At the 42-game mark of the 2025 MLB season, the Atlanta Braves aren’t just surviving — they’re doing something historic. After an 0-7 start that had fans reaching for the panic button and pundits predicting doom, the Braves have clawed their way back to .500.
And while that might not sound like headline material on its own, it absolutely is when you consider the journey it took to get here.
A Turnaround That Defies the Odds
Let’s be real: teams that start 0-7 do not typically bounce back. Mark Bowman of MLB.com says according to Elias Sports Bureau, only four teams in history have ever reached a .500 record at any point in the same season after such a start.
The Braves just became the fifth, and they did it in 42 games. Only the 1945 Red Sox did it faster, hitting .500 in Game 38. So yeah, this isn’t just a bounce back — it’s a statistical anomaly.
After starting the year 5-13, the Braves have rattled off a 16-8 stretch. That’s a 108-win pace over a full season. They didn’t just steady the ship — they flipped it around mid-storm and did it without two of their biggest stars.
Braves Are Winning Without Their Best
Spencer Strider? Still trying to get back on the mound. Ronald Acuña Jr.? Only just beginning a rehab assignment after nearly 12 months off due to his second ACL tear. And despite their absence, along with inconsistent offense and some bullpen juggling, the Braves have found ways to win.
It hasn’t been flashy. In fact, it’s been downright gritty. But 21-14 since the slow start is the second-best record in the National League over that stretch. And they’ve accomplished that while not hitting their stride offensively. This is a team winning games with duct tape, smoke, and timely at-bats.
The Road Ahead Looks Brighter
Here’s where things get fun: Acuña Jr. is on his way back. The MVP outfielder just homered in his first rehab game, sending a bolt of optimism through Braves Country. Getting him back, even at 90%, is a season-changing addition. And if the Braves have managed this run without him, imagine what’s possible with him.
No team in MLB history has ever made the playoffs after starting 0-7. The Braves have a real shot to become the first. It’s not just about the record anymore — it’s about the resolve. This group has shown they can take a punch, fall behind early, and still get back up swinging.
With a win today, they can get over .500 for the first time all year. That’s more than a morale boost. That’s momentum — the kind that can reshape a season. If Atlanta gets rolling with a healthy Acuña and some offensive consistency, the league better watch out.
