Heading into Sunday’s game, the Braves had scored four or fewer runs in nine of their last 10 contests, and fans were hoping manager Brian Snitker would shake things up to spark the offense. While benching slumping players might not be ideal given the team’s depth issues, changing the batting order seemed like a logical move. Instead, Snitker stuck with the same lineup, hoping for different results.
The Braves were shut out by Carmen Mlodzinski, a pitcher with a 6.16 ERA who wasn’t even projected to make the Pirates’ Opening Day rotation. Although Atlanta managed to rally late against the bullpen to tie the game, they ultimately lost on a walk-off fielder’s choice. They dropped two of three games to the struggling Pirates, who now sit at 14–27, despite allowing just nine runs total in the series.
Fans aren’t blaming Snitker for everything, but his unwillingness to make lineup adjustments has drawn frustration—especially with the Braves ranking 21st in MLB in runs scored, a shock given their offensive talent. Ozzie Albies, once an All-Star, has struggled badly this year and came into Sunday with a .218 average and just five home runs. He’s been ice-cold in May, yet Snitker continues to bat him in the top half of the lineup, including the leadoff spot Friday. Albies went 0-for-4 on Sunday and left runners stranded.
Alex Verdugo, another struggling hitter, has led off every game he’s started in May despite batting .143 for the month. Meanwhile, Eli White entered the day hitting .299 with an .882 OPS but was slotted seventh in the lineup. The decisions raise questions about Snitker’s reluctance to adapt.
While the players bear responsibility for underperforming, Snitker’s refusal to adjust his approach is becoming harder to defend. The offense has been flat all season, and at this point, lineup changes can’t hurt. A disappointing series loss to the lowly Pirates might finally push Snitker to reconsider his strategy.
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