The Atlanta Braves have pitching problems, this is abundantly clear. But sometimes this team struggles to score runs too.
The Braves are averaging 4.7 runs this season, as opposed to their 5.8 runs per game last year. Now, that is still a good number of runs per game (Atlanta ranks 10 in MLB), but they still have had their fair share of offensive struggles.
The Braves’ dip in runs has even come despite Ronald Acuña Jr.’s historic start. Acuña Jr. has 20 home runs, tied for fourth in MLB, along with 45 RBI through 72 games this season. And when your superstar gets off to that kind of start your team is usually better than 35-37.
Why are the Braves struggling this year? Pitching and injuries are definitely a big part of it, but offense is an issue as well. OK, I know you’re ready for me to get on with it, so what was Jon Chuckery talking about that nobody else is talking about when it comes to the Braves? Chuckery is making a case to move Acuña Jr. down in the lineup, and here’s why.
Acuña Jr. is a great leadoff hitter, and there is no debating that. He has also hit 20 home runs this season which is also great. However, this season 14 of Acuña's 20 home runs have been solo home runs. Not only that, 19 of Acuña’s 20 home runs have resulted in two runs or fewer for the Braves. The only Acuña home run this season that has given the Braves more than two runs is his one grand slam of the season.
Obviously Acuña Jr. being a leadoff hitter and batting after the bottom of the order is a big reason 70 percent of his home runs this season have been solo shots. That leads Chuckery to come to the conclusion that “maybe putting Ronnie in a position where he could produce more runs isn’t such a bad idea.” Chuck also says “If you want to hit Freddie [Freeman] 2, then maybe Ronnie should hit third.”
When you crunch the numbers and look at the position the Braves are in it makes sense. Also, the Braves are in win-now mode, and I’m sure the Braves and Braves fans have the same mindset Chuckery does.
“If the Braves are not in the World Series this year, then you’ve wasted another year,” Chuckery said.
If the Braves want to turn things around and not only win their fourth straight division title but make it to the World Series this year then they have to do something, because their current play has them riding down the road of mediocrity. 92.9 The Game’s own Braves insider Joe Patrick believes this sentiment, but he questions whether or not Braves general manager Alex Anthopolous and Braves manager Brian Snitker would be willing to make this move.
“If the data is telling you that you might be able to create more runs by moving him down in the order instead of a spot where he’s more comfortable and prefers hitting," Patrick started, "would Alex Anthopolous and Brian Snitker be willing to make that move?” Whether the Braves would make a move like that or not I can assure you everybody can agree that something has to change, and moves and adjustments must be made.
Last year the Braves had such a magical season, and the offensive combination of Acuña Jr., Freeman, and Marcell Ozuna just overpowered any injuries or holes the Braves had last year. But now with even more injuries to the pitching staff, Ozuna potentially not returning this season, and the reigning NL MVP continuing to struggle, it seems the Braves magic has run out for now.
“When you win it’s easy," Chuckery said. "When you’re not winning, you better figure it out.” Despite everything the Atlanta Braves have been through and are going through they are still a good enough team to turn things around in time to make a postseason run. But the question is will Snitker, Anthopolous, and the Braves make the necessary moves and adjustments to figure it out.
