Ozzie Albies and Manny Machado lead Braves, Padres into important series

Two National League contenders start a big series on Monday in San Diego.

It will be the first meeting of 2026 between the two clubs, both of whom are in the NL playoff mix. The Braves’ 48-28 (.632) record is the best in MLB, while the Padres are a half-game out of the NL’s third and final Wild Card berth at 39-37 (.513).

Atlanta possesses one of MLB’s best offenses, tied for sixth in the Majors in OPS (.738) and sixth in batting average (.253). Even with Ronald Acuña Jr. (left hamstring strain) on the injured list, the Braves have a number of big bats, including center fielder Michael Harris II, first baseman Matt Olson and catcher Drake Baldwin, the 2025 NL Rookie of the Year.

San Diego hasn’t announced a starter for Monday’s series opener, but behind whoever it is, their potent bullpen will be looming. Closer Mason Miller, whom the Padres acquired in a 2025 trade with the Athletics, has been incredible with a 0.87 ERA, 20 saves and 61 strikeouts in just 31 innings, while the Padres’ ’pen also features talented arms such as Adrian Morejon, Jason Adam, Wandy Peralta and Yuki Matsui.