Braves’ Early-Season Struggles Continue Despite Strong Offensive Efforts
The Atlanta Braves have had no trouble creating scoring opportunities in their first two games of the 2025 MLB season. However, after a 4-3 loss to the San Diego Padres on Friday night at Petco Park, they remain winless, largely due to struggles with runners in scoring position.
Opportunities Missed, Frustration Mounts
Through two games, Atlanta has drawn 10 walks and hit three home runs, forcing both Padres starting pitchers out before the fifth inning. Yet, their inability to capitalize in key moments has been costly, going just 1-for-16 with runners in scoring position.
“I didn’t realize it was like that,” manager Brian Snitker said postgame. “It feels better than that. I think on the back end of that, if we can continue this, it will be really good.”
The Braves’ struggles were on full display Friday when they loaded the bases in the first inning with only one out. They managed to push across just one run, and even that came after a replay review. Later, a two-run single from Marcell Ozuna in the third inning provided hope, but it wasn’t enough to hold off the Padres.
Bullpen Woes and Tough Breaks
Atlanta’s bullpen remains a work in progress. After Héctor Neris blew a late lead on Opening Day, Snitker turned to Dylan Lee for a multi-inning relief effort Friday. However, Lee gave up a game-winning solo homer to Jake Cronenworth in the eighth inning—the lefty’s first home run against a southpaw in 153 at-bats last season.
Rookie Drake Baldwin has also been snakebitten, hitting three balls over 99 mph on Friday but going 0-for-3. The Braves’ No. 1 prospect even had a potential home run robbed in the season opener.
Austin Riley has been the team’s most consistent hitter so far, recording the only two multi-hit games for Atlanta and hitting four balls over 100 mph. Despite his efforts, the Braves’ overall on-base percentage sits at just .286, a stark contrast to the impressive .400 mark against San Diego’s starting pitchers.
Looking Ahead
While it’s easy to focus on early-season issues—missed double plays, bullpen struggles, and untimely hitting—there’s still confidence in the Braves’ offense.
“This offense keeps fighting,” said starter Reynaldo López, who allowed three runs over five innings. “I think they’re going to continue to do their thing.”
And with Ronald Acuña Jr. set to return next month, Atlanta expects their fortunes to turn sooner rather than later.