Atlanta Braves' June skid ends with key players set to return after All-Star break

The Atlanta Braves sit third in the National League with a 55-40 record and are riding a three-game win streak after beating St. Louis 3-4 on July 12.

What happened to the Atlanta Braves in June?

The Braves’ slide began on June 9, the same day Ronald Acuña Jr. strained his left hamstring. Since then, Atlanta has gone 13-18, dropping from a red-hot start to a rough patch that erased early momentum. The team lost 13 of its final 17 games in June, a stretch that included Drake Baldwin’s oblique strain and Robert Suarez’s elbow issues. Baldwin, the reigning NL Rookie of the Year, went 4-for-51 after returning from the injured list, posting a .225 OPS in June — the worst month by any Braves hitter (min. 50 plate appearances) since the team moved to Atlanta in 1966.

Why Acuña’s return matters most

Acuña’s absence has hurt more than his .793 OPS suggests. The Braves are 37-16 when he plays this season and 13-18 without him. His return after the All-Star break could shift the lineup’s dynamic entirely. With Acuña back in the leadoff spot, the Braves may also move on from Ha-Seong Kim, who’s been a $20-million disappointment. Mauricio Dubón would slide into the shortstop role, stabilizing the infield.

Can Drake Baldwin regain his swing?

Baldwin’s struggles look like timing, not talent. Before his oblique strain on May 18, he ranked fourth among NL players with a 156 Weighted Runs Created Plus. Chipper Jones, who covered Baldwin early in his career, sees no mechanical flaws — just rust. One rehab game isn’t much, but Baldwin’s track record suggests he’ll find his stroke again. The Braves need him to, or their offense loses a key run producer.

Bullpen boost: Robert Suarez set to return

Robert Suarez’s return from the injured list after the All-Star break could solidify the Braves’ bullpen. With Raisel Iglesias, Dylan Lee and Suarez anchoring the back end, Atlanta already has one of baseball’s best relief corps. Adding Suarez gives manager Brian Snitker another weapon in high-leverage spots. The trio’s dominance was on display in the team’s recent wins, including the 3-4 victory at St. Louis on July 12.

What comes next for the Atlanta Braves?

The Braves’ path forward hinges on health and timing. Acuña’s return could spark the lineup. Baldwin’s recovery will determine if the offense rebounds. Suarez’s bullpen arm will tighten late-game situations. If all three align, Atlanta’s late-season push could mirror the 2023 Rays, who won the AL pennant after a June swoon. The Braves’ 55-40 record keeps them in the race, but the next few weeks will decide if they’re buyers or sellers at the deadline.