Braves Close Regular Season at Truist Park With Mahle on the Mound

It’s hard to believe, but today marks the final home game of the regular season for the Atlanta Braves. Where does the time go? After 81 games at Truist Park, the Braves will wrap up their home slate Thursday night against the Cincinnati Reds, with first pitch set for 7:15 p.m. ET and the game broadcast nationally on Fox Sports 1.

Tyler Mahle’s Remarkable Second Act

For Atlanta, it will be trade deadline acquisition Tyler Mahle who makes his final tune-up start of the season before presumably pitching Game 2 of the National League Wild Card Round next week. Since arriving from the Texas Rangers in early August, Mahle has been nothing short of spectacular.

In eight starts as a Brave, the veteran right-hander owns a 1.28 ERA, a 2.85 FIP, and a 3.27 xFIP across 49 innings. He’s struck out 44 batters against just seven walks, and he’s kept the ball in the park — only four home runs allowed since joining the club. His command and ability to work the strike zone have stabilized a rotation that needed a reliable veteran presence down the stretch.

Mahle’s excellence didn’t start with the trade. Since returning from injury on June 24, he has posted a 2.37 ERA, 3.19 FIP, and 3.60 xFIP over 15 starts. As a pending free agent, the 29-year-old has almost certainly increased his market value significantly over the past three months. Whether his future includes a return to Atlanta remains an open question, but the Braves have to be thrilled with what they’ve received for a relatively modest trade cost.

Brady Singer’s Nightmare Season

The Reds will counter with Brady Singer, who has endured a disastrous 2024 campaign. The 30-year-old righty enters with career-worst numbers across the board: a 5.67 ERA, 5.55 FIP, and 4.67 xFIP over 154 innings. His primary bugaboo has been the home run ball — an astounding 31 long balls surrendered, the most in the National League and among the highest totals in baseball.

Singer’s struggles with the long ball have been exacerbated by a decline in fastball velocity and command, leaving him vulnerable to a Braves lineup that, despite recent quietude, possesses significant power potential. Cincinnati’s defense behind him has also been below average, offering little margin for error.

Braves Bats Searching for Life

Atlanta’s offense has been surprisingly lifeless in this series so far. After ranking among the league’s best in runs scored for much of the season, the Braves have managed just a handful of runs over the first two games against Cincinnati. Key contributors like Ronald Acuña Jr., Matt Olson, and Marcell Ozuna have struggled to find consistent rhythm in September.

Facing a pitcher as homer-prone as Singer represents a prime opportunity to break out. The Braves hit 235 home runs as a team entering play Thursday, third in the NL. If there’s a night for the power to return, a matchup against a right-hander who serves up 1.8 HR/9 is it.

Playoff Positioning and Wild Card Preview

Atlanta entered Thursday locked into the NL’s top wild card slot, meaning they’ll host the Wild Card Series at Truist Park beginning Tuesday, October 1. Their opponent will be the winner of the other wild card matchup — likely the New York Mets, San Diego Padres, or Arizona Diamondbacks.

With Chris Sale lined up for Game 1 on full rest, Mahle’s start tonight serves as his final regular-season audition for the Game 2 assignment. A strong outing would effectively cement the Braves’ playoff rotation order. The bullpen, anchored by closer Raisel Iglesias and setup men A.J. Minter and Pierce Johnson, has been a strength all season and should be well-rested for October.

How to Watch and Listen

Thursday’s game will be available on Fox Sports 1 nationally, with local coverage on Bally Sports Southeast and Bally Sports South. Radio listeners can tune in to the Braves Radio Network flagship 680 AM / 93.7 FM The Fan in Atlanta, with Ben Ingram and Joe Simpson on the call.

For streaming, the game is accessible via the Fox Sports app with a cable login, as well as through MLB.tv for out-of-market subscribers (subject to blackout restrictions). First pitch is scheduled for 7:15 p.m. Eastern.

A Fitting Send-Off Before October

As the regular season draws to a close, tonight offers the Braves a chance to send their home fans off on a high note before the real games begin. Mahle vs. Singer presents a stark contrast on paper — one of the game’s hottest pitchers against one of its most hittable — but baseball has a way of defying expectations.

If the offense wakes up and Mahle continues his dominance, Atlanta heads into the postseason with momentum and confidence. If not, questions about the lineup’s readiness for October will linger. Either way, the stage is set at Truist Park for one last regular-season night under the lights.

Sports, News, Entertainment, Atlanta Braves, Cincinnati Reds, MLB, NL Wild Card, Tyler Mahle, Brady Singer, Truist Park, Baseball Playoffs, MLB Trade Deadline, Free Agency, Chris Sale, Ronald Acuña Jr., Matt Olson, Marcell Ozuna, Raisel Iglesias, Fox Sports 1, Bally Sports Southeast, MLB.tv