Braves mathematically eliminated from playoff contention

The Atlanta Braves have been mathematically eliminated from postseason play after falling to the Mets, 10-2, Sunday, coupled with the Pirates defeating the Brewers.

The Braves entered Sunday with a slim shot of rallying for a wild card berth but have been out of contention -- both mathematically and otherwise -- in the NL East for several weeks. Their division hopes officially ended with the loss to the first-place Washington Nationals on Sept. 15.

Atlanta experienced a rapid drop-off that saw them go 17-28 between July 29 and Sept. 16. The team navigated through multiple injuries to its starting rotation and bullpen to post a 54-44 record through 96 games, good enough for a share of the division lead on July 20. Strong pitching was the main reason; the Braves' 108 ERA+ ranks second behind only the Nationals (124) and the team benefited from the breakout campaigns of fellow 23-year-olds Julio Teheran and Alex Wood.

The Braves' big problem was offense. Andrelton Simmons, Chris Johnson and B.J. Upton all received significant playing time despite posting on-base percentages under .300. That contributed to the team getting well-below-average production from its second basemen, shortstops, third basemen and center fielders.

While the Braves have to be disappointed by missing the playoffs for the first time since 2011, they should see the returns of key contributors Brandon Beachy, Kris Medlen, Jonny Venters and possibly Gavin Floyd next season. The team also has the means to fill the holes necessary for a return to contention. Still, having to wait a year is a tough pill to swallow for a team that could finish with a losing record for the first time since 2008.