As the Atlanta Braves opened a three-game series against the Cincinnati Reds on Tuesday, manager Walt Weiss was planning for the final week of the regular season. Atlanta entered Tuesday’s game at 92-64, currently the National League’s No. 3 seed among division winners.

The Braves clinched their seventh division crown in nine seasons on Sunday with a 4-2 win over the Houston Astros, completing a three-game sweep and giving Weiss room to prepare for October without sacrificing the competitive rhythm that carried the club into the postseason.

11Alive News' Reggie Chatman Jr. shared a clip on X, formerly Twitter, of Weiss explaining how his approach will change during the closing stretch of 2026.

“The only thing that will look different is the pitching… I don't believe in taking your foot off the gas for position players”

"The only thing that will look different is the pitching… I don't believe in taking your foot off the gas for position players"

With the #Braves spot in the postseason clinched, manager Walt Weiss is finding a balance between rest and rust ahead of a likely Wild Card Series. pic.twitter.com/OiF03423l7

— Reggie Chatman Jr. (@ReggieChatman) September 22, 2026

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The Braves’ first-year manager is giving Atlanta flexibility with its pitching staff while keeping everyday hitters on their normal routine. The Braves can use the final six games to manage workloads, create extra rest and line up starters for a potential Wild Card Series without asking position players to ease off.

That preparation matters because the Braves currently sit behind the Milwaukee Brewers and the Los Angeles Dodgers in the National League standings. The top two division winners receive first-round byes, while the third division winner enters a best-of-three Wild Card round series.

Atlanta’s return to October marks a statement rebound after a 76-86 finish and missed postseason in 2025. It also gives Weiss the final week to focus on postseason positioning, managing rest and keeping his roster sharp for October baseball.

The Braves will attempt to take advantage of their final six games to keep position players sharp while managing the club's pitching staff and lining up the rotation for the upcoming MLB playoffs.