The Atlanta Braves are hoping to rebound from their longest winless start in over seven years as they prepare for their home opener against Miami on Friday night. After a devastating 6-5 loss to the Los Angeles Angels, highlighted by Shohei Ohtani’s dramatic ninth-inning homer, the Braves are now 0-7, marking their worst start since their 0-9 beginning in 2016. That season, Atlanta finished at the bottom of the NL East standings. Currently, they are the only Major League Baseball team yet to secure a victory, compounded by some notable player losses.
Left fielder Jurickson Profar, recently acquired and positioned as the leadoff hitter, received an 80-game suspension following a positive test for performance-enhancing drugs, dealing a significant blow to the team’s roster. Additionally, right-handed pitcher Reynaldo López is sidelined on the 15-day injured list due to an inflamed right shoulder, which has been further extended to a 60-day IL placement. In response to these setbacks, Atlanta managed to acquire catcher Jason Delay from the Pittsburgh Pirates, assigning him to Double-A Columbus. Moreover, right-handed pitcher Jesse Chavez opted for free agency after being designated for assignment.
The team, under manager Brian Snitker’s leadership, who has led the Braves to seven consecutive postseason appearances, including a 2021 World Series championship and six successive NL East titles, is unmistakably under duress. “I wouldn’t wish this on anybody honestly, you know, in a competitive arena,” Snitker expressed. “And what we’re going through is tough. Very tough.” Starting the season with a four-game sweep by San Diego, followed by three losses in Los Angeles, highlights the team’s struggles. However, it was the lack of offensive performance that stood out most, as the Braves managed just nine runs in their first six games combined before momentarily breaking out of their drought with an early lead on Wednesday night.
The Braves’ recent games have been marred by ineffective batting, with the team posting a mere .151 average and ranking 28th in runs, scoring only about two per game. To address these issues, Snitker adjusted the lineup in Los Angeles. Shortstop Nick Allen started the last two games, contributing three hits in total. Meanwhile, outfielders Michael Harris II and Jarred Kelenic got a breather during Wednesday night’s game. Newly acquired Stuart Fairchild, traded from Cincinnati, went without a hit in his initial start. Before the game, Snitker commented, “What are we going to do? Not score?” emphasizing the pressing need to improve performances.
Currently, players like Matt Olson, Austin Riley, and Michael Harris are underperforming, all batting below .200, with Olson and Riley yet to hit a home run this season. “From an offensive point of view, there’s no excuses,” Riley admitted following the game, expressing a sense of embarrassment. Moreover, opponents are deliberately avoiding designated hitter Marcell Ozuna, evidenced by his league-leading 13 walks. Snitker remains optimistic, saying, “Eventually some of the guys behind him are going to get it going as a whole. We will as a team.” With the Braves yet to find their footing, the upcoming game against Miami represents a vital opportunity to turn things around.