Snitker: Braves plan to win NL East despite 8-game hole

Atlanta Braves manager Brian Snitker hasn't lost confidence in his club despite its uneven play over the last month-and-a-half.

"I'm not planning on doing a wild-card series. We're planning on winning the (NL) East," he said, per Bally Sports South.

The Braves entered the season with sky-high expectations after posting an MLB-best 104-58 record in 2023, but at 38-31, they currently sit eight games back of the first-place Philadelphia Phillies.

Atlanta is 6-8 in June after going 13-14 in May.

Injuries have contributed to Atlanta's struggles, with ace Spencer Strider and reigning NL MVP Ronald Acuña Jr. both being lost for the season. Star third baseman Austin Riley has also missed time.

However, Matt Olson and Michael Harris II are among several Braves who have failed to replicate the gaudy numbers they posted last season.

Atlanta entered Monday 11th in runs per game after leading MLB in runs, home runs, and OPS in 2023.

The Braves will look to build momentum Monday in the first of a three-game series against the Detroit Tigers.