Well, the Braves dropped another game where the pitching did everything it could, but the offense simply didn’t show up. It’s getting frustrating watching a team with so much talent struggle to put runs on the board when the pitchers keep giving them a chance. Usually, I’m not quick to call for firing coaches, but at this point, Tim Hyers, the new hitting coach brought in this offseason, deserves serious scrutiny.
Trying something new wasn’t a crazy idea—last year’s offense had its issues, though for different reasons. But so far, there’s zero proof that the new hitting approach has helped anyone. In fact, the Braves’ once powerful lineup looks drastically weaker, and the offense as a whole has been downright disappointing. Maybe shaking up the coaching staff is what’s needed to break this slump.
Michael Harris, last year’s Rookie of the Year, has been a nightmare at the plate lately. His struggles last night—striking out twice in critical moments—are especially painful because the new approach was supposed to help players like him take better pitches and be more disciplined. Instead, he’s regressing, and Ozzie Albies hasn’t been much better, raising tough questions about his future with the team.
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The situation in Atlanta feels pretty bleak right now. To make matters worse, Daysbel Hernandez had to leave Wednesday’s game early with what looked like a hand injury, adding more uncertainty to an already fragile bullpen. And even with the Diamondbacks practically handing the Braves a run, Atlanta’s offense still couldn’t capitalize.
All in all, the Braves find themselves in a tough spot, losing games they should be winning because their bats have gone cold. If this keeps up, changes may be unavoidable—and sooner rather than later.
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