Just In: Braves Panic Meter

The Braves are now experiencing one of their most frustrating stretches in recent memory.

They’ve lost five of their last six games and are coming off an ugly three-game sweep by the rival Dodgers. To make matters worse, the Philadelphia Phillies are playing the greatest baseball of any team and have swiftly seized a commanding 2.5-game lead in the National League East.

The Braves are still 20-12 on the season, but the reactions to this recent stretch of play would lead you to believe otherwise. Matt Olson’s performance has declined, Ronald Acuña Jr. lacks hustle, and Bryce Elder is considered the weakest pitcher in baseball. These are the three finest breakdowns I received over the weekend from fans on various social media channels.

I’ll admit it: the Braves have been difficult to watch lately. I can’t recall the last time they were this lifeless offensively for such an extended period of time, which speaks to how consistently successful they’ve been in recent years. With that said, what should be the true level of concern for this squad going forward?

Braves Panic Meter (1-10): 1

Guys, what are we doing here? There’s no way I’m going to sit here on May 6th and gripe about the Braves’ first terrible stretch of baseball in what feels like years.

This offensive was historically great a year ago. Ronald Acuña Jr., Matt Olson, and Austin Riley maintained their hitting ability. When summer arrives, this offense becomes into a juggernaut. There is no reason to suppose this won’t happen again shortly. It’s also worth mentioning that this recent stretch occurred on the road, five hours away from home, against two of baseball’s hottest teams. The Braves didn’t simply lose five of six games against the Marlins and White Sox.

If Atlanta’s struggles were due to pitching, I might be more concerned, especially with Spencer Strider out for the season. Despite Strider’s absence, the pitching has been excellent from top down.

Max Fried has found his rhythm following a difficult start. Chris Sale and Reynaldo Lopez have been two of the top offseason pickups in the first six weeks of the season. Charlie Morton continues to age like a good wine, and the bullpen has mostly been lights out.

Nobody like losing, and nobody likes seeing the Philadelphia Phillies, of all teams, in first place. But let’s hit the brakes; this offense is just too good not to catch fire sooner rather than later. When that happens, the wins will start to pile up in droves.