Braves and Dodgers Both Endure Season Slumps

Both the Atlanta Braves and Los Angeles Dodgers are enduring significant struggles this season. The Dodgers experienced their worst four-game run differential since 1932, being outscored 38-7 and losing four straight games, raising concerns about offensive and pitching instability. The Braves were recently swept by the last-place Baltimore Orioles, dropping to fourth in the NL East and falling 8.5 games behind in the Wild Card race. Atlanta continues to miss former pitcher Charlie Morton, now excelling with the Orioles, and has been hampered by injuries and bullpen overuse. Despite the offensive slump, catchers Drake Baldwin and Sean Murphy have shown promise, but the team has consistently failed to capitalize in key moments. Increasing frustration has led analysts to question whether the Braves should pivot toward future planning.