Atlanta Braves manager Brian Snitker is facing sharp criticism following a controversial in-game decision that many fans and analysts are calling one of his worst moves of the season. The questionable call came late in Wednesday night’s matchup, resulting in a crushing loss and igniting frustration throughout Braves Nation.
With the Braves clinging to a one-run lead in the eighth inning against a division rival, Snitker made the surprising decision to pull red-hot reliever Joe Jiménez in favor of a struggling bullpen arm, despite Jiménez having retired the side in order in the seventh. The move immediately backfired, as the substitute reliever surrendered a walk, a double, and a three-run homer that flipped the game on its head.
“It’s a head-scratcher,” said one NL scout. “Jiménez was locked in. You ride the hot hand in that spot, especially in a divisional game.”
Snitker defended the move postgame, citing matchup data and recent workload concerns.
“We had a plan going in based on how we wanted to handle the back end,” he told reporters. “Sometimes it works, sometimes it doesn’t. Tonight, it didn’t.”
But fans weren’t buying it.
Social media exploded with backlash immediately following the blown lead, with many calling the decision “inexcusable” and questioning whether Snitker’s old-school managerial instincts are costing the Braves valuable games in a tight playoff race.
This isn’t the first time Snitker’s bullpen choices have come under scrutiny this season. Earlier in the month, a similar late-game switch was questioned during a loss to the Dodgers.
Despite the backlash, the Braves still hold a strong position in the NL standings. However, repeated late-inning collapses and mounting managerial missteps are raising concerns about how this team will handle the postseason pressure.
The Braves will look to bounce back in the next game, but one thing is certain — the heat is turning up on Brian Snitker, and every decision from here on out will be under a microscope.
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