The Atlanta Braves season could not be going any worse right now. The team is on a steep downward slide as they attempt to avoid an eight-game home losing streak. The Braves have lost 14 of their last 15 games while showing no signs of life as the end of the season gets closer. For now, the Braves are trying to remain focused on the future which will involve Hector Olivera who makes his MLB debut against the Miami Marlins.
The Braves need a win in the worst way. They have not dropped eight straight at home since 1988. They are close to breaking that on Wednesday as they face the Marlins in an afternoon matchup. As of right now, the Braves are the fifth worst team in the league and the race is on for the No.1 draft pick. Being outscored 60-16 will help as they aim for a victory.
Olivera looked pedestrian in his debut, going 0 for 4 on Tuesday night. The Braves are hopeful the highly-touted Cuban prospect can get things done and be the type of player they were hoping to get in a trade, but right now his hitless start to the season is the least of the Braves' worries. The starting pitchers are combining for a 7.02 ERA in the last seven games. Williams Perez takes the mound to try and chance that as he is 4-5 with a 5.56 ERA on the season replacing the injured Mike Foltynewicz. In his last seven starts he has a 9.08 ERA.
The Marlins will place Adam Conley on the mound as the rookie is 2-1 with a 4.96 ERA on the season. He has made appearances as a relief pitcher this year, giving up three runs in three innings to the Braves back at the start of August. It is unclear if he will remain in the rotation or now as Miami looks to make their September call ups during the week. The Marlins are another team focused more on the future than the short-term as the playoffs are out of reach for them. Giancarlo Stanton will not return for this game like originally expected as Miami does get Christian Yelich back on the mound.
