The Atlanta Braves faced another disappointing end to their season, suffering a 5-4 defeat to the San Diego Padres in Game 2 of the National League Wild Card Series. This marked the third consecutive year that late-season injuries to key starting pitchers tarnished the Braves' World Series aspirations. Despite significant challenges, the Braves had managed to stay competitive throughout the season.

"Our team showed incredible resilience," said Braves manager Brian Snitker. "It's amazing what they accomplished. We had a real chance, and we made it to the playoffs."

Max Fried, who faced difficulties in recent postseason outings, struggled once again. His troubles began when he took a liner off his backside in the first inning and narrowly escaped a bases-loaded jam. The Padres capitalized in the ensuing innings, amassing a five-run lead with help from infield hits and consecutive extra-base knocks by Manny Machado and Jackson Merrill.

Reflecting on his performance, Fried admitted, "It's deflating and frustrating knowing that we played well enough to win, but I put us in too big of a hole."

Despite a valiant effort by Michael Harris II, who notched a three-hit night including a two-run homer to narrow the gap in the eighth inning, the Braves couldn't overcome the deficit. It was a familiar scenario, as Atlanta was eliminated in their first postseason series for the third year in a row.

Many might consider the Braves' playoff appearance an overachievement given the season's difficulties. Six of the 10 members of their Opening Day lineup, including key starting pitchers, missed at least two months due to injuries. Chris Sale, a top NL Cy Young Award candidate, was sidelined with back discomfort in mid-September, further dwindling Atlanta's already thin pitching options.

The Braves were forced to rely on a 21-year-old prospect, AJ Smith-Shawver, to start Game 1, which set the tone for their postseason struggle. Injuries to other key pitchers, including Spencer Strider and Reynaldo López, exacerbated the situation.

Reflecting on the challenges, Snitker stated, "It's hard to win a World Series. A lot has to go right just to make it to the playoffs and win the division."

Despite the setback, the Braves showed tenacity and potential throughout the 2024 season, winning 89 games despite the adversity they faced. The players left with a mix of frustration and anticipation, eager to start fresh in the upcoming season.

Catcher Travis d'Arnaud summed up the collective sentiment: "February can't come soon enough."