3 reasons why July is going to be the most important month for the Atlanta Braves
The 2024 MLB season is approaching the halfway point and the Atlanta Braves are entering the most crucial part of their schedule. Here are three reasons why July is so important.
Atlanta comes into the month of July sitting 8 games behind the National League East leading Philadelphia Phillies. This seems like a lot of ground to make up but the Braves have done it before.
For the Braves to get into a position to win their seventh straight division title, the month of July is going to have to be a successful one. Here are three reasons why the month of July is so important for the Atlanta Braves.
1. Braves and Phillies schedule
Arguably for the first time in 2024, it feels like the Phillies have a tougher road ahead over the next few weeks than the Atlanta Braves. In addition to going through the hardest part of this schedule to this point, Philadelphia is also having to adjust to the absence of Bryce Harper and Kyle Schwarber due to injury.
Not only is Atlanta's upcoming schedule slightly more favorable, the Braves also get to host Philadelphia at Truist Park this upcoming weekend for a 3-game set. If Atlanta could dig deep into their cleaning supplies and find a broom, we could be looking at a NL East division race heating up down the stretch.
Notable tough opponents Phillies have in July (All 3 game series): Braves, Dodgers , Twins, Guardians and Yankees
Notable opponents at or under .500 Braves face in July: Giants (3 game series), Diamondbacks (3 game series), Reds (3 game series) and Mets (4 game series)
2. All-Star break and getting healthy
When the Braves wrap up a series out west against the Padres on July 14th, they will not play another regular season game until the 19th. This gap in the schedule is dedicated to the MLB All-Star Game which will take place in Texas this year.
While a few Braves will be representing the National League by participating in All-Star Game festivities, many others will head home and recuperate in preparation for the second half of the season. This break could allow the Braves to catch their breath, come to reality with the task at hand and be as healthy as possible to make a push at another division title.
3. Trade Deadline
Perhaps the most exciting time of the year for baseball fans is when the trade deadline is approaching. Front offices have to decide how aggresssive they are going to be in trying to reach the current year's goals or if they are going to set up for success further down the road.
With Alex Anthopopulos at the helm of the Braves ship, we fully anticipate him going all in and fighting to make the Braves World Series contenders in 2024. However, the performance of the ball club through the first half of July could dictate his decision making by July 30th.
If Atlanta falls off even more and is 12-15 games out of first place, AA may want the club to focus on grabbing the top Wild Card spot and being healthy for the playoffs. On the other hand, if they are a little more within striking distance, he could make some more impactful moves to give the team a chance to win the division.
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