Brian Snitker delivered a subtle warning to the rest of MLB after crushing the Yankees.
The Atlanta Braves secured a series win by defeating the New York Yankees 3-1 on Sunday in the Bronx, extending their winning streak to eight of their last ten games after overcoming a five-game losing streak. Braves manager Brian Snitker had a straightforward message about their recent performance that should concern the rest of the league.
“We’re playing more to our capabilities,” Snitker said via the Associated Press. “Quite honestly, I still don’t think we’re hitting on all cylinders.”
Despite missing key players like Ronald Acuna Jr. and Spencer Strider for the season, the Braves have demonstrated their depth and talent, as evidenced by this recent surge. Winning a series against the Yankees in New York is noteworthy, even if the Yankees have been struggling.
Max Fried, stepping up as the team’s ace in Strider’s absence, pitched six strong innings, giving up just one run on an Anthony Volpe double. Like the team, Fried has bounced back from a rough start to the season. Snitker was confident in his turnaround.
“It’s kind of like our hitting. Knew it was going to turn around,” Snitker said.
Fried’s stats this season are impressive: he is 7-3 with a 3.00 ERA over 15 games, pitching 90 innings and striking out 80 batters, according to MLB.com. His continued strong performance will be crucial for the Braves to remain contenders in the National League.
Braves’ Outlook for the Remainder of the 2024 Season
After Sunday’s win, the Braves improved to a 43-32 overall record, holding firmly to the top wild card spot in the National League, but they are still seven games behind the Philadelphia Phillies in the NL East. While catching the Phillies for the division title is challenging, the Braves are well-positioned for a playoff spot.
Recent history shows that wild card teams can make deep playoff runs, as demonstrated by the Texas Rangers and the Arizona Diamondbacks last season, and the Phillies in 2022.
The Braves find themselves in a situation similar to 2021 when Ronald Acuna Jr. was injured. That year, the team made strategic trades to fill the gaps left by injuries and went on an improbable run to win the World Series over the Houston Astros.
Though strong in 2022 and 2023, the Braves were upset by the Phillies in the NLDS both years. The playoffs have proven to be unpredictable, and despite not being the strongest on paper, the Braves should not be counted out come October.
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