The Atlanta Braves have struggled mightily with Runners in Scoring Position (RISP) through the first three games of the season. With just one hit in 22 opportunities, they hold a league-worst .045 batting average in these situations. However, the Braves have now landed another key player who could help turn things around and improve their offensive efficiency.
-
Nacho Alvarez Jr. (Triple-A shortstop)
-
AJ Smith-Shawver (Right-handed pitcher with MLB experience)
-
Hurston Waldrep (Right-handed pitcher close to the majors)
-
Marcell Ozuna (Only Braves player with a hit in RISP situations this season)
-
Jurickson Profar (Leadoff hitter with high pitch-per-plate-appearance rate)
Nacho Alvarez Jr., a promising shortstop with Triple-A Gwinnett, and AJ Smith-Shawver, a right-handed pitcher with brief major league experience, are seen as potential impact players who could stabilize the team and create more scoring chances. Hurston Waldrep, another right-handed pitcher, is also on the verge of breaking into the majors and could help keep games competitive.
Marcell Ozuna remains the only Braves player to record a hit with RISP this season, delivering a two-out, two-run single on Friday. Meanwhile, Jurickson Profar has excelled at working long at-bats, averaging 5.85 pitches per plate appearance—the highest in baseball. However, these extended battles have not yet translated into run production for the Braves.
Atlanta will attempt to avoid a four-game sweep in San Diego, a fate they haven’t suffered to open a season since 1980. Their struggles with RISP remain a glaring issue, but the addition of key players and the rise of talented prospects could help turn things around as the season progresses.
Related: Braves’ Young Stars Could Change the Narrative in 2025
Copyright 2025 Athlon Sports. All rights reserved. This story was originally published March 30, 2025, at 1:37 PM.
