KEVIN MCALPIN
680 THE FAN, ATLANTA – As the Braves wrapped up a two game, doubleheader sweep of the Yankees, the first half of the 2020 season came to a close. Through the first 30 games of the year, the Braves are 18-12, and all things considered, that doesn’t feel so bad. The rotation has had a ton of moving parts, while the club was without it’s top two hitters in the order for the majority of the last few weeks. The Atlanta bullpen has been solid, probably even better than initially expected. And looking ahead to the upcoming Trade Deadline and second half, it’s safe to say, the best is yet to come for the 2020 Braves.

It’s expected that Alex Anthopoulos will add at least one veteran starter to the mix, and potentially try to find even more help for the offense that is averaging just over five runs per game. Through 30 games, the Braves are the only NL East team with a positive run differential, having outscored their opponents by 27. As far as who the team will target, you’d think that a controllable starter beyond 2020 would be at the top of Alex’s wish list.

This team has had to find a way to get through some pretty tough times in the first half of the season. Looking towards the final 30 games, as things stand now, they won’t face a single team with a winning record. The division is once again there for the Braves taking, but as we know, that won’t be good enough. This group is determined to put to rest the narrative of early October exits. And it’s hard to argue that they aren’t very close to accomplishing that goal of a deep postseason run here in the not too distant future.

Kevin McAlpin has covered the Braves since 2012 for @680TheFan and the @BravesRadioNet.