First, let’s establish the extent of the problem. The Atlanta Braves have walked more than any other pitching staff in the major leagues in September. Period.
It’s actually not even close. Before last night – a game in which 7 more walks were issued – the Braves have written free passes at the rate of 5.56 walks per game. To narrow it down further, the past 14 days had this number pegged at 6.25 per game.
Obviously, that rate still isn’t receding.
This is still a relatively recent phenomenon: in August, the Braves’ walk rate was only 3.