Braves 2023 postseason FAQ

ATLANTA -- The Braves could celebrate a sixth straight National League East title within the next few days. But they have already guaranteed themselves yet another trip to the postseason.

Two years after winning the World Series as underdogs, the Braves enter this year’s playoffs as the favorites to win the Fall Classic. They were the first team to reserve a spot in this year’s postseason.

“Obviously, we're very grateful to have the opportunity to continue playing in the postseason,” Ronald Acuña Jr. said through an interpreter. “We want to win some games and hopefully win the World Series.”

Armed with one of the most powerful offenses MLB has ever seen, the Braves spent most of this season’s final four months with a comfortable lead atop the NL East standings.

What could the postseason roster look like?
C: Sean Murphy, Travis d’Arnaud
1B: Matt Olson
2B: Ozzie Albies
SS: Orlando Arcia
3B: Austin Riley
LF: Eddie Rosario
CF: Michael Harris
RF: Ronald Acuña Jr.
DH: Marcell Ozuna
Bench: INF Nicky Lopez, OF Kevin Pillar, OF Forrest Wall
SP: Max Fried
SP: Spencer Strider
SP: Charlie Morton
SP: Bryce Elder
RP: Raisel Iglesias
RP: A.J. Minter
RP: Joe Jimenez
RP: Pierce Johnson
RP: Dylan Lee
RP: Kyle Wright
RP: Kirby Yates
RP: Michael Tonkin
RP: Jesse Chavez

What will be some of the toughest roster decisions?
Wright (right shoulder inflammation) has been on the injured list since early May, but should have time to make at least three starts before the end of the season. Chavez (fractured shin) has been sidelined since June, but might be nearing the start of a rehab appearance.

Wright could be the multi-inning option that Collin McHugh was most of this year. If Chavez isn’t ready, the Braves could choose to carry left-hander Brad Hand.

Who will have home-field advantage?
The opponent with the best regular-season record (by win percentage) will have home-field advantage in every round through the World Series.

The Braves have a 2 1/2-game lead over the Orioles in the battle for MLB’s best record. They are six games ahead of the Dodgers in the race for the NL’s best record.

Who are the potential opponents for the NL Division Series?
Barring what would be a significant collapse, the Braves will win the NL East and finish with one of the NL’s top two records. This would reserve them a spot in the NL Division Series, during which they would play a team that advances from the Wild Card round.

If the Braves keep the top seed, they will play the winner of the WC series that will pit the No. 4 seed vs. the No. 5 seed. This would currently be the Phillies against the Cubs.

What is the remaining schedule?
The Braves’ magic number for clinching a division title is six. Any combination of Braves wins and Phillies losses adding up to six will end the NL East race.

The Braves will begin a four-game series in Philadelphia on Monday. If they win three against the Phillies, the race would be over before Atlanta begins a three-game series in Miami on Friday.

After the quick trip to Miami, the Braves will host the Phillies and then head to Nationals Park for a four-game series. They will conclude the regular season with three-game sets against the Cubs and Nationals at Truist Park.

Even after clinching the division, the Braves will be fighting to maintain home-field advantage throughout the playoffs.

What is the Braves’ recent postseason history?
2018 -- Lost to Dodgers 3-1 in NL Division Series
2019 -- Lost to Cardinals 3-2 in NLDS
2020 -- Beat Reds 2-0 in Wild Card Series, beat Marlins 3-0 in NLDS, lost to Dodgers 4-3 in NL Championship Series
2021 -- Beat Brewers 3-1 in NLDS, beat Dodgers 4-2 in NLCS, beat Astros 4-2 in World Series
2022 -- Lost to Phillies 3-1 in NLDS