Braves catcher Drake Baldwin reaches brutal low amid alarming recent struggles

The Atlanta Braves reached a concerning point Wednesday afternoon with catcher Drake Baldwin, whose recent slide prompted a notable lineup change before the club’s series finale at Petco Park.

The Braves kept Baldwin out of Wednesday night’s starting lineup as they try to avoid their first sweep of the season after dropping the first two games of their series vs. the San Diego Padres. Joey Bart will catch Martin Perez and hit seventh, giving the team a different look behind the plate during this trying stretch.

The move came after Baldwin struggled to regain his timing following a Grade 1 right oblique strain suffered on May 18. The 2025 NL Rookie of the Year has yet to rediscover the form that made him look like an early NL MVP candidate.

MLB.com’s Mark Bowman shared the numbers on X, formerly Twitter, after Atlanta released its lineup for Wednesday night’s finale on the platform.

“Baldwin isn’t starting today. He’s 1-for-29 with 18 strikeouts since homering in his first plate appearance back from the IL. He has more 3+K games (4) in his past seven games than he did in the 172 career games he played before going on the IL.”

Baldwin isn't starting today. He's 1-for-29 with 18 strikeouts since homering in his first plate appearance back from the IL. He has more 3+K games (4) in his past seven games than he did in the 172 career games he played before going on the IL. https://t.co/5gYADVHx7E

— Mark Bowman (@mlbbowman) June 24, 2026

Those numbers show how quickly Baldwin’s at-bats have unraveled. A catcher known for plate discipline and consistent contact has fallen into a span marked by chase, swing-and-miss, and limited production.

The Braves also face a thinner catching situation because Sean Murphy remains on the injured list. This leaves Bart to handle more responsibility while Atlanta gives Baldwin a chance to reset mentally and mechanically.

This is more than a routine day off. Atlanta needs Baldwin to be healthy and productive if its lineup is going to regain its usual balance as it enters July.

For now, the pause gives Baldwin a chance to slow the game down. Whether it leads to a quick rebound will matter as the team tries to stop its slide and steady the offense through the next portion of a demanding 2026 MLB schedule.

The post Braves catcher Drake Baldwin reaches brutal low amid alarming recent struggles appeared first on ClutchPoints.