Braves Stumble Early: Offense Shows Promise Despite 0-2 Start and RISP Woes

Early Season Jitters in San Diego

The Atlanta Braves' 2025 season began with frustrating déjà vu for fans, mirroring some struggles from previous years. Despite high expectations, the team fell to the Padres in their first two contests.

Offensive Opportunities Squandered

Across the first two games, the Braves' lineup demonstrated patience and power. They forced Padres starters Michael King and Dylan Cease out of the games early, racking up pitch counts and drawing numerous walks. Home runs from Jarred Kelenic, Ozzie Albies, and Austin Riley highlighted the potential explosiveness. However, converting these opportunities into runs proved difficult. The team's 1-for-16 performance with runners in scoring position stands out as the primary reason for the 0-2 start. Several hard-hit balls, including potential home runs robbed from Albies and rookie catcher Drake Baldwin (who endured a particularly unlucky start with multiple hard-hit outs), added to the frustration. Matt Olson noted the team has had 'quality at-bats' and believes the timely hits will come if they maintain their approach.

Bullpen Under Scrutiny

The bullpen, tasked with replacing key pieces from last year, showed immediate signs of being a work in progress. On Opening Day, newcomer Héctor Neris surrendered a game-tying pinch-hit homer, followed by Aaron Bummer contributing to a disastrous four-run seventh inning. Manager Brian Snitker defended the usage, noting Neris is experienced, but the results were costly. In the second game, lefty Dylan Lee, after a clean inning, allowed a go-ahead solo homer to Jake Cronenworth in the eighth. While starter Chris Sale battled through five innings effectively after a shaky start in the opener, and Reynaldo López provided a solid five-inning effort in game two, the late-inning relief has been unable to secure leads.

Silver Linings?

Manager Brian Snitker remains optimistic, emphasizing the quality of at-bats and the positive offensive process. He believes things will 'even out' and the team will 'get it going.' The increased number of long at-bats (over half lasting five pitches or more in both games) suggests a potential shift in approach under new hitting coach Tim Hyers. Austin Riley, despite some bad luck on hard-hit balls, already has multiple hits including a homer and a double, showing positive signs after his injury-shortened 2024.

Should Braves fans be worried about the 0-2 start?

While not ideal, it's extremely early in a long season. The underlying offensive metrics (forcing high pitch counts, hard contact) are encouraging, but the lack of timely hitting and bullpen performance are areas needing immediate improvement.

What are the biggest issues facing the Braves right now?

The inability to hit with runners in scoring position (1-for-16) and the bullpen's inconsistency in high-leverage situations are the primary concerns after the first two games.

Is the offense really better despite the results?

The process seems improved, with more patient at-bats and consistent hard contact compared to previous struggles. However, baseball games are won by scoring runs, so converting opportunities is crucial.

The Braves have shown they can get runners on base, but can they start bringing them home consistently? And will the bullpen settle into reliable roles?

*Do you think this slow start is just early-season noise, or a sign of bigger issues? Let us know!*