The Atlanta Braves are facing critical challenges as they struggle to maintain competitiveness for a playoff spot. With a dismal record of 39-47, and having lost two out of three games to the Los Angeles Angels, the Braves are grappling with significant offensive woes. They narrowly avoided a fourth shutout in seven games, thanks to a late home run from Jurickson Profar, who returned from an 80-game suspension. Despite his back-to-back homers, the team remains stagnant with three hits in one game against the Angels, raising concerns about their lineup as the trade deadline approaches.

Manager Brian Snitker remains hopeful the addition of Profar will invigorate the lineup, but players like Michael Harris and Ozzie Albies are mired in slumps, further complicating the Braves' road ahead. The pitching isn't faring any better, with Bryce Elder registering his third consecutive loss. The Braves, who have struggled to find consistent offensive production, may need to consider significant changes before the upcoming trade deadline.