The Atlanta Braves are coming off one of their biggest wins of the season as they beat the first-place Mets in extras on Tuesday night. It felt like a huge weight was lifted off their shoulders and it proved they still had the ability to win close games.
Atlanta is in one of the most important stretches of the season with 13 straight games against NL East teams. They will need to play the best baseball of their life if they have any hope of reaching the playoffs this year.
The offense has to continue to succeed with runners on and the bullpen has to be able to keep the team in games. Recent news from Atlanta's camp shows that is possible.
Braves News: Jurickson Profar impressed in his first minor league rehab game as suspension nears end
Jurickson Profar was the biggest acquisition for the Braves this offseason. Unfortunately, he only played in four games before being suspended for PED use. Profar is only a couple of weeks away from returning from his suspension.
OF Jurickson Profar impressed in his rehab debut for Triple-A Gwinnett, going 2-for-3 with a walk and sac-fly RBI from the leadoff spot.
— 680 The Fan (@680TheFan) June 18, 2025
He started that journey back to the MLB roster with the Gwinnett Stripers. It was a good game for Profar as he batted 2-for-3 from the leadoff spot with one walk and one RBI. Profar will likely occupy the second spot in the lineup upon return and adding him back to the lineup will be huge for the Braves.
Braves News: Austin Riley refutes belief that Atlanta lacks leadership
Braves third baseman Austin Riley recently addressed comments that the team lacks leadership. That has been a talking point among some fans this season. It's natural to wonder what is causing the team to underperform this season.
However, leadership is not among the problems. There are plenty of veterans on this team who are clearly big voices in the clubhouse. Riley said as much in his interview with 680 The Fan a couple of days ago.
Austin Riley, on The Locker Room this morning, pushed back on the idea that the Braves lack leadership:
— 680 The Fan (@680TheFan) June 16, 2025
“The conversations that need to be had have been had.”
Full interview: https://t.co/9VCNRKpP0l pic.twitter.com/1Xsbfrtfas
Atlanta's third baseman stated, "You look at Chris Sale, you look at Marcell Ozuna, myself, Olson. The conversations that need to be had have been had."
He's right that the Braves have plenty of veterans who know how to lead in an MLB clubhouse. While it's easy to point to a lack of leadership when the team isn't doing well, it's simply not the truth in Atlanta.
Braves News: Raisel Iglesias trending in the right direction
Braves closer Raisel Iglesias has not had a good time this season. He went from being one of the best relievers in baseball to one of the worst this season. His ERA currently sits at 6.00 through 27 innings.
The issue has mainly come from his pitches not being as sharp as they need to be. However, since being moved away from ninth-inning duties, Iglesias has started to get things together. He has appeared in three straight scoreless innings with one hit and four strikeouts.
Three consecutive strong outings from Raisel Iglesias. Have said it throughout his struggles, but the #Braves desperately need him back on track. To accomplish what they're trying to accomplish this season, Iglesias has to play a major role in leading the bullpen.
— Grant McAuley (@grantmcauley) June 18, 2025
Two of those appearances were in the eighth inning and one was a hold on Tuesday against the Mets in the 10th inning. It seems taking that pressure off of him has helped get things going in the right direction.