The Braves are back on track after a disappointing road trip out west, thanks to a two-game sweep over the Boston Red Sox, and last night was especially encouraging, thanks to strong efforts by Chris Sale and Marcell Ozuna.
Sale faced his former team for the first time and had arguably his best game as an Atlanta Brave, pitching six scoreless innings with a season-high ten strikeouts. It was electric from the seven-time All-Star, who is looking better than he has in almost five years, with a 5-1 record, 2.95 ERA, and 11.0 K/9 through his first seven starts for the Braves.
However, pitching has not been an issue in Atlanta recently. It’s been the bats, and while last night wasn’t their best effort, Marcell Ozuna continued his hot start to the season, hitting two home runs and driving in four of the Braves’ five runs. The Big Bear now leads the MLB in home runs with 12, and his comeback narrative continues to improve.
Ozuna has allowed 51 home runs in 160 games in the last year. But what makes this victorious comeback to popularity even better is the unwavering appreciation he receives from teammates for his clubhouse presence. Last night, his new teammate, Chris Sale, spoke about the wonderful energy he brings to the building on a daily basis.
David O’Brien, @DOBrienATL on X,
Chris Sale on Ozuna: “He’s setting records. And who he is as a teammate. He’s got a magnetic field around him. You just want to be around him. He’s a fun guy to play with; he keeps the energy up in the clubhouse, dugout, on the bus, on the plane, no matter where you’re at.”
The entire baseball world was surprised that the Braves kept Marcell Ozuna for so long. He had become one of the league’s worst offensive players, did not play defence, and was imprisoned twice.
Most people assumed he was only still around because of the four-year, $65 million contract he signed after the 2020 season. However, while money was clearly a factor, the Braves never considered parting ways with Ozuna due to his attitude. Literally everything was going wrong. Every time he entered the batter’s box, his own fan base booed him. Ozuna’s contagious attitude and work ethic, however, remained consistent.
Without those two factors, this comeback would not have been possible. But damn, we’re delighted it is.