Why Atlanta Braves' 7-game slump signals deeper issues beyond injuries

Time of India

5 hours ago

Why Atlanta Braves' 7-game slump signals deeper issues beyond injuries (Image Source: Getty Images)
This season's second seven-game losing streak by the Atlanta Braves has shown that their problems go deeper than the injuries that have troubled them in recent times. Although Ronald Acuña Jr.
and Spencer Strider are back, the Atlanta Braves are 10 games below .500 and are 9.5 games behind the team in the last National League playoff spot. After recovering from their poor start, this sudden collapse points to serious problems in the organisation that must be handled by the management and coaches right away. This second losing streak happened right when the Atlanta Braves were at .500 after six weeks of hard work.
Spencer Strider's struggles highlight pitching rotation concerns
The Atlanta Braves were hoping that Spencer Strider's return from injury would lift their rotation, but he has recorded zero wins and five losses in his five starts this season. The problems seen with the former Cy Young candidate are common in the pitching staff, since the bullpen has given up 12 saves and made just 10 saves, a statistic seen by only two other Major League Baseball teams.
On Thursday, the Atlanta Braves' poor pitching was very obvious when the Diamondbacks came back from behind with seven runs in the final frame to win 11-10.
Because of the defeat, the organisation called up Craig Kimbrel from the minors, marking his first game with the team since he was traded in 2015. Still, it was clear how much the team needed help in the bullpen after Kimbrel was sent away just after one appearance.
Close game execution reveals mental fragility in crucial moments
The way the Atlanta Braves lose so many one-run games exposes a major problem that is not limited to individual players. Despite being ahead in runs this season, the team continues to fail in big games, which could lead to mental challenges in the next campaign.
By losing a lot of close games, the Atlanta Braves are now in fourth place and have a 14-game gap to the leading New York Mets. The franchise is now tied with the Washington Nationals in the standings, putting them between third place and last place, which is surprising for a team that has made the playoffs every year since 2017.
People can watch the Atlanta Braves' games coming up on Bally Sports South or via MLB.TV, as the team tries to recover after many have written off their season, which is only halfway done in June.
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The Atlanta Braves face a critical juncture where organisational changes may prove necessary to prevent this season from becoming a complete catastrophe. With Ronald Acuña Jr. performing well individually and Spencer Strider expected to regain form, the focus must shift toward addressing the mental aspects and bullpen construction that have derailed their championship aspirations.