Ending the scoreless streak was about the only positive for the Braves on the last day of March. Before first pitch, the team lost outfielder Jurickson Profar to a PED suspension and starting pitcher Reynaldo López to the 10-day injury list.

The Braves’ nightmare start to the season continued yesterday in an almost unthinkable way. Not only did they lose their fifth straight game, but Jurickson Profar was suspended for PEDs and Reynaldo Lopez was added to the 15-day IL with right shoulder inflammation.

The Phillies had high expectations for this season, especially considering how brief their stay was in last year’s playoffs. Similarly, their division rivals, the Atlanta Braves, expected big things in 2025, after a season frought with injuries to star players, and an early postseason exit of their own.