Brian Snitker said the only thing he really could at the halfway point of what has been a shocking 2024 season so far for the Atlanta Braves.
The veteran manager, when asked about the playoffs, emphatically (as emphatic as he can) stated the team plans to win the National League East. A World Series championship is still the main goal.
I mean, what was he supposed to say? “My injury-plagued, slump-ridden team is right where we want to be?” Or, maybe: “Division titles are overrated. The wild card is the path to take, and we’re all in.”
While Snitker didn’t say that last part, it is likely reality at this point, and considering the issues that have plagued the six-time reigning NL East champions — including devastating season-ending injuries to Ronald Acuña Jr. and Spencer Strider — things could be a lot worse.
When the 162-game regular season for Atlanta actually hit its midpoint this past weekend — the midseason break for the All-Star Game is still two weeks away — the Braves were 46-35, which was seven games behind the Philadelphia Phillies in the NL East, but three games ahead of the San Diego Padres for the NL’s top wild-card spot. Six teams were within a game and a half of the St. Louis Cardinals for the third and final wild card.