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Braves’ Tough Season Concludes with Playoff Sweep Amidst Injury Woes
04
Oct
Oct
The Atlanta Braves’ season ended in heartbreak as they faced a playoff sweep, struggling with injuries that plagued them throughout the year. Star pitcher Chris Sale, a frontrunner for the NL Cy Young Award, was sidelined with a back injury and stayed home in Atlanta.
Max Fried, a key player who previously clinched the 2021 World Series for the Braves, found himself in the trainer’s room by the third inning of the decisive game. Despite battling adversity, the Braves made a valiant effort, narrowing the San Diego Padres’ lead to just one run before ultimately falling 5-4, sealing their fate in the NL Wild Card Series.
This season was particularly challenging for the Braves, who faced a series of injuries but still managed to secure their seventh consecutive playoff berth, despite relinquishing their six-year hold on the NL East title.
“We won 89 games, and I’m incredibly proud of the team,” said manager Brian Snitker. “What they achieved to keep us in contention was remarkable. We had our chances; if we’d gotten a few hits here and there, who knows? We could still be playing.”
Sale had been absent from a crucial doubleheader against the New York Mets due to back spasms, and was left off the Wild Card Series roster. Just two batters into Fried’s start on Wednesday night, he was struck on the left hip by a comebacker from Fernando Tatis Jr. While he remained in the game initially, he soon faced a barrage of hits, culminating in a 5-1 deficit.
“It was a tough hit,” Snitker remarked. “The Padres capitalized on their opportunities, and I believe the hit affected Fried as the game progressed. Our bullpen, however, performed admirably, stepping up when it mattered most.”
The Braves’ injury woes were extensive. Spencer Strider, who had a record-breaking 20-win season, managed only two starts before succumbing to an elbow injury. Star outfielder Ronald Acuña Jr., the unanimous NL MVP in 2023, suffered a season-ending knee injury in May, while slugger Austin Riley broke his hand in August. Key reliever A.J. Minter underwent season-ending hip surgery, and Ozzie Albies and Michael Harris II returned from significant absences.
“This season has been a testament to the challenges all teams face,” Snitker noted. “Reaching the playoffs is an arduous journey, and winning a World Series requires everything to align perfectly. Our depth was tested, and it showed the resilience of our organization.”
As the Braves reflect on this difficult season, they look forward to rebuilding and returning stronger for the next campaign.
