The Atlanta Braves are hitting the road one last time this season, and the stakes couldn’t be lower.
Starting Monday night, the Braves head to Washington for a four-game, three-day series against the Nationals, kicking off a forgettable stretch of baseball that feels more like a formality than a fight.
Tuesday will feature a doubleheader to make up for a May 21 rainout, but don’t expect fireworks. These are two of the worst teams in the National League, and depending on how this week goes, Atlanta could actually finish below Washington in the standings.
Are the Braves the Worst Team in the NL East?
It still sounds bizarre to say, but the Braves have collapsed into the NL’s basement. What was once one of the league’s most consistent franchises is now limping through September, playing out the string with nothing but pride on the line — and even that feels like a stretch. While the Nationals have been mired in mediocrity all year, Atlanta’s freefall has been just as stunning as it has been frustrating.
The series does mark Roberto Clemente Day across baseball, and that may be the most meaningful headline in a matchup that otherwise screams “why bother?” Unless you’re a diehard, there’s little reason to stay glued to this series beyond watching for signs of life from next year’s hopeful contributors.
After wrapping things up in D.C., the Braves will travel to Detroit for a weekend series with the Tigers before returning to Atlanta for their final two games of 2025.
Here’s how the schedule shakes out in Washington:
- Monday, Sept. 15 – 6:45 PM EDT
- Tuesday, Sept. 16 – Game 1 at 1:05 PM EST, Game 2 at 6:45 PM EDT
- Wednesday, Sept. 17 – 4:05 PM EDT
Where to Watch:
- Monday: FanDuel Sports Network South & Southeast, Gray TV
- Tuesday: Game 1 on FanDuel Sports Network + MLB Network (out-of-market); Game 2 on FanDuel South & Southeast
- Wednesday: FanDuel South & Southeast
Fans can also listen via the Braves Radio Network or stream through MLB.tv (blackout restrictions apply) and FanDuel Sports Network (regional restrictions apply).
With only seven games left against the Nationals this season, Atlanta’s best-case scenario might just be playing spoiler.
