Atlanta Braves @ Philadelphia Phillies September 4th-7th
The recent slide from the Braves has opened the door back up for the Phillies in the National League East. Atlanta badly needs to at least split this series to hold serve and show that Philadelphia isn't going to be able to take advantage of the team's remaining question marks in the rotation. So much about this series is going to set the tone for the final month and give the Braves either the confidence to finish off the division or show that the door remains open.
Philadelphia unquestionably has this series circled, understanding that over the course of four days, the division picture could be completely flipped. The Braves must understand this and cannot offer confidence to a team that has had their number in recent postseason matchups.
Tampa Bay Rays @ Atlanta Braves September 8th-10th
Right on the heels of the Philly series, the Braves will return to Atlanta and welcome the American League's top contender. While the expectation remains that the eventual World Series champion will emerge from a heavier NL, there is every reason to view this series as a measuring stick for the Braves, and that is especially the case after what should be an emotional road series against the Phillies.
This will be a chance to see how the Braves can quickly pivot no matter how the matchup goes and focus on the next task. Having two such tough rosters scheduled back-to-back this late in the season as close as you can come to simulating postseason play and gives the Braves a chance to bolster confidence.
Atlanta Braves @ Miami Marlins September 25th-27th
The final series of the year shouldn't offer much drama in the way of a division that should be decided after seven September matchups with Philadelphia. However, it will be interesting to watch how aggressive the Braves are in chasing one of the league's top two seeds if this race is still being decided. It should also be noted that this will tell us a lot about how the Braves view the rotation heading into the postseason.
Which pitchers are used to eat final innings will set the stage for who the Braves are going to give a chance in the postseason, with Chris Sale being the only starter whose October role appears to be cemented into place.
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