Since April 27, the Braves are dead last in the majors in OPS (.638), and after going 12-plus months without being shut out, they've been shut out twice in six games. Atlanta is 17-23 in its past 40 games and 2-5 on its current road trip.
The Braves have had some really good pitching this season, but just haven’t found a way to score runs on a consistent basis. Hall of Fame pitcher and Atlanta Braves legend John Smoltz told The Morning Shift what the Braves’ offense has to do to change that.
“What made them so special last year, that nobody could pitch them the same way and they didn’t strike out a lot," Smoltz said. "And the biggest thing about the Braves offense is even if they don’t have their best going if they don’t strike out a lot then that’s when you hear people say 'they’re too good, they’re gonna score.' That’s what I agree with. But if they get into the swing-and-miss and trying to do too much because of what’s not in their lineup, then they’re very vulnerable.”
There’s no doubt if the Braves can at least start putting the ball in play more often they’ll start getting some better luck, and the tide will start turning for them. However right now that is easier said than done for this Braves offense, but even without Ronald Acuña Jr. this Braves lineup can be very dangerous, and it seems like they are due to break out any day now.