Braves face injury crisis in NL wild-card race

The Braves are facing a significant injury crisis as they compete for a wild-card spot in the National League. Key players, including catcher Sean Murphy, second baseman Ozzie Albies, third baseman Austin Riley, and center-fielder Michael Harris II, have all missed at least two months due to various injuries. This has forced the team to replace injured players with other replacements, further complicating their roster situation. Their ace pitcher, Spencer Strider, also underwent surgery on his pitching elbow after only two starts this season. The team, which previously dominated the league with 104 wins and a record-setting 307 home runs last year, is struggling to perform. Many players who were once reliable contributors have been unable to regain their form, leading to a lack of offensive production. Notably, Adam Duvall and Jorge Soler, both key figures in the Braves' championship run, have not performed as expected after signing with the team. As the season progresses, the Braves have lost their grip on the first wild-card berth, falling behind the New York Mets. This decline was anticipated by analysts, highlighting the impact of injuries on the team's performance. Max Fried, a prominent pitcher and All-Star, has also been sidelined with forearm neuritis, further depleting the team's pitching staff. Despite their struggles, the Braves have a history of success, having won the National League East division crown for six consecutive years. However, with the current injury crisis and recent losses, they may have to settle for a wild-card spot rather than a division title this season.