The Atlanta Braves enter Monday night’s interleague contest against the Toronto Blue Jays searching for answers after a dismal 4–11 start to the 2025 season, compounded by a 1–9 record on the road that has raised early concerns within a franchise accustomed to contending. What’s particularly puzzling is that despite returning several core contributors from previous postseason-caliber rosters, the Braves have struggled to find rhythm both offensively and on the mound. Marcell Ozuna has carried the bulk of the load at the plate, batting .306 with 3 home runs and 8 RBIs, providing consistent power from the heart of the order. However, outside of Ozuna, production has been erratic and often untimely, with the team’s overall batting average stalled at .227, reflecting cold stretches and limited on-base traffic. Atlanta’s inability to deliver with runners in scoring position has amplified their struggles, as they’ve often failed to support their starting pitchers with adequate run production, leading to increased pressure on a pitching staff that has not held up to expectations. Grant Holmes gets the call for this game, entering with a 0–1 record and a 4.00 ERA, looking to give the Braves a chance to reset in hostile territory. Holmes has shown flashes of composure and pitch command, but he’ll need his best against a deep and disciplined Toronto lineup that has thrived at home. The Braves’ bullpen hasn’t helped matters either, carrying one of the league’s more inflated ERA figures and faltering in key late-inning spots—blowing leads or allowing deficits to widen just as the offense attempts to mount a comeback. Defensively, Atlanta hasn’t been sharp enough to compensate, with routine plays occasionally turning into extra bases or extended innings.

Manager Brian Snitker has hinted at the need for more energy and urgency, and a game like this could offer a reset if the team embraces the underdog role and plays with aggressive intent. That starts with better pitch selection at the plate, taking advantage of fastballs in the zone early in counts, and finding ways to generate baserunners through walks, hit-and-runs, or well-placed contact. With Easton Lucas throwing lights-out for Toronto and the Blue Jays carrying a 5–2 home record, the Braves will need to be at their most opportunistic, capitalizing on any early mistakes and forcing the Jays into high-leverage bullpen decisions earlier than anticipated. If Atlanta can get five to six quality innings from Holmes, avoid defensive miscues, and see complementary hitting alongside Ozuna, they can begin to chip away at their poor road narrative. For the Braves, this is less about one win and more about finding a competitive identity—a gritty, grinding team that can win tight games again. Monday’s game offers a chance to start that climb back, but it will take urgency, execution, and the kind of sharp baseball they’ve yet to consistently display in 2025.