What happened: Washington enters August with its playoff position and trade-deadline direction linked. The Nationals are scheduled to face the Braves in Atlanta.
Why it matters: Each upcoming result can change the context around Washington's deadline decisions. The unresolved race raises the cost of committing too sharply to either the present or the future.
By the numbers: Washington Nationals 0, Atlanta Braves 0; game not started.
What to watch: Watch the Atlanta game and any shift in Washington's deadline posture.