Atlanta Braves loss no cause for concern

THE Atlanta Braves are taking a break on Monday, a break in the schedule that could be welcome, as evidenced by their recent performances. Over their last 24 games, the Braves have been on a rough stretch, going 10-14 with significant difficulty in the scoring department.

Currently, manager Brian Snitker’s team sits in the bottom half of all Major League Baseball teams in runs, with 279. However, Snitker’s unwavering and confident optimism about the team’s potential to “go wild” is a strong reassurance to fans, reiterating the team’s stance. ability to bounce back.

The question is: can they bounce back this season?

The Braves have the means to bounce back, their past successes attest to this.

Last season, the Atlanta Braves offense was on fire, leading all of MLB in runs scored during the regular season. However, this team struggled around this time last year, including an 8-13 stretch.

2017 was the last season where the Braves offense was not ranked in the top 10 in runs scored. So this year, finding yourself halfway through the field after three months of baseball is a slight cause for concern.

However, the Braves’ best bats experienced a cold spell. Currently, the only player batting above .300 is designated hitter Marcell Ozuna, who is having one of the best seasons of his career. Additionally, the powerhouse team many have seen in recent years only has one player with double-digit home runs this season: Ozuna.

That said, it’s better for the Braves to play their worst baseball now rather than later.

The Braves are still Wild Card contenders.

While many are looking at the nine-game deficit behind the NL East leaders, the Philadelphia Phillies, there is still plenty of baseball left this season. The All-Star Break is about a month away, and if you’re the type to look at the standings, the Atlanta Braves are atop the Wild Card standings with 4.5 games remaining against the San Diego Padres.

Regardless, the team has a favorable streak until the break. To include a nine-game homestand in late June through July, and just three series against teams currently above .500 (Orioles, Phillies, Yankees).

Additionally, what general manager Alex Anthopoulos has up his sleeve when it comes to acquisitions remains to be seen. Things may not look ideal for a team that is missing its best starting pitcher and an MVP candidate. Still, other franchises wish they could make a run before the second half of the season, into October — where you want your worst baseball to be behind you. For the Braves, they may be getting out of their system at the right time.