NEWYork -- As the Atlanta Braves stretched their losing run with a 3-2, 10-inning loss to the Mets on Thursday night at Citi Field, their endurance was being challenged. Chris Sale answered bluntly when questioned about the value of patience for the failing squad. "You have to get it going at a specific moment," Sale remarked. Just want it's sooner rather than later.
struggles in the standings
The Braves stay at top of the National League Wild Card rankings with their fifth consecutive loss and eighth in their past eleven games. Their lead is limited, though; only a half-game clear of the Mets and two games ahead of the Diamondbacks, who are just half-way back from guaranteeing the third and last Wild Card place.
A Hard Game to Cheers
This last loss's last two innings brought to light the Braves' issues. Sale was outstanding, surrendering just a two-run homer by Francisco Lindor across a season-high 7 1/3 innings. Two runs against Luis Severino the injury-depleted Braves managed. For Atlanta supporters, however, both physical and psychological missteps will probably be the memories they carry forward.
The game turned sour when right fielder Ramón Laureano overran Jeff McNeil's walk-off single, a play that perfectly captured the Braves' present difficulties. "I overran it, but I should have caught that ball." Laureano said. Today I let the team down.
Managerial Choices Under Examination
At first, it appeared Laureano was responsible for the pivotal 10th inning mistake. Still, more examination turned out shared blame. Given Jarred Kelenic's squeeze bunt, Laureano's forceful approach toward the plate seemed dubious. "I'm not sure what that was, quite honestly," manager Brian Snitker remarked. "You will have to question them. I had nothing on at first. Usually, we do not bunt in that context."
Snitker's approach to have Orlando Arcia bunt Laureano over to third base made logical, but what came after did not. Against a high and away fastball from Mets catcher Francisco Alvarez, Kelenic's bunt effort resulted in a run-down ending the Braves' threat. "I think it's rather simple," Kelenic stated. "I ought to swing the bat there."
The Requirement for Supportive Materials
Alex Anthopoulos, the president of baseball operations for Braves who acquired Reynaldo López and Sale last winter, now has to help an underperforming lineup. The team's offensive woes started a month before Ronald Acuña Jr.'s season-ending knee injury and have been exacerbated by Ozzie Albies' fractured wrist and Michael Harris II's protracted absence.
Outfield Errors
The July outfield play of the Braves has especially raised questions:
Adam Duvall: 630 OPS.
Eddie Rosario has 530 OPS.
Jarred Kelenic: 480 OPS
Snitker even defended the decision of pinch-runner Whit Merrifield to try stealing third base with one out in the ninth since the lineup's bottom is so low. "Do you want me to be aggressive?" Whit asked Snitker. "Absolutely," I said. He steals bases at least sometimes. One did not go as planned."
Anticipating Forward
The Braves especially in the outfield desperately need reinforcements as the trade deadline draws near. Although injuries have been a major factor in their challenges, their postseason prospects may depend critically on a better roster. "This is a very humbling game," Sale said, adding the Braves are experiencing extreme humility as they try to turn their season around.
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