The Atlanta Braves are facing a challenging season, marked by their fifth consecutive loss after a tough 4-2 defeat to the Baltimore Orioles in Major League Baseball (MLB) on Wednesday. General Manager Alex Anthopoulos openly acknowledged the team's underperformance, a rare admission given their previous successes.
\"I don't normally do scrums during the season, because we've done well,\" Anthopoulos told reporters before the game. \"If I'm doing them, that means we're not playing well.\" This candid statement highlights the Braves' current struggles, contrasting sharply with their impressive record of over 100 wins in each of the last two seasons.
Despite holding a 35-30 record and securing second place in the National League (NL) East Division, the Braves are trailing the first-place Philadelphia Phillies by 10.5 games. Anthopoulos emphasized the exceptional performance of the Phillies, labeling them as arguably the best team in the game right now, and stressed the importance of reaching the playoffs.
The Braves entered the season with high expectations, aiming to extend their streak of six straight NL East titles and build on their 2021 World Series victory. However, the team faces significant hurdles, including the loss of top pitcher Spencer Strider to elbow surgery and the sidelining of reigning NL Most Valuable Player Ronald Acuna Jr. due to a knee injury.
\"The offensive issues seem like they're spread across the league,\" Anthopoulos noted. \"A lot of GMs are saying the same thing. People feel like they're not hitting the way they can.\" With the midpoint of the 2024 regular season still ahead, there is hope that the Braves can adjust their strategy and overcome these challenges to get back on track.
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GM Alex Anthopoulos admits Atlanta Braves 'not playing well'
cgtn.com
