Momentum seems to be slowing down for the Atlanta Braves as they finish up their second series against the LA Dodgers. While the Dodgers are currently the best team in baseball and therefore hard to take down, there is something missing in this Braves team.
The main issues lie within the pitching staff and in the inconsistency of the offense.
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After adding Alex Verdugo to the lineup, the Braves seemed to find a spark. The offense worked to find ways out of tough situations and deliver the team some much-needed wins. After a hellish start to their season, Atlanta was graced with a series against the worst team in baseball. They had to sweep the series to secure a .500 record. A .500 would have been huge for a team heading into a series against the Dodgers. Unfortunately, things just continue to fall through the cracks for Atlanta.
May 4, 2025; Atlanta, Georgia, USA; Atlanta Braves starting pitcher Bryce Elder (55) throws against the Los Angeles Dodgers in the second inning at Truist Park. Brett Davis-Imagn Images
There are some clear issues, and some issues that fans have been picking at for a while. Pitcher Chris Sale has managed to find his footing after a less-than-impressive start to his season as the team’s ace. Other pitchers are going through declines at an inconvenient time. Spencer Schwellenbach has hit a record rough patch. In his first 20 innings with the Braves, he’s recorded one singular earned run. However, in his most recent 20 innings, he’s recorded fourteen times that much.
Despite recent success, fans are still skeptical about why Bryce Elder remains a starter with prospect Hurston Waldrep showing out in the minors. Elder pitched just five innings for the Braves in his most recent appearance on May 4 and allowed two runs, which allowed the Dodgers to close in on the lead that the Braves held. Following Elder’s appearance the Braves reached into their bullpen for 4 more pitchers. A change of pace in the pitching staff may be needed.
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Offensively, athletes like Verdugo, Austin Riley and Marcell Ozuna are carrying the weight of the batting lineup. While Riley has seen some inconsistency this season, when he is hot, he’s hot and has managed to get the Braves into favorable situations like their lead over the Dodgers on May 4. Riley recorded two home runs for the Braves in their victory over LA.
“Austin Riley is the best third baseman in the National League and he has been for years,” said X user @bradypenn21.
Riley batting behind Verdugo in a lineup is also something fans were begging for. Verdugo was not on the starting batting rotation before the Braves’ devastating loss to the Rockies and fans took notice. Keeping Verdugo in that leadoff spot as the team waits for Ronald Acuña Jr. to return to play is a move that has certainly been keeping Atlanta on the right track.
“Verdugo brings elite plate discipline to the Braves lineup,” Kevin Keneely commented in a recent post on X.
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Keeping players like Verdugo in a lineup and continuing to find a way to strengthen their pitching staff with new faces, trades or simply giving second chances will be key to ensuring the Braves find the momentum to reach that .500 record.
Related: Matt Olson Is Thriving, But Braves Fans Still Want Freddie Freeman Back
