The start of the second half of the season for the Braves is similar to what defined their first season.
Bullpen struggles have thwarted efforts from the starting pitching and lineup in three of the five games the Braves have played since returning from the All-Star Break.
The end result is Atlanta being 4.5 games back in the NL East race nine days before the 2021 MLB Trade Deadline. However, the Braves play the two teams in front of them in the division, the Mets and Phillies, nine times over the next eight days.