Braves magic number: What do the Atlanta Braves need to win NL East?
The Atlanta Braves hold a lead over the Philadelphia Phillies for the National League East, but have not clinched the division yet.
As of September 12, 2026, the Atlanta Braves are leading the National League East standings by 4.5 games over the Philadelphia Phillies. The Braves maintain a magic number of seven to clinch the division title. On Monday, the Braves fell to the Chicago Cubs while the Phillies took the day off, which kept their magic number at seven.
With two series remaining against the Cubs, Houston Astros, Cincinnati Reds, and Miami Marlins, and another set coming up against the Washington Nationals, New York Mets, Milwaukee Brewers, and Tampa Bay Rays, the Braves can reduce their magic number with each victory. Conversely, the Phillies' losses will also decrease the Braves' magic number by one.
The Braves hold the tiebreaker over the Phillies if both teams end up tied at the end of the season.
Written by urgent.news from Yahoo Sports's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
