So what’s flawed for the Braves (60-54), who’re a half-game behind the New York Mets in the wild-card race coming into play Friday?
Accidents have rocked Atlanta this season. In mid-April, stellar right-hander Spencer Strider had surgical procedure to restore his UCL, ending his season. Close to the tip of Might, star proper fielder Ronald Acuna Jr. suffered a torn ACL, ending his season.
However the main share of the blame for the Braves’ subpar season lies with the offense.
In 2023, Braves led the majors in batting (.276) and on-base share (.344). This 12 months, they rank nineteenth in common (.239) and twenty fourth in OBP (.303).
Final season, first baseman Matt Olson hit 54 house runs and had 139 RBI. This season, Olson solely has 18 house runs with 54 RBI, an enormous drop-off for a participant who was a primary MVP candidate in 2023.
In the meantime, third baseman Austin Riley (17 HR, .266 BA), who gained the Silver Slugger final season as the most effective offensive participant at his place, is enjoying far under his regular type.
Regardless of the lack of Strider and accidents to Max Fried and Reynaldo Lopez, the Braves have pitched nicely this season. Particularly, starter Chris Sale (13-3 with a 2.75 ERA ), a number one contender for the Cy Younger, has shined.
Additionally on the plus facet, middle fielder Michael Harris II (hamstring), second baseman Ozzie Albies (wrist) and beginning pitcher Reynaldo Lopez (forearm irritation) are purported to return from accidents earlier than the tip of the common season. Of the three, Albies is anticipated to be out longest, with a return slated for September, per MLB.com.
However with solely 48 video games remaining, the Braves should get wholesome rapidly and hit higher, or their streak of six consecutive journeys to the postseason could also be in jeopardy.
