After some of the more calamitous months in franchise history, the Braves resume their season Friday night against visiting Colorado. A midseason glance at where they’ve been and where they might be headed:
What went wrong: How much time you got? They lost 17 of their first 21 games, went through their first managerial firing since 1990 and posted their worst All-Star break record (31-58) in 81 years (1935 Boston Braves: 21-52). They rank last in the majors in batting (.237), runs (3.45 per game), home runs (55) and slugging (.349). They are on pace for a 106-loss season, which would match the 1988 for most losses in Atlanta history. Plus one of their bigger 2015 acquisitions, Cuban Hector Olivera, may never play for the franchise again after his arrest for assaulting a women in a team hotel in April.
What went right: Following the dismissal of manager Fredi Gonzalez, the team's record improved under interim manager Brian Snitker: 9-28 (.243) vs. 22-30 (.423). Julio Teheran became a second-time All-Star, Mike Foltynewicz rebounded from career-threatening surgery to flash periodic dominance on the mound. Rookies Mallex Smith (until he broke a thumb), Mauricio Cabrera, Hunter Cervenka and Dario Alvarez had an impact. The Braves hit 20 home runs in their last 15 games, after hitting 35 in their first 69.
The schedule: After a more-than-challenging first-half schedule — 22 of their 30 series came against teams with a current winning record — the opposition finally tails off. Their first 16 games of the second half come against losing teams, as do 10 of their first 15 series. In one stretch, the Braves play 10 of 42 games against teams now in last place.
What to expect: With some improving performances — the Braves are just six games under .500 since June 1 — there is a sense in the clubhouse that the worst has passed. "I think guys are starting to understand their roles now," right fielder Nick Markakis said. "Our pitching was suspect early on, but they've really turned it on in the last month, month and a half."
Goals: As Lewis Grizzard wrote, "Shoot low, boys. They're riding Shetlands." The Braves need a 32-41 second half to avoid a 100-loss season, which isn't much of a goal until one recalls what happened in April, when they were on pace to lose 127. The law of averages holds that their home record (13-34) will improve. After the 2-20 start at Turner Field, the club was 11-14 in its past 25 games. But Snitker wouldn't set a bar for this team, not after what it went through the first two dreadful months. "Show up on each individual day," the manager said, "and let it fly."
Injuries: Catcher Tyler Flowers, who was hitting .280 with nine extra base hits since mid-June, found out on the first day of the All-Star break that he had a fracture his left hand and will be out until late August. That leaves catching duties to 39-year-old A.J. Pierzynski and journeyman call-up Anthony Recker (career major league average: .185). Smith (broken thumb), who was finding his way in his first two months in the majors (14 steals, .298 average vs. right-handers), won't return until September. Starters Williams Perez (right rotator cuff strain) and John Gant (strained left oblique), are in the early stages of rehab and reliever Shae Simmons (Tommy John surgery) has started his throwing program over again because of a sore shoulder.
Call-ups: Those anticipating the first wave of young prospects are going to be disappointed. They aren't ready. Among Baseball America's top 30 prospects in the Braves system, only three players made their respective leagues' All-Star team, and none above Double-A: shortstop Dansby Swanson (Double-A Mississippi), pitcher Mike Soroka (Single-A Rome) and outfielder Dustin Peterson (Mississippi). Pitcher Aaron Blair, who was sent back to Triple-A Gwinnett after some initial success in Atlanta, is 0-2 with a 7.11 ERA since his demotion. Perhaps Swanson and second baseman Ozzie Albies get September call-ups when rosters are expanded.
The manager: What are the chances Snitker retains the managing job? Not very good, which is unfortunate for a guy who has given 40 years to the Braves organization. Snitker is well-liked, and the team obviously has responded to his arrival. But with the franchise entering a major transition while moving into a new stadium, the front office, which has seen a huge turnover in the past 18 months, may want a similar fresh start in the dugout. Until then, Snitker said, "You've got to be in the present."
