The Atlanta Braves hit an important early-season benchmark on Tuesday night, improving to a .500 record (21–21) with a 5–2 win over the Washington Nationals. While that might not sound like a major accomplishment, it’s a significant turnaround considering the Braves opened the season with seven straight losses.
According to The Athletic’s David O’Brien, Atlanta is only the fifth team in MLB history to recover from an 0–7 start and reach .500—and they did it in just 42 games, the second-fastest recovery on record.
Manager Brian Snitker Sends a Message
Following the victory, manager Brian Snitker offered a straightforward assessment of the team’s progress:
“It was a rough start, obviously. But I’m proud of how the guys have hung in there,” he said. “Yeah, we’re .500. It’s kind of cool, but it doesn’t mean anything. We’re just playing better, more consistent.”
Snitker acknowledged the Braves still aren’t at full strength, saying he believes their best baseball is still ahead.
Key Contributions in the Win
The game featured a breakout performance from rookie catcher Drake Baldwin, who went 3-for-4 with a two-run homer. Ozzie Albies snapped a lengthy slump with an RBI single, and Spencer Schwellenbach provided much-needed stability on the mound with seven strong innings.
The win also ended a bizarre stretch in which the Braves alternated one-run victories and defeats for seven consecutive games.
Acuña Nears Return
In another encouraging development, Ronald Acuña Jr. homered in his first minor league rehab game, showing power and confidence as he works his way back from a torn ACL. He’s now heading to Triple-A Gwinnett and could rejoin the Braves sooner than expected.
Acuña’s return would provide a huge boost to a lineup that has leaned heavily on veterans while younger players like Baldwin begin to make an impact.
Turning the Corner
Since their disastrous start, the Braves are 21–14—the second-best record in the National League during that stretch. While the offense has yet to fully click, the team is finding ways to win and building momentum.
No team has ever made the postseason after beginning 0–7, but the Braves have a chance to rewrite that narrative. Tuesday’s win might not have changed the standings dramatically, but it marked a psychological turning point—proof the season has shifted from early disarray to genuine opportunity.
Snitker’s message to the league? The Braves are back in the fight. But now, the challenge is sustaining it.
