Despite their impressive 36-30 record, the Atlanta Braves have experienced a series of ups and downs this season.
While the Braves have shown flashes of brilliance, there are notable areas of concern, particularly in their offense and starting rotation.
Offensive Struggles
The Braves’ offensive output has been inconsistent, marked by a solid 6.3% barrels per plate appearance (Brls/PA%) that ranks them fourth in the MLB.
Despite this, they average only 4.32 runs per game, placing them 16th in the league. This discrepancy is partly due to their on-base percentage (OBP) of .309, which also ranks 16th, highlighting their struggles to consistently get on base.
Additionally, the Braves leave an average of 14.65 runners on base per game, ranking 21st in the league. Their high strikeout rate, averaging 8.66 strikeouts per game, positions them 20th in the MLB.
These statistics underscore the Braves’ difficulty in capitalizing on scoring opportunities, which has significantly impacted their overall performance.
Pitching Positives and Challenges
On the pitching front, the Braves have shown both promise and areas needing improvement.
The starting rotation, particularly Max Fried, Chris Sale, and Reynaldo Lopez, has been a bright spot. Fried boasts a 3.20 ERA with a 6-3 record, Sale holds a 3.01 ERA with an 8-2 record, and Lopez impresses with a 1.69 ERA.
When these pitchers are on the mound, the Braves tend to win more games, partly due to their ability to pitch deep into games and lessen the bullpen’s burden.
However, the Braves have faced challenges with their fifth starter and the bullpen’s consistency, exacerbated by injuries to key relievers. The bullpen’s struggles have been a significant factor in the team’s inability to maintain a winning streak when the main starters are not pitching.
Looking Forward
Despite these issues, the Braves’ overall pitching staff has a commendable 3.69 ERA, ranking 8th in MLB and showing improvement over last year’s 4.14 ERA.
The potential return of Ronald Acuna Jr., a key player who has missed part of the season due to injury, could also boost the team’s offensive production.
The Braves’ ability to address their offensive inconsistencies, particularly by reducing strikeouts and improving on-base percentage, will be crucial. Acquiring a reliable fifth starter could also stabilize the rotation and help the team maximize its postseason potential.
In summary, while the Braves face significant challenges, their strong pitching staff and potential offensive improvements suggest that they can still make a substantial impact this season.
With strategic adjustments and player recoveries, the Braves could transform their current struggles into a successful campaign.
