Atlanta Braves: Top of the order sets the pace so far

The Atlanta Braves are off to a scorching start this season, as the club has won three consecutive series and is tied with the Milwaukee Brewers for the National League’s best record. Led by the top of the order, the Braves continue their offensive surge to begin the season. According to MLB Statcast, the Braves rank second in overall batting statistics to this point in the season.

You will be hard-pressed to find another trio that currently outpaces the production of Ronald Acuña Jr., Matt Olson, and Austin Riley. Through the season’s first 19 games, the power-hitting threats account for 13 home runs and 42 RBI. In addition, the group has created much frustration for opposing teams during the first inning of games, helping the Braves start the season at a historic pace.

Acuña, Olson, and Riley can each change a game with a single swing, allowing the rest of the order to follow suit. During the latest road trip, Sean Murphy and Ozzie Albies came to life in the middle of the Braves’ order. The pair were crucial in Tuesday night’s 8-1 victory over the Padres, each recording a late-inning home run.

As the Atlanta Braves continue their bout with early-season injuries, the top-of-the-lineup production becomes increasingly valuable.

Key players are filtering back into the lineup. However, the Braves still miss the offensive production of Travis d’Arnaud and Michael Harris II while lacking some bullpen depth with the absence of Collin McHugh and Raisel Iglesias.

Ronald Acuña Jr.

After suffering an ACL injury during the 2021 campaign, Ronald Acuña Jr. struggled to find his normal groove last season. Now, the young outfielder looks motivated to prove he is a five-tool player. He has swiped eight bags this season on top of his impressive start at the plate. The production of Acuña is invaluable to the Braves’ success this season, and a healthy campaign might put him in the MVP conversation.

Matt Olson

As for Matt Olson, his first year with the Braves was successful overall, but the continued noise of Freddie Freeman’s departure drowned out Olson’s success at times. This year, no distractions are on the horizon, and Olson seems to be settled in well with his new squad. Olson is currently tied for fifth in home runs this season with six total.

Austin Riley

Austin Riley is picking up where he left off last season. The Braves third baseman knocked his 100th career homerun against the Royals on Friday night of last week, doing so in just 464 games and 1,715 at-bats, joining elite Braves company. Riley is the 26th Brave to record 100 home runs in a career.

Altogether, the top of the order serves as a weapon for the Braves. Consistent production from the trio can help the club run the table in 2023.