Atlanta is back in: eight playoff berths in nine years.

Atlanta secured its eighth postseason berth in nine years with a 6–2 victory over Houston on September 18, according to the Associated Press. The Atlanta Journal-Constitution describes the result as a return to the playoffs after a one-year absence.

What is settled—and what is not

Atlanta has secured October baseball, not a National League East title or a particular seed. The opponent and route through the bracket remain to be settled. For a club returning after a year away, qualification is still a substantial piece of business completed.

Mets fans now have a familiar division rival assured of a postseason place. Atlanta’s clinch does not determine New York’s own position; the division and wild-card races still need to be read separately.

Eight berths in nine years gives the return some perspective. A postseason appearance can become an expectation without becoming automatic. Atlanta has cleared that hurdle again. The remaining race will decide where it starts.