With an extraordinary month of June, the Atlanta Braves have changed the narrative of the fight for the title of the Eastern Division of the National League. After ending May 10 1/2 games out of first place with the New York Mets, the reigning champions cut that gap to three games with their win on Wednesday.
Subtracting 15 clashes between both teams, everything is yet to be defined in the aforementioned division, thanks to the baseball that the Braves played in the month that ended yesterday. Not including their game on Thursday, they were 21-5 in June.
A radical change, considering that they did not have a streak of more than two victories in the first two months of the season. They then kicked off June by winning their first 14 games, dramatically reversing their standings in the standings.
With a +65 run differential, the Braves have dominated their opponents in every facet. They have had a balanced offense, which has become more productive since they installed Michael Harris as their regular center fielder.
The 21-year-old prospect hit .351/.376/.557 in the just-concluded period, bringing power, explosive speed and above-average defense to center field. The team also benefited from productive performances from Dansby Swanson and Travis d’Arnaud, among others, with the rest of the lineup putting in their share.
The team’s starters won 13 of 15 decisions, led by Kyle Wright (5-1), ace Max Fried (2.16 ERA), Ian Anderson (three wins) and rookie Spencer Strider (two wins and 35 strikeouts). in 25 episodes). Charlie Morton put in four solid starts, adding 45 strikeouts in 35.2 innings.
The bullpen was equally solid, thanks to the work of Collin McHugh, Will Smith, AJ Minter, Jesse Chavez and Dylan Lee. It’s up to that group to make up for the absence of closer Kenley Jansen, out due to a cardiac arrhythmia problem.
Manager Brian Snitker will have the return of Ronald Acuña, who missed a few games with a left foot injury. Thus, the only prolonged absence that can be foreseen is that of Ozzie Albies, out until the second half of August.
The truth is that the Braves have put their slow start behind them and have all the tools to wreak havoc on the rest of the season.
