The Atlanta Braves have hit a rough patch after a promising stretch of good form, as their recent series against the Miami Marlins highlighted ongoing inconsistencies. Entering the weekend, the Braves had been making strides, narrowing the gap with the division-leading Philadelphia Phillies. However, after splitting a four-game series with Miami and losing the last two games at home, the Braves find themselves needing to regroup.
While it’s unlikely that Atlanta will catch Philadelphia in the NL East, baseball has shown that anything is possible. The frustration lies in the fact that just when it seemed like the Braves were turning a corner, they faltered in crucial games against a team they were expected to beat. Though Miami is a competitive team with a lot of pride, the Braves needed to take advantage of this series and win at least three out of four games.
The sentiment from Braves manager Brian Snitker, captured by David O’Brien of The Athletic, sums up the team’s current state. After the disappointing series, Snitker expressed the need to reset: “Glad we have an off day tomorrow so that we can get rid of this one, take a couple of showers. Because we were playing so good coming into this series, and won the first two games. Every time you get a foothold or something, you get smacked in the mouth and you’re right back having to get ‘er going again.”
Snitker’s resilience is evident, but the season has been frustrating for Braves fans. Despite occasional signs of a turnaround, the team has struggled to maintain consistency. The hope that the Braves will suddenly flip a switch and return to their winning ways has been elusive. This inconsistency has been a source of frustration, especially when fans are unable to watch the games due to broadcasting issues with Bally Sports and Xfinity.
Looking ahead, the Braves will face the NL Central-leading Milwaukee Brewers in a three-game home stand starting Tuesday. This series presents another opportunity for Atlanta to regain momentum, but they must be more consistent to capitalize on it.
Adding to the disappointment, Sunday’s 7-0 loss to the Marlins was particularly troubling, as it came during Max Fried’s first start back after a stint on the injured list. Fried, who has been dominant at times, struggled in his return, underscoring the challenges the team faces. At this stage of the season, it’s crucial for everyone to be pulling in the same direction, yet the Braves have found it difficult to achieve that unity.
Despite the recent setbacks, the Braves built a significant cushion earlier in the summer, which should secure them a playoff spot unless something drastic happens. However, their current form raises concerns about how far they can go in the postseason. A first-round exit in the NL Wild Card Series (NLWCS) seems possible, but as disappointing as that would be, it’s still better than missing the playoffs entirely.
In summary, while the Braves still have a path to the playoffs, their recent performance against the Marlins has cast doubt on their ability to make a deep postseason run. The team needs to find consistency and capitalize on opportunities if they hope to extend their season beyond the first round.
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