Let’s talk about the mess we’re all seeing — but more importantly, when we might see the spark that gets this Atlanta Braves team back on track. It’s only mid-April, but the Braves look like they overslept on Opening Day and haven’t quite had their morning coffee yet.
At 4-11, they’re near the basement of the standings. While that early 0-7 hole was hard to ignore, we’ve started to see the tiniest flickers of life. The schedule wasn’t kind, sure. But there’s something deeper going on.
Offensively, they’ve got this Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde thing happening — one day, they rake, and the next, they go quiet for nine straight innings. And the pitching? Outside of Spencer Schwellenbach, the rotation hasn’t met expectations. But the real sore spot? The bullpen. It’s looking more duct-taped than dominant right now.
Bullpen Blues and the Return of Aaron Bummer
Let’s start with Aaron Bummer. He’s back from the bereavement list after some personal time away — and Atlanta is quietly desperate for him to stabilize the late innings.
Five appearances. Seven strikeouts. But a 5.40 ERA and a 1.800 WHIP? Not ideal. Not for a guy there needs to be a left-handed anchor out of the pen.
While Bummer hasn’t exactly instilled confidence since coming over from the White Sox, Atlanta is hoping — maybe praying — that he finds his rhythm soon. His return could provide at least a flicker of stability in a bullpen that’s already surrendered too many games too early.
The Verdugo Variable: Braves Searching for a Spark
Meanwhile, all eyes are on Alex Verdugo, who could be the shake-up Atlanta needs. He’s expected to join the big-league club soon, and while his numbers in Triple-A Gwinnett don’t scream savior — just four hits in 22 at-bats — he’s got pop and big-game experience from his days with the Red Sox and Yankees.
And right now, the Braves need something to click in that outfield. With Profar suspended and Acuña Jr. still on the mend, they’re scraping the bottom of the depth barrel.
Michael Harris II has been solid, but Kelenic and De La Cruz haven’t shown staying power. Verdugo doesn’t have to carry the offense — he just needs to keep the line moving and maybe inject a little swagger into a flat lineup.
Chris Sale’s Brutal Honesty and the Path Forward
Now, let’s talk about Chris Sale. Look, when your ace is calling himself “just bad” and saying he “hates sucking,” that’s not just frustration. That’s accountability. And it’s also a signal that this clubhouse knows they’ve fallen short.
Sale’s ERA is climbing, and his command has been erratic — a far cry from the guy who led the NL in strikeouts last year. But with Spencer Strider returning to the rotation later this week, there’s a chance the Braves can start to line up some real momentum.
Schwellenbach’s emergence has been a bright spot, and if Sale can stop pressing, Atlanta might just have the arms to dig themselves out of this early hole.
Here’s the thing: It’s not time to panic. Yet. We’ve seen this movie before — does 2021 ring any bells? That squad was .500 at the break and wound up popping champagne. No one’s saying history is about to repeat, but this roster is too good to be this bad forever.
Between getting healthy, shuffling the lineup, and just a little good fortune, the Braves could claw their way back by Memorial Day.
So, Braves Country, hang tight. Keep the faith. Because while this ain’t pretty, there’s a lot of baseball left — and all it takes is one series to flip the script.
