As the Braves beat up on the likes of the Nationals, A’s and Pirates during their recent winning streak, some skeptics questioned the quality of opponents as the defending World Series champs appeared to find their form.
While a 2-run 11th inning saw the Braves (42-32) come out on the wrong end of a three-game set with the Dodgers, a tightly-contested series proved one thing to 92.9’s Joe Patrick—the Braves are going to be a force to be reckoned with in the National League.
“Yes, you want to obviously win that series against the Dodgers, but I think that this team just showed that they are just so evenly matched with a team like the Dodgers who are an obvious World Series favorite and I think that, if anything, what this showed is that these two teams are without a doubt the two giants of the National League," Patrick told the Midday Show on 92.9 The Game.
Manager Brian Snitker certainly agrees, saying postgame that while a series victory would’ve been preferable “we’re as good as anybody in this league.”
With Max Fried in Cy Young contention and Spencer Strider solidifying the backend of the rotation and the lineup getting contributions from new faces like Michael Harris and William Contreras alongside Dansby Swanson, Austin Riley and the veterans, the Braves are certainly capable of contending for a title.
However, the health of Ronald Acuña Jr. is a question mark once again after he missed last night’s game with a foot injury. Acuña Jr. told ESPN’s Marly Rivera that he couldn’t put any weight on his left foot after fouling a ball off of it Saturday and didn't rule out the possibility of a stint on the IL.
Additionally, the Braves will hope to get Tyler Matzek back at some point to sure up the bullpen while Eddie Rosario, who began his rehab stint in the minors late last week, could return to provide assistance in the outfield.
If the Braves hope to contend in the National League, they’ve got work to do in their own division as they still trail the Mets by five games in the NL East. There’s still plenty of baseball to be played, but despite a slow start, the Braves are certainly within striking distance as the All-Star break approaches.