Braves Report: The vibes are in shambles

Did you enjoy your day of not wondering which fun new way the Braves would find to lose?

Good. But buckle up — they’re back at it tonight against the Twins.

THE WEEKEND SERIES

Fun fact: I have a twin brother. He’s shorter than me and one minute younger, too.

📺 How to watch: Not headed to Truist? Tonight’s game is at 7:15 p.m. on Apple TV.

Saturday and Sunday’s games are at 7:15 p.m. and 1:35 p.m., respectively, on FanDuel Sports Network.

⚾ The scheduled starters:

📝 The scouting report: The Twins are 7-12 and struggling at the plate almost as much as the Braves. Their outfield is also an injury-riddled mess, so they’re bringing in top prospect Luke Keaschall from Triple-A.

PANIC OR PATIENCE?

Credit: Jon Blacker/AP

Credit: Jon Blacker/AP

Well … it turns out y’all have lots of thoughts about the current state of the Braves.

About 50 of you responded to yesterday’s poll/vibe check/invitation to commiserate. And some clear trends emerged.

📊 The results: In the interest of transparency, I’ll point out that I did these calculations by hand, and math is not my strong suit. I also had to make a few inferences on behalf of folks who offered input but didn’t technically provide a vote.

But here’s how y’all are feeling about the 5-13 Braves.

Yikes, right? The biggest share of votes came from folks who have had enough.

A PED suspension, injuries, a leaky bullpen and a perpetual failure to hit with runners on base can do that to you.

📊 The silver lining: Look closely, though, and you’ll find a sliver of optimism.

Combine the last two options (the ride-or-die fans and the wait-and-see folks) and you’ve got a robust 55% that hasn’t written things off just yet.

That’s not nothing.

📊 Lots of thoughts: Most of you, of course, submitted more than a simple vote. You also offered explanations … and a surprising number of curse words.

Here’s a sampling.

Personally, I tend to fall among the “give it some time” crowd … but mix in a heavy dose of doubt about the lineup getting its act together in any meaningful way.

OUTFIELD ADDITION

Credit: Stacy Revere/Getty Images

Credit: Stacy Revere/Getty Images

I briefly mentioned the promotion of outfielder Alex Verdugo yesterday. Let’s take a closer look at what the late spring signing could bring to the table — and the lineup — when he makes his debut.

Don’t expect a savior. Last season’s falloff is the reason Atlanta could sign him for one year and $1.5 million. But at least he’s not a huge strikeout guy?

RIVAL WATCH

🚽 The Mets (12-7) enjoyed another impressive start from under-the-radar signing Griffin Canning. Juan Soto’s still hitting .221, though.

🔔 The Phillies (11-8) split a four-game series with the Giants and get Miami this weekend. Also, their pitcher that looks like Nicolas Cage got a glove with the Declaration of Independence on it.

🎣 The Marlins (8-10) just got swept by the Diamondbacks.

🪰 The Nationals (7-12) had reliever Jorge Lopez suspended three games for throwing at the Pirates’ Andrew McCutchen earlier this week. Manager Dave Martinez already serve his own one-game suspension.

MARK YOUR CALENDAR

The Braves announced their annual celebration of Asian American, Native Hawaiian and Pacific Islander cultures will be held May 2.

That’s a Friday night game against the Dodgers. Festivities include pregame performances and food trucks, as well as on-field ceremonies.

Thanks for reading Braves Report. Tell a friend — and maybe give the AJC’s Sports Daily newsletter a shot, too.

Until next time.