The Atlanta Braves have stumbled to an alarming 0-7 start, marking one of the worst beginnings in the franchise’s modern era, as injuries and offensive struggles plague the perennial contenders.
One of the team’s latest defeats came Wednesday, April 2, at Dodger Stadium when Shohei Ohtani crushed a walk-off home run against closer Raisel Iglesias, sealing a 6-5 loss and completing a winless road trip.
“I don’t wish this on anybody in a competitive arena,” said Brian Snitker, the Braves manager. “There’s nothing you can do but to fight your way out of it.”
Through their first six games, Atlanta scored just nine runs, setting a franchise record for offensive futility to begin a season.
Before seeing slight progress against the Dodgers, their performance with runners in scoring position has been concerning to fans, going 1-for-34 in those circumstances. Third baseman Austin Riley has struggled considerably, batting just 3-for-27 with 11 strikeouts in the early going.
“I think the main reason the team is performing so badly is because the hitters have had really bad approaches at the plate,” said Jack Saul, a sophomore mass communication major. “At the beginning of the year, they were almost recklessly swinging and not trying to just do their job.”
An early April game against Los Angeles represents the Braves’ early-season woes. They built a promising lead with five unearned runs in the first two innings against Dodgers pitcher and two-time Cy Young winner Blake Snell, aided by Max Muncy’s throwing errors.
However, they squandered a bases-loaded, no-outs opportunity in the sixth inning when Riley struck out and first baseman Matt Olson popped up. Iglesias couldn’t preserve their lead, allowing a game-tying double to Muncy in the eighth before surrendering Ohtani’s decisive homer in the ninth.
Injuries have compounded Atlanta’s problems. Spencer Strider is scheduled for what could be his final rehabilitation start with Triple-A Gwinnett from his elbow surgery in 2024. Strider is expected back this week.
Right-handed pitcher Reynaldo López underwent arthroscopic shoulder surgery on April 8 that revealed no structural damage, but he will be shut down for 12 weeks before being reevaluated. The team hopes he might return later this season.
Talented outfielder Ronald Acuña Jr. is scheduled to return in early May after continuing his recuperation from a ruptured left ACL. To prevent the persistent pain he felt after recovering from a right ACL injury in 2022, the team is being cautious with his recovery.
“I am excited to see Acuña Jr. come back next month,” said Elise Yankus, a sophomore mass communication major. “He has been one of my favorites since playing on the Braves.”
Reliever Joe Jiménez faces a much longer timeline after knee surgery revealed significant cartilage damage. He is not expected to return before August and could miss the entire 2025 season.
The Braves signed reliever Rafael Montero from the Houston Astros on April 8 to solve their pitching shortage, with a player to be named later. Zach Thompson, a right-hander, was optioned to Triple-A Gwinnett on April 9, and Montero was added to the active roster.
The team also activated catcher Sean Murphy from the injured list on April 6 and designated Chadwick Tromp for assignment. Tromp elected free agency after being outrighted to Triple-A.
Infield prospect Nacho Alvarez Jr. remains sidelined with left wrist inflammation but is expected to return by mid-April.
Despite the disappointing start, bright spots include Marcell Ozuna’s .552 on-base percentage and MLB-leading 13 walks, along with contributions from Matt Olson and second baseman Ozzie Albies, who each have one home run and five RBIs this season.
The Phillies entered on Thursday, April 10 with amatchup having won two of three games when playing as underdogs this season. Their offense is powered by Kyle Schwarber, who ranks third in MLB with five home runs and 12th with 11 RBIs while batting .324.
“We recognize our fans’ concerns and share their desire for improved results,” Snitker said. “This organization has a proud tradition of overcoming obstacles, and we’re committed to turning this situation around for our supporters.”
As the Braves search for more wins, they will need to overcome both their injury challenges and offensive struggles to avoid digging an even deeper hole in the early season standings.