The 2021 Atlanta Braves found a groove through the second week of the season. Unfortunately, certain factors have thrown a wrench in the machinery. From controversial calls to bullpen implosions, the team has had it rough recently. The good news for Braves fans everywhere is that baseball is a marathon. The rough sprints, while frustrating, are only a small part of the entire race. 162 games makes for a long season. There is still no need to overreact to what’s been going on. That being said, let’s head back in time over the last seven days. Perhaps we might find a clue as to the reason for this mass zealotry.
2021 Atlanta Braves Week in Review: Week 2
New Week, New Chances
A new week dawned with new hope for the Braves. After a rough 2-4 road trip, the team returned home to Atlanta. Truist Park welcomed them with open arms, as fans packed the stands up to the ballpark’s COVID-safe 33% capacity. Their first series was against the Philadelphia Phillies. For the first two games, the team looked completely transformed. Smart pitching and solid hitting earned them a series win. The first game was an offensive onslaught, as they scored eight runs. Ronald Acuna Jr. continued his hot start to the season (4-5, HR, 2 RBI). Charlie Morton had his second straight effective start (6.0 IP, 4 H, 1 R, 7 K) and the bullpen supported him. The second game was a little tighter, yet the team still emerged victorious.
Then came the third and final game of the series. The Braves were looking for a sweep. Momentum lay firmly in their corner and they came out swinging. Ozzie Albies and Dansby Swanson each had RBI hits in the first inning. The Phillies responded with five unanswered runs. However, the Braves came back on multiple occasions. It all came down to the ninth with both teams tied at six. Unfortunately, a controversial call at home cost the Braves an inning ending double play. It is still being debated as to whether Alec Bohm touched home plate with his foot or not, but one thing was certain; the Braves had lost the game along with all of their momentum.
An Embarrassing Series
A series with the Miami Marlins loomed after this. The offense attempted to get going in Game One. The team held the lead, but the bullpen faltered. Game Two turned into a slugfest with 22 runs scored between the teams. Unfortunately, the Braves came up short once more. Game Three was a heartbreaking affair. For the second time, they broke down in extra innings. Even with the new rules, the Braves are having massive problems beyond the ninth. They’re 0-3 in extra inning affairs and have yet to score the runner from second base. However, the final game of the series was much different, despite another bullpen implosion. The Braves walked off on Swanson’s bases loaded hit in the ninth, thus salvaging the series.
Ronald Acuna, Jr. & The Bench
Throughout this particularly frustrating stretch, one thing has remained constant. Ronald Acuna Jr. is terrorizing opposing pitchers. He ranks at or near the top of the league in runs (17), hits (23), homers (7), and slugging (1.000). His wRC+ is a staggering 280. He’s also batting .442 with a mere nine strikeouts in 59 plate appearances. His WAR of 1.5 is among the best in baseball. His exit velocity (95.8) is fifth and he leads the league in hits over 95 MPH (27). Whether or not he breaks the elusive 40/40 mark this season remains to be seen. However, what is clear is that he lacks nothing in the power department. Acuna is crushing baseballs left and right and putting up MVP caliber numbers.
Another strength of the team right now is their bench. Ironically, this was supposed to be a major achilles heel this season. However, Pablo Sandoval and Ehire Adrianza have erased those doubts rather quickly. Sandoval has become beloved in the clubhouse and an asset in the batter’s box. His three pinch hit homers have helped the team out of some tough situations. It was one of these that helped vault the team to victory over the Marlins. Meanwhile, Adrianza has put up a solid start as well. He’s hitting .300 and has gotten on base ahead of some crucial hits. Overall, these two are becoming a key part of the offense. However, the lack of depth is still a little concerning beyond that. If other players like Ender Inciarte come around, the team should be able to rest easy. This bench has the potential to be one of the best in the game.
Problems for the 2021 Atlanta Braves
The problems lie in the rest of the team. Offensively, the big bats have yet to wake up. Reigning MVP Freddie Freeman is having his troubles. Before Thursday, he had gotten his average back up over .200. However, no hits in the series finale with Miami sent him back below that line. Other players like Swanson, Albies, and Marcell Ozuna are struggling. Swanson is hitting .204 with a meager 10 hits in 13 games. Albies and Ozuna are both well below .200. Ozuna, in particular, is striking out at an alarming pace. 19 strikeouts through the first 13 games places him at a 34.5% strikeout rate. His 47.6% swing rate has contributed to an abysmal six walks in 55 plate appearances. More importantly, he’s in the first year of a new four-year, $65 million deal. His performance so far has not lived up to that kind of contract.
Meanwhile, the pitching is dealing with its own share of issues. The rotation has been sapped of energy. Max Fried recently went on the injured list after posting some of the worst numbers in his career (0-1, 11.45 ERA, 2.545 WHIP, 39 ERA+). Charlie Morton and Ian Anderson have ERAs in the mid-fours. Drew Smyly hasn’t been encouraging either (5.73 ERA, 78 ERA+). To be frank, the Braves best starter right now is bullpen pitcher Huascar Ynoa (0.75 ERA, 594 ERA+). Speaking of which, the relief corps has been disastrous so far with multiple blown opportunities. However, there are a few bright spots. Tyler Matzek has been solid and Sean Newcomb has a save under his belt. Luke Jackson has yet to give up a run, despite walking five batters in 4.1 innings. That being said, other pitchers like A.J. Minter and Grant Dayton have weakened the group.
The 2021 Atlanta Braves: Still a Talented Squad
Overall, the Braves are still asking themselves the same question from last week. Namely, if they are good enough to win the NL East or not. On paper, they are. Big bats like Freeman, Ozuna, and Acuna should fuel the offense. One of those is having an historic start. The other two are scuffling. If they wake up, opposing pitchers should quiver in their cleats. The pitching should benefit from the additions of Morton and Smyly. Despite not meeting expectations early on, they should come around soon. Not to mention that Mike Soroka will be returning in the near future. His presence should offer a jolt to the rotation. Strengths on the bench and in the field will help the team as well. The weakest part so far is the bullpen. If that can be shored up over the next few weeks, the team should be alright. This is still a very good group of baseball players. Fans should not write them off just yet.
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Players Mentioned: Ronald Acuna Jr., Charlie Morton, Ozzie Albies, Dansby Swanson, Alec Bohm, Pablo Sandoval, Ehire Adrianza, Ender Inciarte, Freddie Freeman, Marcell Ozuna, Max Fried, Ian Anderson, Drew Smyly, Huascar Ynoa, Tyler Matzek, Sean Newcomb, Luke Jackson, A.J. Minter, Grant Dayton, Mike Soroka
