Braves eye NL East clinch as Phillies stay hot in September stretch

The Braves enter September with a five-game NL East lead and momentum from a seven-game winning streak, primed for a brutal stretch that includes seven division games against the Phillies. Projection analyses suggest the Braves could go 14-10 in September, potentially reaching 97 wins and securing a first-round playoff bye if they hold off the Phillies' surge. Across MLB, the wild-card races intensify as the American League pursues multiple contenders within two games of a spot and the National League battles for the final berth, led by Cubs and Phillies at the top. FanGraphs and other projections show ongoing dynamism in both leagues, with teams like the Rays, Dodgers, Guardians, and Astros all shaping the playoff picture as September unfolds. Multiple marquee matchups and storylines—such as Braves hosting the Giants, Phillies' recent hot streak, and Cubs’ milestone celebrations—underscore the high stakes of the final stretch. As the season nears its end, every game carries postseason implications and momentum becomes a defining factor in who records a bye and who fights for a wild-card spot.