The Atlanta Braves are off to a disastrous start to the 2025 MLB season, currently sitting at 1–8 following a Saturday night home loss to the Miami Marlins. Sunday’s game was postponed due to inclement weather, offering a brief respite for the struggling Braves, who now have a two-day break before facing the Philadelphia Phillies on Tuesday.
Early Season Woes
This rocky beginning has been surprising for a franchise that’s built a reputation as a perennial contender. With playoff appearances in each of the last several seasons — including a World Series title in 2021 — expectations were high for 2025. But instead, the Braves have stumbled out of the gate, getting swept by the Padres and Dodgers and only managing a split against the Marlins, who are not expected to be major postseason players this year.
While the team’s current record is concerning, it’s worth noting that only about 5% of the season has been played. There’s still a long way to go. But the early struggles are undeniable, and they’ve exposed significant holes, particularly with some of the Braves’ most important players on the sidelines.
Key Injuries Piling Up
Much of Atlanta’s early slump can be attributed to injuries to superstar right fielder Ronald Acuña Jr. and ace pitcher Spencer Strider.
Ronald Acuña Jr., the 2023 NL MVP and a cornerstone of the franchise, is still recovering from a torn ACL suffered during the 2024 season — the second of his career.
Spencer Strider, one of the game’s most electric arms, also remains out as he continues to recover from an injury that ended his 2024 season prematurely.
Both players represent the heart of Atlanta’s roster — Acuña’s presence at the top of the lineup sets the tone offensively, and Strider’s dominant fastball and strikeout ability anchor the rotation.
The absence of these two stars leaves a massive gap on both sides of the ball, and it’s evident in the Braves’ current performance. The team has struggled to generate offense consistently and has lacked the shutdown pitching they’ve come to rely on in recent years.
A Positive Update on Acuña
There is, however, some good news on the horizon. Grant McAuley of 92.9 The Game recently shared a promising update on Ronald Acuña Jr. via social media:
“Ronald Acuña Jr. will be heading to Los Angeles soon to get the final clearances from doctors to ramp up his running and eventually head out on a rehab assignment. The timetable is not in stone, but anticipating an early-mid May return (barring any setbacks) seems logical.”
This update offers a glimmer of hope for a Braves fanbase that desperately needs it. If Acuña remains on track for a return in early to mid-May, it could significantly bolster Atlanta’s chances of turning their season around.
Acuña’s Impact & Historical Context
Acuña’s impact on the Braves cannot be overstated. He’s one of the league’s most dynamic talents — combining speed, power, and defensive prowess. His previous ACL tear in 2021 saw the Braves go on to win the World Series without him, but replicating that kind of magic a second time feels unlikely.
Last season, the Braves were bounced in the Wild Card round by the Padres, a disappointing finish for a team with championship aspirations. This year, expectations were once again high, but Acuña’s delayed return has clearly taken the wind out of Atlanta’s sails.
A Long Road Ahead
At 1–8, Atlanta faces an uphill climb. No team wants to fall behind this early in a season, especially in a competitive NL East where the Phillies and Mets are both off to strong starts. The Braves’ next series against the Phillies will be telling — not just in terms of standings, but also in how the team responds to adversity.
“It’s early” is a common refrain in baseball, and in many ways, it’s true. But even early losses count the same in the standings. If the Braves hope to remain in the playoff hunt, they’ll need to find a way to stay afloat until their stars return — and fast.
Final Thoughts
The Braves’ rough start may have caught fans off guard, but it’s far from time to panic — yet. The pending return of Ronald Acuña Jr., and eventually Spencer Strider, could serve as the spark this team needs to get back on track. But in the meantime, they’ll need other players to step up and stop the bleeding before the early-season slump becomes a full-blown crisis.
With plenty of games left to play, the story of the 2025 Braves isn’t finished. But they’ve written a concerning first chapter — and how they respond in the coming weeks will likely define their season.
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