This is what the season has built toward.

The Braves host the Phillies for a three-game series beginning Tuesday that will determine the National League East winner. The Braves, vying for their fourth consecutive division title, enter the day 2-1/2 games ahead of the Phillies, who are aiming for their first postseason berth since 2011. | Braves magic number

Charlie Morton (13-6, 3.53) will start the series opener for the Braves against Phillies ace Zack Wheeler (14-9, 2.79).

Left-hander Max Fried (13-7, 3.12), who pitched his second career shutout over the weekend, will oppose right-hander Aaron Nola (9-8, 4.64) in the second game. The finale will feature Braves youngster Ian Anderson (8-5, 3.60) versus veteran righty Kyle Gibson (10-8, 3.51), who joined the Phillies at the trade deadline.

The only path for the Braves clinching the NL East against the Phillies is through sweeping the series. Even if the Braves take two of three, the Phillies would be mathematically alive and the Braves would try to clinch during their finale series this weekend against the Mets. The Braves could potentially have to play a makeup game against the Rockies on Oct. 4 if necessary (if the division is separated by a half-game).

Braves Lineup: The AJC presents a daily look at one thing to know about the Atlanta Braves today.

About the Author

Keep Reading

Atlanta Braves pitcher Spencer Schwellenbach (56) delivers in the seventh inning of a baseball game against the Philadelphia Phillies, Saturday, June 28, 2025, in Atlanta. (AP Photo/Colin Hubbard)

Credit: AP

Featured

The city of Brookhaven's mayor and City Council last week decided to remove the colored panes of glass from the dome of Brookhaven's new City Centre after residents objected to the brightness of the colors, seen here Friday, June 27, 2025. (Reed Williams/AJC)

Credit: Reed Williams/AJC