The Atlanta Braves currently have the third-best record in the National League and hold the No. 3 seed.
If the standings hold as they are, the Braves would have to travel to Los Angeles for the National League Division Series if they win a best-of-three wild-card series against whoever the final team to make the postseason is in the National League. However, the Braves are not a lock to be a top-three seed.
The Phillies are just 3 /12 games back of the division lead, and after dropping two of three to the Milwaukee Brewers, the Atlanta Braves cannot afford a sweep to the Los Angeles Dodgers this week.
The Braves and Dodgers matchup has the potential to shake up the entire National League. If the Dodgers win the series, it really puts the Phillies in prime position to win the division with seven games against the Braves remaining. It would also essentially lock the Dodgers in as a top-two seed, barring a disaster to close out the season.
Additionally, the Dodgers are trying to pass the Milwaukee Brewers for the No. 1 seed. The Brewers will play the Mets while the Dodgers play the Braves. The Brewers will be rooting for the Braves big time this week, hoping to widen the gap for the No. 1 seed.
If the Braves win the series, it will put them back in the race to secure a bye. A sweep would really have them in a great spot. The Braves will face the Colorado Rockies after the Dodgers, while the Dodgers face the Detroit Tigers.
The Braves and Dodgers are both seen as contenders, and this series could end up being pivotal to the standings at the end of the year. The Braves have a 2-1 lead over the Dodgers in the season series, and securing the tiebreaker could become very useful. It could be the difference between a bye and having to play in the wild card.
For the Dodgers, a series win could help the Phillies win the division, putting the dangerous Braves on the other side of the National League bracket.