A division lead that once seemed impossible to overcome has quickly shrunk as the Atlanta Braves are unquestionably feeling the pressure the Philadelphia Phillies are putting on them. The Phillies have closed the gap to a single bad series, now making it clear the Braves cannot afford to continue to struggle at the levels they have in recent weeks. With this in mind, manager Walt Weiss needs to work to make aggressive changes.
Weiss was noted early in the season for his leadership and for putting together a great early-season run. Now, the manager must find a way to right the ship and steady a franchise that is at clear risk of falling out of first place in the division. Leading us to look at a trio of obvious changes that should be made before another game passes.
1. Bench Ha-Seong Kim
Jorge Mateo might have greatly cooled off in recent starts, but the infielder remains the superior option. At the very least, the speed and aggressive nature of Mateo are going to bring a level of energy to Atlanta's lineup. When the outfield is fully healthy, it will likely be Mauricio Dubon pointed to as the team's primary option at the position. No matter which player is in the lineup, Kim shouldn't earn another start over the next two weeks of the season.
Ideally, the Braves are going to find someone willing to give the veteran a chance at a change of scenery. If this doesn't prove to be the case, the franchise needs to be content with a sunk investment and understand Kim is making things far too difficult for an offense already missing key pieces.
2. Embrace Desperation
Whether it is putting Dominic Smith in left field or exploring Kyle Farmer at catcher, the Braves have been toying with desperate moves over the last two weeks of the season. It is time to fully embrace this mindset and allow Weiss to push every button currently rostered. The Braves are in free fall, and this isn't likely to be fixed by simply sitting back and keeping on with the status quo.
Atlanta needs a bit of a shake-up, and this means both in the team's lineup and with how its pitching options are managed. With the All-Star Break closing in, it is time to throw everything at the wall in hopes of finding surprise answers and steadying a team that continues to stumble.
3. Trade for Reliable Innings Eater
The Braves don't have to swing big at the position, but there needs to be a stabilizing presence in a rotation that feels like a clear problem. The first two months of the season, it was the opposite, as the depth was able to be leaned on with far too many capable options proving deserving of a spot in the rotation. However, this has quickly changed, and the Braves need a veteran arm that is going to complete 5-6 innings and give the team a chance.
Whether it is Sonny Gray or another surprise target, the Braves need to turn up the sense of urgency, adding to a position that badly needs a level of stability.
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