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3 reasons the Atlanta Braves can’t afford to lose the NL East

By Kevin Henry

Sep 3, 2022; Cumberland, Georgia, USA; Atlanta Braves center fielder Michael Harris II (23) reacts after hitting a double against the Miami Marlins in the second inning at Truist Park. Mandatory Credit: Larry Robinson-USA TODAY Sports
Sep 3, 2022; Cumberland, Georgia, USA; Atlanta Braves center fielder Michael Harris II (23) reacts after hitting a double against the Miami Marlins in the second inning at Truist Park. Mandatory Credit: Larry Robinson-USA TODAY Sports /
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MLB Power Rankings
SAN FRANCISCO, CALIFORNIA – SEPTEMBER 17: Max Muncy #13 and Freddie Freeman #5 of the Los Angeles Dodgers celebrate after a win against the San Francisco Giants at Oracle Park on September 17, 2022 in San Francisco, California. (Photo by Lachlan Cunningham/Getty Images) /

Why Braves must win NL East: Avoid the Dodgers early

While both the Braves and Mets have put together strong seasons, the juggernaut of the National League appears to be the Los Angeles Dodgers, sitting as the top seed of the NL side of the postseason bracket.

One of only two teams to win more than 100 games so far this season (with the American League’s Houston Astros being the other), the Dodgers entered Monday’s off day with the most runs scored in MLB this season (812) as well as the fewest runs allowed (490). On paper, Los Angeles is a team that looks to be one of the greatest threats to keep the Braves from repeating as World Champions.

The bracket is simple: Win the NL East and the Braves avoid the Dodgers until the NLCS. Lose the NL East and the Braves not only have to likely use their top pitchers to get through the Wild Card round, but then also face the Dodgers one round earlier (without home field advantage).

No matter how you slice it, avoiding the top seed as long as possible (as well as all of the Freddie Freeman storylines as well) would be a very good thing for the Braves.

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