MLB Playoffs 2011: Why Atlanta Braves Could Miss Postseason

The Atlanta Braves seemed to have a secure hold on the National League Wild Card heading into September. A three-game series with the St. Louis Cardinals may have changed that.

The Braves rolled into September with an 8.5-game lead over second-place St. Louis. Yet after being swept by the Cardinals and the Philadelphia Phillies within the first two weeks of the month, their lead is now down to 4.5.

With just 14 games left, Atlanta will have to hold it together the rest of the way. Some fans believe there's nothing to worry about. Others aren't so sure. Should they be worried?

1) Poor September

The Braves have had a dismal September so far. After 13 games, they are 4-9 on the month, and as mentioned previously have been swept twice.

They are currently on a four-game losing streak. What really hurts is that each game has been decided by just one run, and two have been lost in extra innings.

Derek Lowe and Tim Hudson have both lost their last two starts. If the Braves are going to have a chance in the playoffs, or even make them, their pitching veterans will have to step up. 

2) Schedule

The good news: The Braves have a winning record against three of their four remaining opponents in the season.

The bad news: They end the regular season with a three-games series against the Philadelphia Phillies.

St. Louis ends the year with three games at home against the Chicago Cubs and then a three-game road series at the Houston Astros. The Cardinals are 8-4 against both of these teams this season.

Atlanta is 6-9 against Philly this year. Hopefully it won't come down to the final series, but if it does, the Braves may be in hot water.

3) Injuries

We all know the Braves have been dealing with injuries lately. If anything keeps them out of the playoffs, this factor will be it.

Tommy Hanson and Jair Jurrjens led Atlanta to a great start in the first half of the season. The second half has been a different story.

Hanson and Jurrjens have both dealt with injuries and tried to pitch through them at times. Their stats have been in sharp decline after the All-Star break. 

Hanson is scheduled for another bullpen session tomorrow, but Jurrjens has yet to even pitch off a mound. If they do see anymore regular-season action it will be in late September. Atlanta just hopes they can be ready for the playoffs.

Freddie Freeman and Alex Gonzalez have dealt with ailments recently, among several other Braves. This team can't afford to have anyone else go down.

Outlook

Most of us expect Atlanta to make it to October. Yes, they are in jeopardy of missing out right now, but they still have a decent lead for the number of games that are left.

If you live in Atlanta, just listen to Leo Mazzone. Every day on the radio, Mazzone shows no fear of this team losing its lead in the wild-card race, and he's been there plenty of times.

So have some faith Braves fans; that's about all you can do right now.