Braves Struggle in May, but No Team Meeting Necessary
The Atlanta Braves had a disappointing month of May, finishing with a losing record for the first time in two years. However, manager Brian Snitker decided against holding a team meeting this time around, unlike in 2022 when the Braves played poorly and slipped in the standings. Instead, Snitker believes that the team’s recent struggles can be attributed to their hitting slump rather than mental errors or defensive mistakes.
During May, the Braves scored two or fewer runs in 10 games and failed to win any games where opponents scored three or more runs. Despite their lackluster performance, Snitker remains confident in his players’ abilities and believes that they will work through this rough patch. He stated that the team’s pitching has been strong, and they have made good defensive plays, but their hitting has been the primary issue.
The Braves’ hitting slump is evident in their low rankings for first and second-inning runs compared to last season. However, in their recent game against the Oakland Athletics, the Braves were able to establish an early lead with a 3-0 advantage in the first two innings. This positive start gave pitcher Reynaldo López the confidence he needed to secure the win.
While the team’s hitting struggles are frustrating, Snitker and his coaching staff remain optimistic. They trust their players’ abilities and believe that they will turn things around soon. The Braves’ hitting coach, Kevin Seitzer, is dedicated to his work and feels the pressure of their struggles more than anyone else in the organization. However, Snitker believes that Seitzer’s expertise and dedication will help the team overcome their hitting slump.
The Braves’ recent offensive struggles can also be attributed to some bad luck. They lead the league in average exit velocity and hard-hit percentage, indicating that they are making solid contact with the ball. However, their expected numbers in terms of average, OBP, and slugging percentage have been lower than their actual averages. Additionally, the Braves have had the most outs on balls hit at 105 mph or higher in the National League.
Despite these challenges, the Braves are not planning to change their approach or style of play. They are a team built on power and home runs, and they will continue to rely on their strengths rather than resorting to small ball tactics. Snitker believes that the team’s history of success and resilience will carry them through this difficult period.
The Braves’ clubhouse atmosphere is another reason for optimism. Former catcher Eddie Perez, who played for the Braves during manager Bobby Cox’s tenure, mentioned that the team’s current clubhouse is even better than when he was playing. The players support and help each other, creating a family-like environment that Perez finds inspiring.
While May was a challenging month for the Braves, they remain confident in their abilities and believe that they will break out of their slump soon. They have a strong pitching staff and a talented group of players who are dedicated to their craft. With their positive mindset and unwavering support for one another, the Braves are poised to turn their season around and return to their winning ways.