BREAKING: Fans Outraged Over Snitker’s Decision on Opening Day
In their season opener at PETCO Park, the Atlanta Braves took on the San Diego Padres in a closely contested matchup. Holding a 4-3 lead in the seventh inning, manager Brian Snitker turned to newly acquired reliever Hector Neris to maintain the advantage. However, Neris struggled immediately, surrendering three runs to the first three batters he faced, shifting momentum to the Padres, who went on to win 7-4.
Snitker’s decision to use Neris in a high-leverage situation sparked backlash from fans, who questioned why he was chosen over other bullpen options. Many expressed their frustration on social media, criticizing both the manager’s choice and Neris’s performance: “Snitker going to Hector Neris over Daysbel or Bummer in a 1-run game after the team had 6 months off is just awesome.” Others were even more direct, stating they no longer wanted to see Neris pitch for the team.
https://twitter.com/Braves/status/1905398764279378025?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw%7Ctwcamp%5Etweetembed%7Ctwterm%5E1905399876835229786%7Ctwgr%5Edd7b4bd222a5859f8d2ecb65e5c10a5c84c052a0%7Ctwcon%5Es2_&ref_url=https%3A%2F%2Fathlonsports.com%2Fmlb%2Fatlanta-braves%2Ffans-outraged-over-snitkers-decision-on-opening-day
Adding to the frustration was Neris’s history against the Braves. On Opening Day in 2018, while pitching for the Phillies, he allowed three runs and took the loss against Atlanta. Ironically, seven years later, he once again gave up three runs on Opening Day—this time for the Braves—resulting in another loss. His struggles began immediately, as he gave up a game-tying home run to the first batter he faced.
https://twitter.com/13ChopOn13/status/1905400573664305250?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw%7Ctwcamp%5Etweetembed%7Ctwterm%5E1905400573664305250%7Ctwgr%5Edd7b4bd222a5859f8d2ecb65e5c10a5c84c052a0%7Ctwcon%5Es1_&ref_url=https%3A%2F%2Fathlonsports.com%2Fmlb%2Fatlanta-braves%2Ffans-outraged-over-snitkers-decision-on-opening-day
Neris had signed a minor league deal with the Braves on March 3, 2025, receiving a non-roster invitation to Spring Training. At 35, he brought extensive experience, including an impressive 2023 season with the Astros (1.71 ERA), though he struggled in 2024 with the Cubs before being released. The Braves saw him as a potential late-inning option, particularly with Joe Jimenez recovering from knee surgery.
https://twitter.com/BeaneaterB/status/1905393828531482633?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw%7Ctwcamp%5Etweetembed%7Ctwterm%5E1905393828531482633%7Ctwgr%5Edd7b4bd222a5859f8d2ecb65e5c10a5c84c052a0%7Ctwcon%5Es1_&ref_url=https%3A%2F%2Fathlonsports.com%2Fmlb%2Fatlanta-braves%2Ffans-outraged-over-snitkers-decision-on-opening-day
Following the loss, fans remained critical of both Snitker’s bullpen management and Neris’s performance. As the season progresses, the Braves will need to address these concerns to stabilize their relief pitching and regain fan confidence.
https://twitter.com/JustinCToscano/status/1905387947249328437?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw%7Ctwcamp%5Etweetembed%7Ctwterm%5E1905387947249328437%7Ctwgr%5Edd7b4bd222a5859f8d2ecb65e5c10a5c84c052a0%7Ctwcon%5Es1_&ref_url=https%3A%2F%2Fathlonsports.com%2Fmlb%2Fatlanta-braves%2Ffans-outraged-over-snitkers-decision-on-opening-day