So what’s wrong for the Braves (60-54), who are a half-game behind the New York Mets in the wild-card race entering play Friday?
Injuries have rocked Atlanta this season. In mid-April, stellar right-hander Spencer Strider had surgery to repair his UCL, ending his season. Near the end of May, star right fielder Ronald Acuna Jr. suffered a torn ACL, ending his season.
But the major 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 percentage (.344). This year, they rank 19th in average (.239) and 24th in OBP (.303).
Last season, first baseman Matt Olson hit 54 home runs and had 139 RBI. This season, Olson only has 18 home runs with 54 RBI, a huge drop-off for a player who was a prime MVP candidate in 2023.
Meanwhile, third baseman Austin Riley (17 HR, .266 BA), who won the Silver Slugger last season as the best offensive player at his position, is playing far below his normal form.
Despite the loss of Strider and injuries to Max Fried and Reynaldo Lopez, the Braves have pitched well this season. In particular, starter Chris Sale (13-3 with a 2.75 ERA ), a leading contender for the Cy Young, has shined.
Also on the plus side, center fielder Michael Harris II (hamstring), second baseman Ozzie Albies (wrist) and starting pitcher Reynaldo Lopez (forearm inflammation) are supposed to return from injuries before the end of the regular season. Of the three, Albies is expected to be out longest, with a return slated for September, per MLB.com.
But with only 48 games remaining, the Braves must get healthy quickly and hit better, or their streak of six consecutive trips to the postseason may be in jeopardy.
