The Atlanta Braves are on a roll, and their recent success has many fans and analysts taking notice. With a remarkable seven-game winning streak, the team has climbed to the second-best record in MLB, leaving little doubt that they are a force to be reckoned with.
"We're not surprised," said Mauricio Dubón, a utility player for the Braves. This statement reflects the team's confidence and resilience, especially after facing some bumps in the road earlier in the season. As Dubón pointed out, baseball is a game of ups and downs, and the Braves are proving their mettle by navigating through these challenges.
So, what's behind this impressive turnaround? Let's delve into three key factors that have contributed to the Braves' resurgence.
Riley's Rebound
One of the most notable aspects of the Braves' recent success is the resurgence of veteran third baseman Austin Riley. While he hasn't quite reached the heights of his 30-homer seasons from 2021 to 2023, Riley is showing signs of his former self. His RBI double against Eury Perez in the second inning was a testament to his improved performance, with an exit velocity of 109.5 mph according to Statcast.
Manager Walt Weiss observed, "He's hitting the ball hard. When guys struggle, they start to feel for the ball a little bit. But it looks like he's getting his 'A' swing off. That's a really good sign." Indeed, Riley's average exit velocity since the break has been an impressive 95.5 mph, a significant improvement over the first half of the season.
While Riley hasn't experienced a massive power surge yet, his batting average and OPS have improved significantly since the start of the second half. Teammate Bryce Elder praised Riley, saying, "He's too good to not have an impact at some point. He's a special player. We've seen it for a long time, and we're seeing it now."
Elder's Resurgence
Another key factor in the Braves' success is the resurgence of right-hander Bryce Elder. If the playoffs started tomorrow, the Braves could confidently give Elder the ball for a Game 2 start. His performance against the Marlins was exceptional, keeping them hitless until the fifth inning. Elder attributed his success to improved command and a strong changeup.
"I was happy with that. I think that's probably the best command I've had in a long time. My changeup was really good. I was pleased with it. I like where I am," Elder said.
Elder's recent stretch of four starts since the break has been particularly impressive, with a 1.50 ERA (5 ER in 24 IP). This performance comes after a challenging few weeks before the break, where he struggled with an 11.00 ERA over his final four starts.
Baldwin's Impact
All-Star catcher Drake Baldwin has also played a significant role in the Braves' turnaround. After a rough return from the injured list, where he hit just .079 in his first 16 games back, Baldwin has turned things around. His two-hit game on Wednesday was a continuation of his success since the break, during which he has hit .338 with a .984 OPS.
Manager Weiss expressed his pride in the team's response, saying, "We were a long way away after June. We had really fallen back. But here we are, back where we were when we were playing really well. This is a great response from our guys."
The Braves' recent success is a testament to the team's ability to adapt and overcome challenges. With Riley's improved performance, Elder's resurgence, and Baldwin's impact, the Braves are a formidable force once again. As the season progresses, it will be fascinating to see if they can maintain this momentum and make a deep playoff run. Personally, I think the Braves have what it takes to go all the way, and their current streak is a strong indicator of their potential. What makes this particularly fascinating is the team's ability to bounce back from adversity, a trait that often separates the good teams from the great ones.
