The Atlanta Braves have kicked off the 2025 baseball season, and fans are buzzing with excitement, curiosity, and maybe a little concern. As of April 4, 2025, the team sits in a tough spot in the National League East standings. With the season just underway, there’s plenty to unpack about where the Braves stand, what’s happened so far, and what might lie ahead. This article dives deep into the Braves’ current position, their early games, key players, and the road they face in the months to come.
Where the Braves Stand Today
Right now, the Atlanta Braves hold an 0-8 record, placing them dead last in the NL East. That’s right—zero wins and eight losses to start the year. For a team with a rich history of success and a roster loaded with talent, this isn’t the start anyone expected. The division leaderboard shows the Miami Marlins leading the pack at 4-3, while the Braves trail behind even the Washington Nationals, who sit at 2-5. This shaky beginning has fans scratching their heads and wondering what’s gone wrong.
The Braves’ early struggles don’t just put them at the bottom of their division. Across the entire National League, they’re one of only two teams yet to notch a victory. Their counterparts in the NL West, the Colorado Rockies, share a similar 0-7 fate. Meanwhile, powerhouses like the Los Angeles Dodgers and San Diego Padres have stormed out of the gate, already building momentum. For Atlanta, the gap feels wide, but the season’s young, and there’s time to turn things around.
A Rough Opening Week
The Braves kicked off their 2025 campaign on March 27 with a four-game series against the San Diego Padres. Hopes ran high as fans anticipated a strong start on the road. However, the Padres swept Atlanta in convincing fashion, outscoring them 22-5 over the series. Pitching faltered, and the bats stayed quiet, setting a frustrating tone for the season’s first week. Standout pitcher Chris Sale, who dominated in 2024 with a Cy Young-worthy performance, couldn’t find his rhythm, and the offense failed to back him up.
Next, the Braves headed to Los Angeles to face the Dodgers, another NL juggernaut. The results didn’t improve. Atlanta dropped all three games, including a 6-1 loss on March 31 and a 3-1 defeat on April 1. The Dodgers’ pitching stifled the Braves’ lineup, and defensive miscues compounded the woes. By the time the team wrapped up their West Coast trip, they stood at 0-7, a record that sparked concern among even the most optimistic supporters. A single-game loss to the Marlins on April 2 pushed the skid to eight.
Breaking Down the Numbers
Statistics tell a grim story for Atlanta so far. The Braves rank 30th in Major League Baseball with a .151 batting average, meaning they’re struggling to get hits consistently. Only nine runs scored in eight games place them 28th in that category, a far cry from the offensive firepower they displayed in 2023. On the pitching side, the team’s earned run average sits at 5.11, landing them 26th league-wide. Opponents have feasted on Braves hurlers, and the staff’s 1.38 WHIP (walks plus hits per inning pitched) shows they’re letting too many runners reach base.
Compare that to last year’s 89-73 finish, where Atlanta secured a Wild Card spot despite injuries. In 2024, they averaged 4.35 runs per game and boasted a team ERA of 3.75. The drop-off in 2025’s early going is stark. However, a small sample size means these numbers could shift dramatically with a few good outings. Fans cling to that hope as the Braves prepare for their home opener against the Marlins on April 4.
Key Players in the Spotlight
Ronald Acuña Jr.’s Absence
One big reason for the slow start? Ronald Acuña Jr., the 2023 NL MVP, remains sidelined. After tearing his ACL last season, he’s targeting a May return. Without his dynamic speed and power, the Braves miss a spark at the top of the lineup. In 2023, Acuña smashed 41 home runs and stole 73 bases, a historic combo. His absence leaves a gaping hole, and replacements like Jarred Kelenic and Bryan De La Cruz haven’t filled it yet.
Chris Sale’s Struggles
Chris Sale, the ace who carried Atlanta’s rotation in 2024, hasn’t found his groove. During the Dodgers series, he tossed five innings but allowed two runs in a losing effort. Sale’s 2024 brilliance—18 wins and a 2.38 ERA—set a high bar, and fans expect him to rebound soon. With Spencer Strider also on the mend from an elbow injury until late April, Sale shoulders a heavy load as the staff leader.
Michael Harris II’s Bright Spot
Not everything looks bleak. Center fielder Michael Harris II has swung a hot bat, hitting .280 with a home run in the first eight games. His glove in the outfield remains stellar, too. Harris, a 2022 Rookie of the Year, could emerge as a key offensive driver until Acuña returns. His energy offers a glimmer of hope amid the early gloom.
What’s Going Wrong?
So, why do the Braves look so out of sync? First, injuries continue to plague the roster. Beyond Acuña and Strider, catcher Sean Murphy nurses a minor oblique strain and won’t return until late April. Second, the offense lacks punch. Matt Olson, who clubbed 54 homers in 2023, has just one extra-base hit so far. Ozzie Albies, usually a reliable table-setter, battles a .200 average. The lineup’s timing seems off, and they’re chasing too many pitches out of the zone.
Pitching woes add to the mess. Reynaldo López, a 2024 breakout star, landed on the injured list with shoulder inflammation after one start. The bullpen, expected to be a strength, has blown leads and surrendered late runs. Manager Brian Snitker shuffles the deck, but the pieces aren’t clicking yet. Lastly, the schedule didn’t help—facing the Padres and Dodgers right away threw Atlanta into the deep end.
The Road Ahead
The Braves return home on April 4 to face the Marlins at Truist Park, a chance to reset. A three-game set against a division rival could spark a turnaround, especially with a friendlier crowd cheering them on. After that, they host the New York Mets for three games starting April 7, another test against a team projected to contend in the NL East. April’s slate also includes matchups with the Cincinnati Reds and Chicago Cubs, both winnable series if Atlanta finds its footing.
Looking further, May brings Acuña’s potential return, a massive boost. Strider’s comeback later that month could solidify the rotation, too. The Braves face the Philadelphia Phillies, their longtime division nemesis, in late May, a series that might signal whether they’re back in the race. With 154 games left, the season’s far from over, and Atlanta’s talent suggests they won’t stay down long.
Historical Context: Bouncing Back from Slow Starts
Braves fans might feel déjà vu. In 2021, the team stumbled to a 44-45 record by July but rallied to win the World Series. Injuries and slumps tested their resolve, yet they peaked when it mattered. The 2024 season followed a similar script—five key players missed chunks of time, but Atlanta still clinched a playoff berth. History shows this team thrives under pressure, a trait that could shine through again.
Contrast that with 2017, when a 6-12 April foreshadowed a 72-90 finish. That squad lacked the depth and star power of today’s roster. Today’s Braves mirror the resilient 2021 and 2024 teams more than the 2017 group. If they channel that grit, this 0-8 hole won’t define them.
Fan Reactions and Expectations
Social media buzzes with takes on Atlanta’s start. Some fans vent frustration, pointing to the quiet offseason and lack of big free-agent signings. Others preach patience, trusting GM Alex Anthopoulos to make midseason moves like he always does. Posts on X highlight the “it’s early” mantra, with many noting the Dodgers and Padres losses came against top-tier foes. The vibe? Cautious optimism mixed with a dash of worry.
Expectations remain high. After six straight NL East titles from 2018 to 2023 and a playoff run in 2024, Braves Nation demands contention. This roster, even banged up, boasts All-Stars like Olson, Albies, and Sale. Fans expect a climb back to .500 by June and a postseason push by September. Anything less feels like a letdown.
Can the Braves Recover?
Absolutely, they can. Talent alone gives them a shot. Acuña’s return will jolt the offense, and Strider’s arm will stabilize the rotation. Sale historically heats up as summer nears, and young hurlers like AJ Smith-Shawver might step up. The bullpen, with Raisel Iglesias anchoring the back end, should settle down. Plus, Anthopoulos loves the trade deadline—expect him to snag a bat or arm if needed.
However, challenges loom. The NL East looks tougher, with the Phillies and Mets loading up. The Padres and Dodgers losses hint at a competitive National League overall. Atlanta must string wins together soon to avoid digging a deeper hole. Consistency, health, and a little luck will decide their fate.
FAQs About the Braves’ 2025 Standings
Why are the Braves 0-8 to start the 2025 season?
Hurricanes Injuries to stars like Ronald Acuña Jr. and Spencer Strider hurt the lineup and rotation early. The offense struggles to produce runs, averaging just over one per game, while pitching allows too many baserunners. Tough opponents like the Padres and Dodgers exposed those weaknesses right away.
When will Ronald Acuña Jr. return to boost the Braves?
Tyler Acuña targets a May comeback after his ACL injury last year. He ramps up rehab daily, and doctors feel optimistic about his progress. His speed and power could turn the offense around once he’s back in right field.
Can the Braves still win the NL East with this start?
Yes, they can, though it’s an uphill climb. The division’s competitive, but 154 games remain, and Atlanta’s talent runs deep. They’ll need to pile up wins in May and June to catch the Marlins, Phillies, and Mets.
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