As of Wednesday, the Atlanta Braves led the National League East standings with an impressive 16-6 record, marking the strongest start in the entire National League. Their formidable performance in the early stages of the 2024 season is garnering significant attention and setting high expectations for the team.
However, despite their impressive record, the Braves have encountered challenges with three of their key hitters, namely Matt Olson, Austin Riley, and Ronald Acuna Jr., experiencing a recent slump. Surprisingly, despite this setback, the team has continued to secure victories. Braves catcher Travis d’Arnaud recently offered a candid assessment of the team’s current situation and prospects for the future, as reported by David O’Brien of The Athletic.
“It’s crazy, I feel like we’ve been playing solid baseball, but there’s still room for improvement,” remarked d’Arnaud. “Obviously, Ozo’s been carrying a significant load for us. As the season progresses, I believe we’ll continue to elevate our game. Once we find our rhythm, it’ll be enjoyable to watch.”
Here, “Ozo” refers to Marcell Ozuna, who boasts impressive stats, hitting .326 with nine home runs, 27 RBIs, and scoring 18 runs. Despite the struggles of other players, Ozuna has been a standout performer for the Braves. However, the team has also been plagued by injuries, with Spencer Strider ruled out for the entire season.
The Braves’ trio of struggling sluggers is diligently working to regain their form at the plate. Hitting coach Kevin Seitzer outlined the adjustments they are pursuing in their quest to reverse their fortunes, as reported by O’Brien.
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