The Braves are back in October, looking to knock off the back-to-back champs.
The Atlanta Braves have done it. After missing the MLB playoffs last season, finishing fourth in the National League East division and 20 games out of first place, Atlanta has punched its ticket back to October. As many people felt entering the season, this resurgence proves that last year was the exception.
Dealing with multiple injuries to key players, Atlanta broke its streak of seven straight appearances in the playoffs. This, of course, includes the 2021 World Series championship team, which has a lot of similarities to this year's group.
Making some moves at the deadline, Atlanta brought in reinforcements around a core that is led by Ronald Acuña Jr. and Matt Olson, who both homered in Friday night's clincher. Acuña has missed time this season, appearing in just 101 games so far, but he remains one of the league's most complete players when healthy.
Olson has continued his Iron Man streak, appearing in every game this season, along with switch-hitting second baseman Ozzie Albies, who has done the same. Those two have been steady contributors, but another step forward from 25-year-old catcher Drake Baldwin, paired with a big season from fellow 25-year-old Michael Harris II, has given the Braves the top-end talent needed to pace their division for most of this season.
On the pitching side, 37-year-old left-hander Chris Sale continues to be ageless, turning in another Cy Young-caliber season with a 2.18 ERA in 157 innings pitched. He has also punched out 190 batters, walking just 31.
There have been some question marks behind him in the rotation, but Atlanta has gotten enough from arms like Martín Pérez, Grant Holmes, and others. The bullpen has been solid as well, bolstered by veteran closer Raisel Iglesias, who has 33 saves in 56 innings pitched to the tune of a 2.73 ERA.
With the Dodgers dealing with injuries, it feels like this could be a year where the National League is more open than it has been in recent seasons. This is why many were frustrated that Atlanta didn't get even more aggressive than it did at the deadline, but this group seems to have what it takes to make noise in October.
It will be a fun celebration Friday night in Houston, as Atlanta has punched a much-earned ticket back to the playoffs. After that, it becomes about seeding and carrying as much momentum as possible into the games that matter most.
