the roster. Spencer Strider lasted only nine innings before being lost for the year and undergoing surgery to repair the UCL in his right elbow. Outfielder Ronald Acuna tore his ACL , sidelining him for the rest of the year. Other key players such as second baseman Ozzie Albies, center fielder Michael Harris II and catcher Sean Murphy have missed significant time.

And yet, the Braves have a 66-58 record heading into Tuesday, holding on to the final wild-card spot and within striking distance of the division-leading Phillies. The Braves still have an 81.1 percent chance to reach the postseason and a 7.5 percent chance of winning the World Series, per FanGraphs .

So in all likelihood, despite the odds, the Braves' run of playoff appearances is not coming to an end.