The Braves dropped to 3-10 on the season after losing the series opener in Tampa Bay. It was a frustrating game defined by Atlanta's fumbled scoring opportunities. Just when it seemed like the Braves were turning the corner after a heart-stopping win over their division rivals, they took yet another step back.
In a long season, losses are inevitable, however, Atlanta's 0-7 demanded a response that this isn't an awful team but simply one off to a historically underwhelming start.
If there is one consistent red flag for this team, it is the inability to execute the simplest of offensive tasks. It is clear that this is an offense that is far too used to relying on the luxury of the home run ball. One that has decreased at a rate that no longer allows the team to win with this approach consistently.
Braves' Offensive Approach is Undeniably Flawed and Costing the Team Games
Yes, Ronald Acuna Jr. is on the way, and Sean Murphy's return has boosted the lineup. Still, the Braves are no longer talented enough to be the free-swinging group relying on homers to bail them out of trouble. If the Braves are going to turn this season around it is going to be the team's ability to execute in game-winning situations.
With the Tampa Bay starter on the brink of letting the wheels fall off in the first inning and the bases loaded, the Braves couldn't put the ball in play. The team understood they were going to need a large margin for error with Bryce Elder on the mound. Tampa's starter isn't overpowering and has been far from perfect to start the year.
Atlanta's failure to take advantage of their early opportunity gave Tampa confidence and allowed the pitcher to right the ship. These are the types of moments that have consistently cost the Braves through the first thirteen games of the season.
It isn't one inning or one hitter responsible for this level of struggle. Atlanta's entire roster outside of Marcell Ozuna bears responsibility for a collective failure to execute the basics of the sport.
In a league increasingly defined by the home run and power numbers, the fundamentals of winning baseball are being lost. There is no better example of this than the first two weeks of Atlanta baseball. Not only is it costing the team wins, but with the decreased roster depth and injury concerns, if things don't improve it will cost the Braves their season.