The Atlanta Braves head into their July 23 matchup against the San Francisco Giants desperate for a rebound at Truist Park after dropping the first two games of the series and continuing a frustrating trend of inconsistency in front of their home fans. The Braves, once considered a powerhouse in the National League, have found themselves mired in mediocrity for much of the summer, with both their lineup and pitching rotation delivering uneven performances that have led to missed opportunities in crucial games. They’ll turn to Spencer Strider for Wednesday’s start, and while his 4–7 record is not representative of his electric stuff, it speaks to the challenges he’s faced in maintaining command and avoiding big innings. Strider remains one of the most intimidating strikeout artists in the league and could be the key to halting San Francisco’s momentum if he can locate early and avoid long counts. Offensively, the Braves have been leaning heavily on Ronald Acuña Jr. and Matt Olson, but the supporting cast—including Ozzie Albies and Austin Riley—needs to step up with more timely hitting and better plate discipline. Atlanta’s issues with runners in scoring position have haunted them throughout the season, and that was evident again in the first two games of this series, where they stranded multiple runners in key spots.

The Braves’ bullpen, typically a strength, has also been vulnerable of late, allowing inherited runners to score and struggling to protect narrow leads, putting added pressure on the starters to pitch deep into games. Manager Brian Snitker has shown confidence in his veterans, but the urgency of late July games, especially against playoff contenders like the Giants, might require lineup adjustments or quicker hooks on struggling arms. Despite their struggles, the Braves still possess one of the most talented rosters in the National League, and one dominant performance could spark a turnaround, particularly if they can build early momentum in Wednesday’s game. Atlanta will need to do a better job working counts against Justin Verlander, a veteran who, despite his 0–8 record, still commands the zone and has the savvy to navigate through potent lineups. Playing at home should offer some advantage, but the Braves must translate that into energy and execution, especially in the first three innings where they’ve often fallen behind. If the bats can break through early and Strider settles in, Atlanta has the pieces to salvage this game and avoid a deflating sweep. This will require sharper focus, cleaner defense, and contributions from the entire lineup—not just the stars. For a team that still harbors playoff hopes, Wednesday represents more than a chance to win a game; it’s an opportunity to shift the tone of their season before time runs out.