Atlanta Braves: NL East
Boston Mountain Publishing
Updated Thursday, October 6, 2022, 3:15 PM
Atlanta Braves - #3
I've been wanting to write this article since Sunday evening when the Braves where on their way to a 3-game sweep of the visiting Mets, but with today's game being the last one of the season, I now feel confident to rank the Atlanta Braves in the third spot. This team was down 10 games in June to the Mets, and much like last year's team, they fought back to take the division for their 5th straight NL East title. The NL East has been the closest divisional race in the majors throughout season as 3 teams have secured a post season bid in 2022: Braves, Mets, and Phillies
Now back to the #3 team, with the #2 seed in this year's NL playoffs. The Braves have the third best record in baseball and are sitting at 101-60 with today's game against the Marlins being the last of the regular season. The 2021 World Series defending Champs were the third team in the league to secure a spot in this year's post-season play. This past week, Atlanta swept their division rival, the New York Mets, at home to jump two games ahead for the NL East title. It has been a battle for the division all year between these two ballclubs, and last weekend solidified the #2 seed in the post season which includes a first round-bye and an extra week off before taking on the #3 St. Louis Cardinals or the #6 seed Philadelphia Phillies in their best of 3 matchup in the Wild Card Series starting Friday. This is the Braves are hoping to become the first back-to-back World Series Champs since the New York Yankees last won 3 in a row between 1998-2000.
Coach Brian Snitker has been the manager of the Braves since being hired in 2016. He led the Braves to the 2021 World Series Title, winning against the Houston Astros 4-2 in the best-of-7 series. In last year's World Series, he coached against his son, Troy, who was a bench coach in the Houston Astros organization. As a player, Snitker signed with the Atlanta Braves in 1977 and bounced around the minors, playing mostly catcher and first base. He was eventually released in 1980 but still stayed on with the Braves but in an instructor role with team. He has been a part of the Braves organization since being drafted and has served as a player, minor league coach, bench coach, and head coach throughout his career.
The Atlanta Braves are currently the fourth favorite to win the World Series at +600 odds at the Caesar's Sportsbook in Las Vegas.
HITTING
As a team, the Braves are 10th in the league in batting average, currently hitting .252 through 161 games. In the league, they are 9th in total hits, 3rd in total runs, 2nd in HRs, and 3rd in strikeouts on the year.
Dansby Swanson (SS) has played in every game this year and is leading the team in batting average, hitting .277 with 639 at-bats. He has 177 hits on the year which includes 32 doubles, 1 triple, and 25 HRs to go along with 96 RBIs. He also has 18 stolen bases on the year.
Austin Riley (3B) is batting .273 throughout the 2022 season and has played in 159 games. So far, he has 168 hits which includes 39 doubles, 2 triples, and 38 HRs this year. He has scored 90 runs and has hit 93 RBIs for the Braves. Riley leads the team with a .877 OPS.
Matt Olsen (1B) also played in every game this year. He is currently hitting .239. but is third on the team with 146 hits. On the year, he has 43 Doubles, 33 HRs, has taken 75 walks and is leading the team with 101 RBIs.
Marcell Ozuna (DH) is batting .222 in 123 games. He has 18 doubles and 22 HRs adding 53 RBIs.
Ronald Acuna (RF) has 24 Doubles and 15 HRs to go along with a team high 29 stolen bases. Acuna was injured last year and was unable to participate in the World Series.
PITCHING
The Braves starting rotation and their bullpen has been Top 5 in the league in most categories all year. They are 5th in the league with a 3.40 team ERA and are holding teams to a 4th best .225 batting average. The team is ranked 4th in the league in hits allowed, and 4th in the league in runs allowed. Atlanta's bullpen is leading the league with 55 saves on the year.
Charlie Morton (P) has a 9-6 record on the season through 31 starts. He currently has a 4.34 ERA and has thrown 172 innings to date. Morton is 9th in the league with 205 strikeouts on the year.
Spencer Strider (P) is 11-5 with a 2.67 ERA. He's thrown 131.2 innings in 20 starts this year. Strider is 11th in the league with 202 strikeouts and is leading the team only allowing a .180 batting average to opposing hitters in 2022.
Kyle Wright (P) is leading the league with a 21-5 record in 30 starts while throwing 180.1 innings to date. He is the only pitcher to reach 20 wins this year. He has a 3.19 ERA and has struck out 174 batters.
Max Fried (P) is sitting at 14-7 and is ranked 7th in the league with a 2.48 ERA in 30 starts for the Braves. He's pitched 185.1 innings and has 170 strikeouts to date.
Kenley Jansen (P) has come out of the bullpen in 65 games this year for the Braves. He has a 3.38 ERA in 64 innings pitched. Jansen is second in the league with 41 saves on the season and an overall record of 5-2 on the year.
End of Regular Season
Play will resume for the Braves on October 11 against the St. Louis Cardinals or the Philadelphia Phillies.
Check out MLB Playoff Rundown by Team here:
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