Atlanta Braves manager Brian Snitker is facing criticism for his handling of recent errors by third baseman Austin Riley, highlighting ongoing concerns about his leadership amid the team’s struggles.
In a recent game, Riley committed multiple defensive miscues, including a costly throwing error that contributed to a late-game rally by the opposing team. Despite the significance of these errors, Snitker’s public comments were measured, emphasizing Riley’s overall contributions and the team’s collective responsibility. While this approach aims to maintain player confidence, some fans and analysts argue that it lacks the accountability needed to address recurring mistakes.
This situation mirrors previous instances where Snitker’s responses to player errors have been scrutinized. Notably, in April 2025, outfielder Jarred Kelenic was benched for failing to hustle on a hit, a decision that sparked controversy due to perceived inconsistencies in disciplinary actions. At the time, Snitker’s comment, “Was I supposed to?” when questioned about addressing Kelenic’s lack of hustle, drew criticism for its perceived lack of accountability. The incident led to a public dispute with star player Ronald Acuña Jr., who felt that such mistakes were not equally penalized across the team.
The Braves’ 2025 season has been challenging, with the team experiencing a series of losses and underperforming relative to expectations. This context has intensified scrutiny of Snitker’s managerial decisions, including his handling of player errors. While Riley’s defensive lapses are concerning, the broader issue appears to be the perceived inconsistency in addressing mistakes, which undermines team morale and accountability.
In response to these challenges, some former Braves players have called for a more balanced approach to leadership. Jon Smoltz, a Hall of Famer and former Braves pitcher, emphasized the importance of internal team unity and understanding, suggesting that both players and management should work collaboratively to address issues.
As the season progresses, the Braves’ management faces critical decisions regarding leadership and accountability. The team’s performance and internal dynamics will likely influence the future direction of Snitker’s tenure as manager.
