Atlanta Braves Going Down Stretch With Underdog Status

With 51 games to go in the Atlanta Braves season, they are regarded as outsiders in the championship contenders conversation.

Despite going 4-3 last week and inching their way to six games back of the Philadelphia Phillies for the NL East lead, they still didn't move up in this week's MLB Power Rankings. A top 10 spot is no longer a guarantee for Atlanta, who is 7-9 since the All-Star break and just split a four-game series with the second-worst team in the National League – the Miami Marlins.

In fact, the Braves were ranked 11th in this week's power rankings by MLB.com . They were No. 1 at one point in April, although this week's ranking was slightly above their season low of 12.

Here's what MLB writer Will Leitch said about the Braves' standing:

"It is not 2021 again, but you can't blame the Braves -- faced with a Biblical onslaught of injuries -- for trying to make it so through science or magic (or just reacquiring Jorge Soler ). July was a miserable month for the Braves, and they now find themselves in a real fight just to reach the playoffs . Even with all the players they have on the injured list, they’re still favored to do just that."

Atlanta sits at 60-51 after turning in 2023's best record in the MLB (104-58). They were expected to be among the top teams again this season, but injuries have ensured that hasn't become a reality.

Still, Leitch did give the Braves their flowers. Despite season-ending injuries to 2023 NL MVP Ronald Acuña Jr. and opening day starting pitcher Spencer Strider in addition to four other everyday fielders, two key relievers and two other key starters missing extended periods of time, Atlanta remains in the playoff picture. They are currently tied with the San Diego Padres, a half game up for the top Wild Card spot.

Largely because of that tough hand they've been dealt, Bleacher Report was a bit more gracious to the Braves in their power rankings. They ranked the Braves No. 8 – the same standing as the week prior.

Here's what BR writer Joel Reuter said about their ranking:

"Did Atlanta do enough to address their starting lineup at the trade deadline? Slugger Jorge Soler is 2-for-17 with seven strikeouts in his first five games back in a Braves uniform, while Eddie Rosario and Whit Merrifield continue to provide lackluster production as injury replacements. A rematch with the Milwaukee Brewers awaits this week after they took two of three from the NL Central leaders on the road last week."

Reuter's insight is entirely fair. As I previously wrote , the Braves were banking on a lot to go right for the trade haul of Soler and Luke Jackson to be sufficient. That's already becoming obvious with Reynaldo López going to the injured list today – the only fall-back the Braves have is Bryce Elder and a farm system that isn't exactly packed with guys that are big-league ready.

Atlanta also added Eddie Rosario and Whit Merrifield after they were designated for assignment from their former NL East homes. As Reuter discussed, this haul isn't going to plan thus far. Props to Atlanta for staying afloat through a year full of setbacks, but injuries are no excuse when playoff baseball rolls around.

Until somebody steps up to alleviate this concerns at the back end of the rotation and in an outfield that has looked sluggish all year, the Braves won't come anywhere near the position they were in to begin the season.