Braves magic number: Where things stand in NL East (UPDATED)

While both teams are nearly guaranteed to make the postseason, the Braves and Mets are jostling for positioning in the NL East.

The Braves avoided defeat on Friday night against the Philadelphia Phillies, but face tougher tests ahead before the end of the season. That will include a series against the division rival New York Mets, which could very well determine which team wins the NL East.

Ozzie Albies returned for Atlanta on Friday, and Ronald Acuña is playing up to his standard. Acuña praised the postseason atmosphere at Truist Park, which should only improve as the season goes along.

“That’s the thing I love most about playing my best, the fans and their reaction, I feel like it’s really a motivator,” Acuña said, via the AJC. “Your play on the field can garner that kind of reaction from fans, to me that’s the best.”

MLB magic number: What is it?

The following, per FanSided’s Noah Yingling, explains a magic number perfectly:

“Each MLB team has a “magic number” for the playoffs. It is the number of games needed until a team clinches a playoff spot or their division. For each win the team has, one number is knocked off. For each loss that their opponent in the Wild Card and/or division has, one number is also knocked off.”

What is the Braves magic number?

Atlanta only has one magic number at the moment, as they trail the Mets by one game in the NL East.

• Braves magic number to make the playoffs: 7
• Braves magic number to win NL East is not in play, as they face a deficit.

The Braves finish up the season with six straight series against NL East competition. This includes a three-game set against the Mets from Sept. 30 – Oct. 2. We’ll all be watching.