"Struggling against four-seam fastball" - Ex-Twins slugger highlights issue plaguing Matt Olson, thinks Braves All-Star might be playing with injury

Social Media creator Jake Storiale and former Minnesota Twins slugger Trevor Plouffe recently talked about Matt Olson of the Atlanta Braves. The 30-year-old has struggled in the 2024 season, as he has had a stop-start campaign due to injury.

With the Atlanta Braves aiming to make the playoffs, it is important that their first baseman makes a timely return to form. The Braves are currently third in the standings for the NL wildcard, two-and-a-half games ahead of the New York Mets.

On the latest episode of Weekly Recap on the Talkin' Baseball YouTube channel, Plouffe and Storiale discussed Olson's performances this season and the reasons for his struggles (1:39:30).

"[Olson is] struggling against the four-seam fastball this year. That's gotta be a timing thing. He's tall, he has the load, all these things, maybe needs to work on that.

"Last year, he hit .319 against the f0ur seamer, slug 633 against it. This year, he's hitting .240 against the four-seam fastball, slugging only .450 against it. Start a little earlier, how about some velo training with the eyes? Maybe he's dealing with an injury. Sometimes that happens."

Matt Olson homers as Nats get one back over the Braves

The Washington Nationals avoided getting swept on their travels, beating the Atlanta Braves 5-1 at Truist Park on Sunday. The visitors scored the only run in the first five innings, in the top of the first, as both starting pitchers Reynaldo Lopez and DJ Herz had solid outings on the mound.

First Baseman Matt Olson then hit a solo home run in the bottom of the sixth, against Nats reliever Jacob Barnes, to tie the game up in the bottom of the sixth.

However, the blast proved to be the only consolation for the hosts on the day, as the Nats blew the game wide open with 3 more runs in the following inning. In the 2024 season, Matt Olson's stats stand at a .226 batting average, 22 home runs and 66 RBIs.

Next, the Braves travel to Minneapolis to take on the Minnesota Twins, who are now coming off back-to-back series losses. They lost one away to the San Diego Padres and one at home to the St. Louis Cardinals.

With both sides aiming to make the playoffs and get back to winning ways, Monday's series opener promises to be a cracker.