3 reasons why you shouldn’t count out the Atlanta Braves [Video]

The Atlanta Braves lost star right-hander Spencer Strider before the season could begin. Like many others in Major League Baseball this year, Strider suffered an elbow injury and underwent season-ending surgery, putting the Braves at a big disadvantage. Strider is one of the best young pitchers in MLB and is especially skilled with his strikeouts.

Yet, without Strider, the Braves have still been one of MLB’s elite teams. Through the first quarter of the season, Atlanta is 24-12. They’re 1.5 games behind the scorching Philadelphia Phillies, who own the league’s best record.

But despite that, the Braves remain on their tail. It’s pretty likely that holds true all season long, too. Although they aren’t in first place, Atlanta is still a team no one should be counting out.

Here are a few reasons why.