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Three Takeaways From the Braves’ Opening Day

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Abbie Clavijo | Last updated Mar 27, 2025 7:53 PM ET

The Atlanta Braves almost had what Braves fans would’ve considered a successful Opening Day. Atlanta was a team that was still recovering and had to use Spring Training as a way to work out not only last season’s kinks but to fill holes in their roster. The end of Grapefruit League play looked optimistic for this team with a solid pitching rotation and batting line up as well. With a 7-4 loss to the San Diego Padres the Atlanta Braves will start their season 0-1. Here’s what we can take away from their first of 162+.

Does Profar belong at the top of the lineup?:

On the bright side of things Jurickson Profar’s Opening Day performance showed that he is more than just a placeholder for the recovering Ronald Acuña Jr. However, it did seem like he was unable to handle the pressure that came with being back in San Diego.

Profar went 1-5 only managing a hit in the top of the first inning. He was quick on his feet and managed to get the Braves on the board first with a little help from Ozzie Albies after that though, his bat stayed quiet. The silence was deafening as his previous team struck him out in the top of the 9th when the Braves so desperately needed something to turn the

Ablies was a strong leader for the Braves’ offense. Driving Profar in to score his first run as a Brave in the first inning and then with a two run homer early in the third.

Problems in the bullpen:

Despite the fact that the Braves have learned that scoring early and often will be of benefit to them, their pitching staff struggled to hold the Padres off.

Hector Neris didn’t even play a full inning and still allowed three hits and three runs. By the time Grant Holmes went in as relief and pitched a scoreless inning with two Ks it was too late the damage had been done and the Padres had claimed their three point lead.

Sale needs consistency:

Ace Chris Sale was looking hot all spring. The Braves needed a strong familiar face to start their pitching lineup, especially with Spencer Strider still recovering from injury. Unfortunately this wasn’t the Chris Sale the Braves wanted to see on Opening Day. He was able to dish out seven Ks in his five innings on the mound but still his performance lacked depth. Sale allowed six hits and three earned runs.

In his next appearance for Atlanta there will be higher expectations of him no doubt.

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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