The Braves beat the Cubs 9-5 Friday afternoon in Chicago, clinching a tie for the NL East title, and reducing their magic number to win the division to 1 game.

The Braves will now wait out tonight's game between the Nationals and the Marlins at 7:05 p.m. A loss by Washington would assure Atlanta of sole possession of the East title.

The Braves got a boost Friday from the return of outfielder Jason Heyward.

Thirty days after having his jaw broken by a fastball, the Braves activated Heyward and inserted him in the lineup in center field and the leadoff spot for Friday afternoon’s series opener against the Cubs at Wrigley Field.

“I’m just really excited and happy to back on the field again,” he said Friday morning. “I know I’ll be better than I will be today in five days, but you have to start the process somewhere, and I’m happy to start it this soon.”

About the Author

Keep Reading

Atlanta Dream guard Rhyne Howard (10) dribbles against Indiana Fever guard Odyssey Sims (1) during the first half of a WNBA first-round playoff game at Gateway Center Arena on Thursday, Sept. 18, 2024, in Atlanta.  (Miguel Martinez/ AJC)

Credit: Miguel Martinez-Jimenez

Featured

Julian Conley listens during opening statements in his trial at Fulton County Superior Court in Atlanta on Wednesday, Sept. 17, 2025. The 25-year-old is accused of fatally shooting 8-year-old Secoriea Turner in July 2020. (Abbey Cutrer/AJC)

Credit: abbey.cutrer@ajc.com