The hitting approach feels very Chipper.
The Braves have been bludgeoning teams with their high-exit-velocity, launch-angle-aware approach. It has worked out for them lately to the tune of seven consecutive playoff appearances and a World Series title. But there appears to be a trend during the first couple of games. Below is the spray chart from Opening Day.
The righties are definitely going the other way. Of the five hits last night, three were hit the other way. Those opposite field hits were singles, the pulled ones were both for extra bases. Are the Braves changing their approach for a different way? It’s certainly early, but it doesn’t look like the same approach so far.
So are the Braves a slap-happy team now? The walks are up, which is definitely welcome. But the Braves were attempting bunts the last two games. They went nearly an entire season without laying down a successful bunt. Yeah, it’s early so maybe the extra base hits will start piling up soon.