Braves Briefing: MLB.com looks ahead to the post-season

The Atlanta Braves are at the top of the MLB sporting an 86-45 record.

In the NL picture, Atlanta and the Los Angeles Dodgers are in a great spot according to MLB.com. As they preview where each team stands regarding the playoff race, here's what they said about the elite two teams in the National League.

The Braves and Dodgers held the top two NL spots last year and have done so in three of the last four seasons prior to this year. This would also mark the sixth straight season where both teams have been in the playoffs. For the Dodgers, this would represent a whopping 11th straight playoff appearance. While both teams are undoubtedly the best in the NL right now, it's a good reminder to look back at the recent playoff history in the senior circuit. Even last year, the 101-win Braves and 111-win Dodgers were sent home in the NLDS.

NL East Standings

Team	Record	GB	Action Today
Atlanta	86-45	-	@ Colorado
Philadelphia	74-58	12.5	Hosts LAA
Miami	66-66	20.5	Hosts TB
Washington	62-71	25.0	@ Toronto
NYM	60-73	27.0	Hosts Texas

We wrote it

Will Moon led our coverage Tuesday night of the Braves 3-1 win against Colorado. He highlighted the relief pitching for Atlanta.

Raisel Iglesias shook off Kyle's best jinxing efforts and delivered yet another no-drama save, needing just 14 pitches to stroll through the heart of the Colorado lineup. Again, this Rockies team can't hit, which is baffling considering who we're talking about, but it's not just the Rockies this 'pen has done this to. Most teams look offensively challenged when they have to deal with the high-leverage Braves relievers. This coming series against the Dodgers in L.A. might challenge that notion, but the Braves' pitching staff (starters and relievers) are in about as good a form as you can hope for heading into the weekend.

Check out his full list of takeaways here.

What's next for the Atlanta Braves

The same two teams will wrap up this series tonight at Coors Field. Last night was the first game between the two clubs that wasn't a total wipeout, with the Braves on the cusp of sweeping the season series against the Rock Show. It's been reported that righty Darius Vines will get the ball for the Braves tomorrow in his major league debut. He's started nine games for three different minor league affiliates this season and has allowed 13 earned runs in 43.1 innings. Opposing him will be southpaw Kyle Freeland, who's 5-13 on the season, with a 5.00 ERA, 5.25 FIP, and 5.13 xFIP. He's been much better than that for most of his career, but it's been a rough 2023 for him (and for the Rockies in general).

First pitch is again scheduled for 8:40 Eastern. The TV broadcast will be on Bally Sports South throughout Braves Country and MLB.tv nationally. The radio call is available in the Atlanta metro area on 680 The Fan, across the Southeast on the Atlanta Braves Radio Network, and nationally on MLB.tv.

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