Wednesday, June 26, 2013

Game 79 Preview: Atlanta Braves (45-33) at Kansas City Royals (35-39)

Pitching Probables:
LHP Mike Minor (ATL) 8-3, 2.89 ERA
RHP Luis Mendoza (KC) 2-4, 4.30 ERA

Tonight's Starting Lineups (8:10 pm ET, SportSouth):

Braves (career vs. Mendoza):
Jordan Schafer - LF (N/A)
Jason Heyward - RF (N/A)
Justin Upton - DH (1-2, RBI, BB)
Freddie Freeman - 1B (N/A)
Gerald Laird - C (0-1)
BJ Upton - CF (2-3)
Dan Uggla - 2B (N/A)
Chris Johnson - 3B (N/A)
Andrelton Simmons - SS (N/A)

Royals (career vs. Minor):
Alex Gordon - LF (0-3, 2 K)
Alcides Escobar - SS (2-3)
Eric Hosmer - 1B (N/A)
Billy Butler - DH (0-3, 2 K)
Salvador Perez - C (0-3)
Lorenzo Cain - CF (1-2)
Mike Moustakas - 3B (1-2)
Jeff Francoeur - RF (2-4, 2 RBI)
Miguel Tejada - 2B (0-2, K)

Preview:
There is no better way for Mike Minor to bounce back from his last outing against the Mets in which he allowed a season-high three homers than to face the Royals who have the fewest four-baggers in all of baseball with 41. Minor will need to stay on his guard as he takes the hill in tonight's series finale at Kauffman Stadium. Minor has given up 12 home runs this season, which is tied for 10th-most among NL pitchers.
In his last start, Minor just didn't have his off-speed pitches working and tried using his fastball to get guys out, but to no avail. He left too many pitches over the plate which allowed David Wright (twice) and Andrew  Brown to take him deep.
Royals starting pitcher Luis Mendoza, who opposes Minor tonight, is hoping to build off his last start in which he retired the first 12 of 13 batters he face, then the Indians offense ate him alive with a three-run sixth innings in a 6-3 loss last Wednesday.
In a more general sense, both teams have pitched exceptionally well in the month of June. Braves boast the lowest ERA in the Majors at 2.71 through 24 games this month, while the Royals are right behind them at 2.76. The Blue Jays are the only team with an ERA under 3.00 in June.

Ramiro Pena injury update:
Braves INF Ramiro Pena will get a second opinion on his injured right shoulder in Atlanta today. He's battled right shoulder discomfort since landing awkwardly while making a diving stop along the third base line against the Dodgers on June 9.

Royals call up Will Smith for bullpen help:
Yesterday, the Royals called up Will Smith to take the place of struggling right-hander Kelvin Herrera in the bullpen. Herrera has given up eight home runs and 15 walks in 27 2/3 innings this season.
In seven relief appearances in Triple-A Omaha, Smith has recorded an ERA of 0.84 with one earned run and nine strikeouts. Smith pitched in last night's game as he faced the minimum in a scoreless ninth inning, including an inning-ending double play after hitting Jason Heyward with a pitch.

Side note:
Braves OF Jordan Schafer is 9-for-12 on stolen base attempts this season after swiping second in last night's game. The rest of the team is a combined 20-for-36. Schafer is again in the lineup tonight and will leadoff and play in left field.
Craig Kimbrel recorded his 22nd save of the season last night after getting out of a jam in which runners were at first and third with none out. The Braves victory was their 12th one-run win of the season.

Tuesday, June 25, 2013

Game 78 Preview: Atlanta Braves (44-33) at Kansas City Royals (35-38)

Pitching Probables:
RHP Kris Medlen (ATL) 4-7, 2.96 ERA
RHP Ervin Santana (KC) 5-5, 2.64 ERA

Tonight's Starting Lineups (8:10 pm ET, SportSouth):

Braves (career vs. Santana):
Jordan Schafer - LF (N/A)
Jason Heyward - RF (N/A)
Justin Upton - DH (1-3, K)
Freddie Freeman - 1B (0-3)
Brian McCann - C (1-7, RBI, K)
BJ Upton - CF (8-24, HR, 4 RBI, 2 BB, 7 K)
Dan Uggla - 2B (0-3)
Chris Johnson - 3B (N/A)
Andrelton Simmons - SS (N/A)

Royals (career vs. Medlen):
Alex Gordon - LF (1-4)
Alcides Escobar - SS (0-6, K)
Eric Hosmer - 1B (0-3, K)
Billy Butler - DH (0-3)
Salvador Perez - C (0-3, K)
Mike Moustakas - 3B (1-3)
David Lough - LF (N/A)
Elliot Johnson - 2B (N/A)
Jarrod Dyson - CF (N/A)

Preview:
This is the 17th season of Interleague play in Major League Baseball. Tonight will mark the first time the Braves have traveled to Kauffman Stadium in Kansas City. The two ball clubs have previously met eight times, with all three series coming at Turner Field, including the two-game set on April 16-17, when the teams split a game apiece in the series.
One of those matchups featured tonight's Braves starter, Kris Medlen. In that start on April 16 against the Royals, Kris Medlen received a no-decision, despite allowing just one run over seven magnificent innings. Medlen will get another shot against Kansas City tonight, as he looks to reverse his hard-luck losing trend. Medlen has a 2.96 ERA this season, yet sports a record of 4-7. In five of those seven losses, he's allowed three runs or fewer and has tossed a shutout with a no-decision in addition to the no-decision against the Royals. However, in his last start against the Mets, Medlen allowed three runs (one earned) on six hits and seven strikeouts through seven solid innings to get his fourth win of the season.
Backing up Medlen is a Braves offense that has been shutout three times since June 14 and has been blanked 11 times total this season, which is the most in the Majors.
Meanwhile, Royals starting pitcher Ervin Santana has been going through the same tough luck as Medlen. Royals offense has been mostly to blame for the team's recent rut, losing four of their last five games. The bats did wake up a bit on Sunday with a three-run fifth and eighth innings in the come back win against the White Sox
The main issue of the Royals offense all season long has been the middle of the lineup. The three, four, and five hitters have been underwhelming. Those spots in the order have combined to go 5-for-53 with just four RBIs during the past five games.

Justin Upton back in the lineup:
Braves OF Justin Upton did not play in the final two games of the series in Milwaukee due to a sore right hand. Upton will hit in his normal three-spot in tonight's game against starter Ervin Santana.

Fredi Gonzalez to use Upton as DH:
Braves manager Fredi Gonzalez recently said he was unsure of who he would use as the DH during the visit in Kansas City, an American league ballpark. Dan Uggla, Brian McCann, Evan Gattis, and former Brave Juan Francisco has served as the team's designated hitter. Gonzalez knows his options were limited due to Evan Gattis' oblique injury which landed him on the disabled list. Gonzalez decided to use Justin Upton has the DH tonight due to his sore hand. Jordan Schafer will again play in left field and hit in the lead-off spot.

Ervin Santana in a good groove:
Royals P Ervin Santana takes the mound tonight looking for his eighth straight outing of pitching at least seven innings. In the month of June, Santana is 2-0 with a 0.94 ERA, allowing only three runs in 28 2/3 innings with opponents hitting only .165 against him in that stretch.
Santana has faced the Braves twice as a members of the Angels, with the most recent coming in May 2011 when he tossed a complete-game shutout while allowing only four hits.
Despite his gaudy 2.64 ERA, which is third among American League starters, Santana's record sits at 5-5 due to spotty run support from the Royals offense.

Side note:
Braves are 5-3 all-time against the Royals, including sweeping them back in 2010.
Atlanta is also the last team in the National League to play in Kauffman Stadium.
Royals claimed right-handed reliever Maikel Cleto off waivers on Sunday from the Cardinals and has been assigned to Triple-A Omaha.

Friday, June 21, 2013

Game 75 Preview: Atlanta Braves (43-31) at Milwaukee Brewers (29-42)

Pitching Probables:
RHP Julio Teheran (ATL) 5-3, 3.36 ERA
RHP Wily Peralta (MIL) 4-8, 6.08 ERA

Tonight's Starting Lineups (8:10 pm ET, FS South/MLB Network):

Braves (career vs. Peralta):
Andrelton Simmons - SS (0-2)
Jason Heyward - RF (2-3, K)
Freddie Freeman - 1B (0-1, BB, K)
Justin Upton - LF (N/A)
Brian McCann - C (1-2)
BJ Upton - CF (N/A)
Dan Uggla - 2B (1-2)
Chris Johnson - 3B (N/A)
Julio Teheran - P (N/A)

Brewers (2013 season stats):
Norichika Aoki - RF (.292/.365/.386 4 HR 14 RBI)
Jean Segura - SS (.330/.365/.518 10 HR 30 RBI)
Carlos Gomez - CF (.318/.357/.583 12 HR 37 RBI)
Aramis Ramirez - 3B (.266/.354/.424 4 HR 19 RBI)
Juan Francisco - 1B (.219/.280/.370 6 HR 21 RBI)
Logan Schafer - LF (.240/.282/.327 0 HR 7 RBI)
Martin Maldonado - C (.175/.248/.320 3 HR 14 RBI)
Scooter Gennett - 2B (.222/.263/.389 1 HR 5 RBI)
Wily Peralta - P (.208/.240/.208 0 HR 0 RBI)

Preview:
The first game of a three-game set begins tonight in Milwaukee, as the Braves, coming off a 4-4 home stand, take on the struggling Brewers, who just finished a nine-game, 11-day road trip with a 4-5 record.
Oddly enough, his home ballpark hasn't been a place of comfort for tonight's Brewers starting pitcher, Wily Peralta. Braves offense will try to maintain that status quo tonight. Julio Teheran will oppose Peralta tonight in the battle of young right-handers.
Peralta has not won since June 1 and has taken the loss in two of his last three starts. In his last outing on Sunday against the Reds, he surrendered five runs (four earned) on seven hits, walked two, and struck out two in just 5 1/3 innings in the loss.
Peralta fell to 4-8 on the season with a 6.08 ERA, which is the second-highest among all Major League pitchers with enough innings to qualify.
Meanwhile, Julio Teheran has been rolling as of late, including tossing six scoreless innings last Sunday night against the Giants, working his way out of two bases-loaded jams. After struggling in the early part of the season, Teheran has allowed two runs or fewer in seven of his last ten starts.

Braves hitting them when it counts:
The NL East division-leading Braves are 29-5 this season when scoring first. Atlanta is also 29-6 when they outhit their opponents, while the club is 5-23 when they're outhit and 9-2 when the hits are equal.

Braves sign 1st round pick Jason Hursh:
The Braves signed first-round pick Jason Hursh for $1.7 million on Wednesday. The hard throwing right-hander, who played college ball at Oklahoma State, was the 31st overall selection in this month's MLB Draft.

John Axford back on track:
Brewers reliever John Axford has not allowed a run in his last 18 appearances, spanning 16 1/3 innings. During that stretch, opponents are hitting 11-for-58 (.189) against Axford, who struggles had dated back to the beginning of the 2012 season.

Side note:
Carlos Gomez and Jean Segura come into play tonight as two of just seven players in the Majors with at least ten home runs and ten stolen bases this season.
Wily Peralta is 2-5 with a 7.34 ERA in eight home starts this season. Brewers as a team are just 16-20 at Miller Park (4-7-1 in series play).
Braves closer Craig Kimbrel is the first pitcher in Braves franchise history to record 20 saves in each of his first three Major League seasons. Gene Garber is the only Brave to ever record four 20-save seasons.
Peralta has seen the Braves before in his career, a September 10, 2012 start at Miller Park in which he allowed just one run on seven hits in six innings.
Friday marks the first meeting between the Braves and Brewers this season. The Brewers have not won a season series against the Braves since 2008.

Thursday, June 20, 2013

Game 74 Preview: New York Mets (27-41) at Atlanta Braves (43-30)

Pitching Probables:
LHP Jon Niese (NYM) 3-6, 4.15 ERA
LHP Mike Minor (ATL) 8-2, 2.68 ERA

Tonight's Starting Lineups (7:10 pm ET, SportSouth):

Mets (career vs. Minor):
Eric Young Jr. - LF (N/A)
Daniel Murphy - 2B (2-12, 2 2B, 3 RBI, 3 K)
David Wright - 3B (2-17, 2 2B, RBI, 3 BB, 7 K)
Marlon Byrd - RF (4-13, 2B, RBI, 2 K)
Lucas Duda - 1B (5-14, 2B, HR, RBI, 3 K)
John Buck - C (1-11, HR, 2 RBI, 3 BB, 6 K)
Juan Lagares - CF (0-3, K)
Omar Quintanilla - SS (N/A)
Jon Niese - P (1-4, 3 K)

Braves (career vs. Niese):
Tyler Pastornicky - 2B (0-1)
Jason Heyward - RF (8-20, 2 2B, 2 HR, 8 RBI, 2 BB, 5 K)
Freddie Freeman - 1B (7-22, 2 2B, 2 HR, 5 RBI, 3 K)
Justin Upton - LF (6-13, 2B, RBI, 2 BB, K)
BJ Upton - CF (1-2, BB, K)
Chris Johnson - 3B (2-8, 2B, RBI, BB)
Gerald Laird - C (1-3, RBI, K)
Andrelton Simmons - SS (2-6, 2B)
Mike Minor - P (0-3, 2 K)

Preview:
In two starts against the Mets this season, Braves LHP Mike Minor has been dominant. He's allowed only three runs in 14 1/3 innings, all coming courtesy of the home run ball. Minor looks to stop that trend of long balls as he takes the mound tonight in the rubber match of the five-game series between the Braves and Mets at Turner Field. In his last start against the Giants last Saturday, Minor allowed five runs (four earned) on seven hits, walked one, and struck out seven in the no-decision.
Meanwhile, Jon Niese gets the start for the Mets, looking for his first win since May 16. Niese (3-6, 4.15 ERA) struggled early on in his last start against Cubs, allowing a two-run single to Scott Feldman, the opposing pitcher. Niese was able to settle down and finished strong, going 5 2/3 innings. The lefty did not have his best stuff, but he still had an effective outing, allowing the two runs on six hits in the loss. Niese has one other start this season against the Braves. In that start he was lit up, allowing seven runs on seven hits, walked six, and struck out three in the May 5 loss.

Scott Atchison back to the DL, Andrew Brown called up:
Mets placed reliever Scott Atchison back on the disabled list on Wednesday and recalled OF Andrew Brown from Triple-A Las Vegas. Atchison suffered a strained right groin while warming up during game two of Tuesday's doubleheader. Atchison was activated from the DL on Monday after a month-long stint due to right elbow inflammation.
The move allowed the Mets to balance out their roster, moving their bench back to five players and temporarily going with an eight-man bullpen.

Alex Wood hopes to be available in 'pen this weekend:
After a three inning, 73-pitch effort in game one of Tuesday's doubleheader, Alex Wood hopes to be available in the bullpen this weekend against the Brewers.
Wood was forced to make a spot start when Brandon Beachy was scratched due to inflammation in his right elbow. Wood had not thrown more than 35 pitches in any of his six appearances since being called up to the Majors.

Side note:
Jon Niese is 6-4 with a 3.64 ERA in 13 career appearances against the Braves.
Zack Wheeler went back to Triple-A Las Vegas, but will join the Mets next week in Chicago. The move allows for the Mets to carry an extra reliever for the final game of the series in Atlanta and this weekend in Philadelphia.
Braves INF Ramiro Pena has seen his playing time minimized since he landed awkwardly on his right shoulder during the June 9 win in Los Angeles. The switch-hitting Pena, who was normally inserted into the lineup when the Braves were playing against a tough right-hander, has started just two of the team's past ten games.
In eight career starts against the Mets, Mike Minor is 4-1, but posts an inflated ERA of 4.73.

Wednesday, June 19, 2013

Game 73 Preview: New York Mets (27-40) at Atlanta Braves (42-30)

Pitching Probables:
RHP Shaun Marcum (NYM) 0-8, 5.43 ERA
RHP Kris Medlen (ATL) 3-7, 3.09 ERA

Tonight's Starting Lineup (7:10 pm ET, SportSouth):

Mets (career vs. Medlen):
Eric Young - CF (N/A)
Daniel Murphy - 2B (4-16, 2 2B, RBI, 2 K)
David Wright - 3B (4-19, 2 BB, 7 K)
Marlon Byrd - RF (1-4, RBI, 2 K)
Lucas Duda - 1B (2-10, 2 RBI, 2 BB, 3 K)
John Buck - C (1-5, HR, RBI, BB)
Kirk Nieuwenhuis - LF (0-2, K)
Omar Quintanilla - SS (N/A)
Shaun Marcum - P (N/A)

Braves (career vs. Marcum):
Jordan Schafer - RF (3-9, 2B, RBI, 4 BB, 4 K)
Andrelton Simmons - SS (3-6, 2B, RBI)
Freddie Freeman - 1B (2-10, 5 K)
Justin Upton - LF (3-13, RBI, BB, 5 K)
Brian McCann - C (2-7, 2 BB)
BJ Upton - CF (8-26, 3 2B, 2 RBI, 3 BB, 9 K)
Dan Uggla - 2B (2-12, HR, 2 RBI, BB, 3 K)
Chris Johnson - 3B (1-12, 5 K)
Kris Medlen - P (N/A)

Preview:
One day after sweeping the Braves in a day-night doubleheader, Mets will send out veteran righty Shaun Marcum for the fourth game of this five-game series. If there's anyone desperate for a win, it's Marcum. He struggled in his last start against the Cubs, allowing six runs on seven hits in 5 2/3 innings and remains winless in 2013.
Marcum's ERA continues to rise and his spot in the rotation is becoming more precarious. Mets are currently operating a six-man rotation and somebody will eventually be sent down to the bullpen. Mets have yet to announce when this move will take place.
Braves starter Kris Medlen takes the mound for the NL East division leaders, hoping for better results. In his last start against the Giants, Medlen was victimized by a flurry of two-strike hits in a losing effort. In the end, Medlen was charged for four runs on nine hits in six innings pitched.
Medlen racked up a season-high nine strikeouts in his only other appearance against the Mets this season. In that start, he allowed three runs on seven hits and walked a batter in a solid six inning effort.

Mets officially put Justin Turner on DL, Travis D'Arnaud injury update:
Mets placed IF Justin Turner on the 15-day disabled list on Tuesday with a strained left intercoastal muscle. Mets are hopeful that Turner will only spend 15 days on the DL.
Prospect Travis D'Arnaud, who has been rehabbing a broken bone in his left foot, has been cleared to begin a running program to get him back into baseball shape.

NL All-Star voting update (Braves, via MLB.com):
C - Brian McCann (5th)
1B - Freddie Freeman (5th)
SS - Andrelton Simmons - (5th)
3B - Chris Johnson (4th)
OF - Justin Upton (2nd)

Side note:
Marlon Byrd is beginning to heat up in the month of June. He has five home runs to go with nine RBIs. Byrd also hit five homers in the month of May and has seven in his last 18 games.
Braves are 28-6 when scoring first this season.
Braves are also the last team in the Majors this season to have used only five starting pitchers.
Shaun Marcum is 1-1 with a 2.87 ERA in five career starts against the Braves.
In 16 appearances (six starts) in his career against the Mets, Medlen is 3-0 with a microscopic ERA of 1.92.

Tuesday, June 18, 2013

Game 72 Preview: New York Mets (26-40) at Atlanta Braves (42-29)

Pitching Probables:
RHP Zack Wheeler (NYM) Major League debut
LHP Paul Maholm (ATL) 7-5, 3.65 ERA

Doubleheader Game 2 Starting Lineups (7:10 pm ET, SportSouth):

Mets (career vs. Maholm):
Collin Cowgill - LF (N/A)
Daniel Murphy - 2B (7-12, 3 RBI, K)
David Wright - 3B (8-29, 2B, 2 RBI, 5 K)
Marlon Byrd - RF (3-20, 2B, 2 RBI, 2 BB, 3 K)
Josh Satin - 1B (N/A)
Anthony Recker - C (N/A)
Juan Lagares - CF (N/A)
Omar Quintanilla - SS (N/A)
Zack Wheeler - P (N/A)

Braves (2013 season stats):
Andrelton Simmons - SS (.242/.276/.337 5 HR 22 RBI)
Jason Heyward - RF (.220/.325/.357 5 HR 13 RBI)
Justin Upton - LF (.246/.355/.472 15 HR 32 RBI)
Freddie Freeman - 1B (.323/.381/.482 7 HR 48 RBI)
BJ Upton - CF (.164/.260/.309 8 HR 16 RBI)
Brian McCann - C (.250/.347/.471 7 HR 17 RBI)
Dan Uggla - 2B (.192/.321/.397 13 HR 27 RBI)
Chris Johnson - 3B (.317/.354/.450 3 HR 17 RBI)
Paul Maholm - P (.161/.161/.194 0 HR 1 RBI)

Preview:
After taking game one of a day-night doubleheader, the Mets will send out their top pitching prospect, Zack Wheeler, to make his anticipated Major League debut.
Wheeler, the sixth overall pick in the 2009 First-Year Player Draft by the Giants, was traded to the Mets in the deal that sent Carlos Beltran from New York to San Francisco at the non-waiver trade deadline in 2011. Wheeler struck out 73 batters in 68 2/3 innings with Triple-A Las Vegas in the hitter-friendly Pacific Coast League this season, going 4-2 with a 3.93 ERA.
Fitting the young right-hander makes his debut against the Braves at Turner Field. Wheeler is from Dallas, Georgia, which is about 45 minutes from Atlanta. He's expecting a large contingent of supporters tonight.
Opposing Zack Wheeler will be veteran Braves lefty, Paul Maholm. Through 14 starts this season, Maholm is 7-5 with a respectable ERA of 3.65. In his last start against Padres in San Diego, Maholm struggled mightily, allowing five runs (four earned) on seven hits, walked three, and struck out four over 5 2/3 innings in the 7-5 loss.

Justin Turner injury, Scott Atchison set to be activated:
Mets IF Justin Turner has not progressed from a left intercostal strain and could be placed on the disabled list. Turner had an MRI yesterday in New York before joining the club in Atlanta.
Mets need roster spots to make room for Zack Wheeler and reliever Scott Atchison, and placing Turner on the disabled list would open up a spot. The club is allowed to carry 26 players for previously rescheduled doubleheaders per MLB rules. Leaving New York to make one more move following the nightcap of tonight's doubleheader.
Prior to the injury, Turner was in a 8-for-50 slump, dropping his average from .378 to .266 during that stretch. He was used primarily as a first basemen, but has made spot starts at all four infield positions.
Scott Atchison, on the DL since May 14 with right elbow inflammation, rehabbed in Double-A Binghamton over the weekend and will be activated from the disabled list today.

Brandon Beachy suffers minor setback:
Braves RHP Brandon Beachy had a minor setback following his final rehab start for Triple-A Gwinnett. An MRI revealed elbow inflammation, but showed no structural damage. Beachy was originally slated to start game 1 of today's doubleheader. Braves do not have a timetable for him to take the mound. In his final rehab start Beachy walked three and needed 69 pitches to complete three innings last Thursday night.

Side note:
Paul Maholm is 6-3 in his career against the Mets, posting an ERA of 3.58 in 13 career appearances (12 starts).
Justin Upton, Brian McCann, and BJ Upton were all out of the starting lineup in game one of the doubleheader. All three will be in the lineup for tonight's nightcap.

Game 71 Preview: New York Mets (25-40) at Atlanta Braves (42-28)

Pitching Probables:
RHP Matt Harvey (NYM) 5-1, 2.04 ERA
LHP Alex Wood (ATL) 0-0, 3.52 ERA

Doubleheader Game 1 Starting Lineups (1:10 pm ET, SportSouth):

Mets (2013 season stats):
Collin Cowgill - LF (.173/.189/.327 2 HR 8 RBI)
Daniel Murphy - 2B (.278/.320/.421 5 HR 31 RBI)
David Wright - 3B (.300/.390/.492 9 HR 36 RBI)
Marlon Byrd - RF (.247/.303/.494 11 HR 32 RBI)
Lucas Duda - 1B (.241/.348/.454 11 HR 23 RBI)
John Buck - C (.224/.282/.407 11 HR 35 RBI)
Juan Lagares - CF (.192/.213/.295 1 HR 3 RBI)
Omar Quintanilla - SS (.228/.290/.404 2 HR 4 RBI)
Matt Harvey - P (.138/.138/.172 0 HR 1 RBI)

Braves (career vs. Harvey):
Jordan Schafer - CF (N/A)
Reed Johnson - LF (N/A)
Jason Heyward - RF (1-3, HR, 2 RBI)
Freddie Freeman - 1B (0-3)
Chris Johnson - 3B (N/A)
Gerald Laird - C (N/A)
Dan Uggla - 2B (0-1, 2 BB, K)
Andrelton Simmons - SS (N/A)
Alex Wood - P (N/A)

Preview:
After the dramatic 2-1 win by the Braves over the Mets this morning, the two teams are right back at it this afternoon for game 1 of a day-night doubleheader at Turner Field. In the first game, Mets ace Matt Harvey takes the hill opposed by Braves LHP Alex Wood, who makes his first career MLB start.
Matt Harvey has been brilliant up to this point in the season, logging 11 quality starts in 14 starts this season. In his previous start against the Cardinals, the 24-year-old ace allowed just one run on five hits, walked one, and struck out in seven innings pitched as he took his first loss of the season, snapping a franchise-record of 13 consecutive starts without a loss to begin the season due in part to the Mets recent struggles at the plate.
While being overshadowed by Wheeler's debut in game 2 of the double dip, Braves lefty Alex Wood makes his first Major League start. He's made six appearances out of the bullpen since being called up on May 30. Wood dominated while starting at Double-A Mississppi, going 4-2 with a 1.26 ERA, striking out 57 batters  and walking 15 in 57 innings pitched spanning 10 starts.

Evan Gattis heads to 15-day disabled list, Pastornicky called up:
Braves C/OF Evan Gattis was placed on the 15-day DL this morning due to a right oblique strain suffered in last night's game against the Mets. Gattis injured his oblique on a check swing in the 7th inning. El Oso Blanco is hitting .252 this season while leading all rookies in home runs (14) and runs driven in (37) and is absolutely incredible in pinch-hit situations, going 6-for-8 with four homers and 11 runs driven in.
Tyler Pastornicky was called up to take Gattis' roster spot. In 57 games down in Triple-A Gwinnett, Pastornicky is tearing up opposing pitchers, hitting .309/.351/.429 with four homers and 25 RBIs. Pastornicky was previously called up after Jason Heyward went on the disabled list after undergoing an emergency appendectomy and has just one hit in nine plate appearances in six games played in the Majors this season.

Freddie Freeman stays hot:
Braves 1B Freddie Freeman continued to scorch the ball with three more hits last night, falling a triple short of the cycle. Freeman hit second career walk-off home run off Dillon Gee to give the Braves a 2-1 win. His previous walk-off homer came last September against the Marlins, which clinched a playoff berth for the Braves. Freeman leads the team in RBI (47) and is tied for seventh in the NL despite missing 13 games with a right oblique strain earlier in the season.

Side note:
Matt Harvey has one other career start against the Braves that came in August of 2012. In that start, Harvey allowed two runs on two hits, walked five, and struck out three as he took the 4-0 loss.
Braves called up reliever Cory Rasmus from Triple-A Gwinnett to fill the team's 26th roster spot for today's doubleheader.

Monday, June 17, 2013

Game 70 Preview: New York Mets (25-39) at Atlanta Braves (41-28)

Pitching Probables:
RHP Dillon Gee (NYM) 5-6, 4.84 ERA
RHP Tim Hudson (ATL) 4-6, 4.41 ERA

Tonight's Starting Lineups (7:10 pm ET, SportSouth):

Mets (career vs. Hudson)
Juan Lagares - CF (N/A)
Daniel Murphy - 2B (4-18, 2B, BB, 3 K)
David Wright - 3B (17-71, 2 2B, 3 HR, 8 RBI, 7 BB, 8 K)
Lucas Duda - 1B (6-23, 2B, HR, 3 RBI, BB, 2 K)
Marlon Byrd - RF (1-5, 2 K)
John Buck - C (2-16, 2 BB, K)
Kirk Nieuwenhuis - LF (1-2, 2 RBI, K)
Omar Quintanilla - SS (N/A)
Dillon Gee - P (0-3, 3 K)

Braves (career vs. Gee)
Andrelton Simmons - SS (2-3, 2B)
Jason Heyward - RF (7-15, HR, 2 RBI, 5 BB, 3 K)
Justin Upton - LF (3-11, 2B, HR, 2 RBI, BB, 6 K)
Freddie Freeman - 1B (2-14, 2 RBI, K)
Evan Gattis - C (0-3, K)
BJ Upton - CF (N/A)
Dan Uggla - 2B (4-21, 2B, 3B, 2 RBI, 4 K)
Chris Johnson - 3B (3-5, 2B, RBI, K)
Tim Hudson - P (0-3, 2 K)

Preview:
Right-handers Dillon Gee and Tim Hudson are set to take the mound for their respective teams tonight as the Mets and Braves begin a five-game series, which includes a day-night doubleheader on Tuesday at Turner Field. With the MLB debut of Zack Wheeler looming, every start matters for Dillon Gee, who's ERA was hovering around 6.00 for most of the season. But the righty is undefeated so far in June and has allowed just two earned runs in his last two starts, lowering his ERA from 5.68 to 4.84 in that span.
Gee is battling with Jeremy Hefner for a rotation spot with Wheeler making his debut in the second game of a doubleheader on Tuesday. In his previous start against the Cardinals, Gee went a solid 6 2/3 innings while allowing just one run, battling through forearm tendinitis that has bothered him since Spring Training.
Tim Hudson on the other hand, is winless in his last seven starts, has pitched into the eighth inning in two of his last three and seems to have fixed his mechanical issues he suffered through in May. The veteran right-hander looks to continue his upward trend as he is 3-0 with a 2.39 ERA in six home starts this season.

Alex Wood to make his first Major League start:
Braves manager Fredi Gonzalez announced shortly after Sunday night's game that rookie Alex Wood will make his first Major League start for the Braves in the first game of a day-night doubleheader on Tuesday. Paul Maholm will pitch the nightcap.
Wood was a starter down in Double-A Mississippi, but since he was called up at the end of May, he hasn't pitched more than two innings in any of his six relief appearances in the Majors. That will most likely mean that Wood will be limited in terms of how many innings he will pitch.

Mets offense slumping:
While the Mets pitching has been a weak spot for the club for most of the season, the offense hasn't been helping much as of late, either. Since sweeping the Yankees at the end of May, the Mets have averaged a little over three runs per game. The offense has a tough task to tangle with this week as they face the Braves who own a team ERA of 3.23, which leads the Majors.

Side note:
Braves have won three of five from the Mets this season, while splitting two games at Turner Field.
David Wright has at least a hit in eight of his last nine games and is 16-for-38 (.421) with two homers and five RBIs during that stretch. He also has multiple hits in five of those games.
Dillon Gee struggled against the Braves back on May 25. He surrendered five runs on eight hits, and struck out four in just five innings in the 6-0 loss.
Back on May 5 against these same Mets, Tim Hudson pitched 7 1/3 strong innings, allowing three runs on five hits, walked one, and struck out seven in the 9-4 win.

Sunday, June 16, 2013

Game 69 Preview: San Francisco Giants (35-32) at Atlanta Braves (40-28)

Pitching Probables:
RHP Tim Lincecum (SF) 4-6, 4.70 ERA
RHP Julio Teheran (ATL) 4-3, 3.62 ERA

Tonight's Starting Lineups (8:05 pm ET, ESPN):

Giants (career vs. Teheran):
Gregor Blanco - CF (0-3, K)
Brandon Crawford - SS (0-3)
Buster Posey - C (2-3, HR, 3 RBI, K)
Hunter Pence - RF (0-4)
Brandon Belt - 1B (2-3, 2B)
Andres Torres - LF (N/A)
Joaquin Arias - 3B (N/A)
Nick Noonan - 2B (N/A)
Tim Lincecum - P (N/A)

Braves (career vs. Lincecum):
Andrelton Simmons - SS (N/A)
Jason Heyward - RF (4-15, 2B, 5 BB, 6 K)
Justin Upton - LF (11-47, 4 2B, 3B, 4 RBI, 4 BB, 17 K)
Freddie Freeman - 1B (0-11, BB, 2 K)
BJ Upton - CF (0-2, BB, K)
Brian McCann - C (11-33, 5 2B, HR, 4 RBI, 3 BB, 11 K)
Chris Johnson - 3B (2-6, K)
Ramiro Pena - 2B (1-3)
Julio Teheran - P (N/A)

Preview:
A Giants win tonight will clinch back-to-back series in Atlanta for the first time since 1990. Braves look maintain the league's best home record with a series win in tonight's rubber game. Giants send out Tim Lincecum while Julio Teheran takes the mound for the NL East-leading Braves.
Giants have won only two series in Atlanta since 1994 and are combined 24-52-1 in that stretch, but with a series win at Turner Field a year ago, Giants with a win would claim back-to-back series victories for the first time since April 11-12 and June 8-10, 1990, incidentally, the Braves were in last place in the NL West, for the last time before winning 14 consecutive division titles.
Giants starter Tim Lincecum is still looking to regain his two-time Cy Young form. The four-time All-Star has lost six of his last eight decisions, throwing two of his shortest outings of the season, but sandwiching his best start of the season in between. He allowed one run in seven innings against the Blue Jays before allowing four runs (two earned) on seven hits, walked two, and struck out four in 4 2/3 innings in the loss to the Pirates.
After dominant performances from Matt Cain and Madison Bumgarner in their turn in the rotation, the Giants are hoping Lincecum can catch on to get some momentum going for the Giants' starting staff.
Braves starter Julio Teheran had a strong start against the Giants last month, allowing three runs on seven hits in seven innings to get the only victory of the series out in San Francisco. Since then, he's flirted with a no-hitter against the Pirates, but followed that outing up with a rough one out in San Diego where he gave up five runs in six innings.

Buster Posey continues to cook his hometown team:
Giants C/1B Buster Posey enjoys facing the team from his home state of Georgia, running up his personal hitting streak to 13 games against the Braves with a double over the head of BJ Upton in yesterday's game. In that streak, the 2012 NL MVP is hitting .404 (21-for-52) with two homers and 16 RBIs in that span.

Marco Scutaro remains out of the lineup:
Giants 2B Marco Scutaro remains out of tonight's lineup with an injured left pinkie suffered when he was hit by pitch earlier this week. He tested the pinkie by taking batting practice Saturday and will be fitted for a orthotic device when the team heads back to San Francisco. Nick Noonan will start tonight at second base, with Tony Abreu, Scutaro's replacement, being bothered by a knee injury.

BJ Upton coming alive:
Braves CF BJ Upton brushed his season-long slump to the side for a day with a pair of homers in the win Saturday against the Giants. Upton now has six career multi-homer games, and Saturday was his fourth in his past 109 games, dating back to August 11, 2012.

Freddie Freeman continues to shine with RISP:
With his walk-off RBI single in yesterday's game, Braves 1B Freddie Freeman continued to deliver with runners in scoring position. Through Saturday's game, he is hitting .446 (25-for-56) with RISP and has two walk-off hits this season.

Side note:
Giants are 7-5 against the NL East this season, after going 15-19 against the division in 2012.
With the win yesterday, Braves upped their home record to 22-8 (.733) which is the best mark in the Majors.
Braves are currently in a tough stretch where they are playing 56 games in 59 days. So far, Atlanta is 25-22 and enter tonight's play with a six-game lead in the division with the Nationals 2-0 loss to the Indians today.
Following tonight's game, the Giants will head home to begin a three-game series with Padres beginning Monday night at AT&T Park. Braves will continue their home stand with a five-game series with the Mets beginning Monday night, including a day-night doubleheader on Tuesday.

Friday, June 14, 2013

Game 67 Preview: San Francisco Giants (34-31) at Atlanta Braves (39-27)

Pitching Probables:
Madison Bumgarner (SF) 5-4, 3.58 ERA
Kris Medlen (ATL) 3-6, 2.87 ERA

Tonight's Starting Lineups (7:35 pm ET, FS South/MLB Network):

Giants (career vs. Medlen):
Gregor Blanco - CF (1-2, 2B, RBI, BB)
Tony Abreu - 2B (0-1, K)
Buster Posey - C (1-3)
Hunter Pence - RF (1-5)
Brandon Crawford - SS (2-2, RBI, BB)
Brandon Belt - 1B (1-2, HR, RBI, 2 BB)
Andres Torres - LF (2-5, 2 RBI, 2 K)
Joaquin Arias - 3B (0-1)
Madison Bumgarner - P (N/A)

Braves (career vs. Bumgarner):
Andrelton Simmons - SS (0-3, K)
Jason Heyward - RF (5-13, HR, 4 RBI, BB, K)
Justin Upton - LF (9-17, 2B, HR, RBI, 4 BB, K)
Freddie Freeman - 1B (3-13, HR, 2 RBI, BB, 4 K)
Brian McCann - C (2-8, 2 HR, 3 RBI, 2 K)
BJ Upton - CF (0-2, BB, K)
Dan Uggla - 2B (1-16, 2B, 2 BB, 6 K)
Chris Johnson - 3B (2-12, 3B, 7 K)
Kris Medlen - P (N/A)

Preview:
The first-place Braves are finally home from their seven-game road trip that spanned the cities of Los Angeles and San Diego and finished a disappointing 2-5, including being swept by the Padres. Tonight, the Braves will look to take care of another NL West ball club and not in a hospitable manner. Kris Medlen will take the hill in the series opener of a three-game weekend series against San Francisco, with left-hander Madison Bumgarner opposing him.
Giants closed their series with the Pirates this week with 17 hits in a convincing 10-0 win to avoid being swept by Pittsburgh. Braves were off Thursday after being swept by the Padres and are now back home at Turner Field where the Braves have won 21 of 28 home games, the best winning percentage in baseball, despite playing the fewest home games.
During his first eight starts of the 2013 season, Braves P Kris Medlen (3-6, 2.87 ERA) fought through mechanical issues, but has since fixed his problem and has pitched like the guy who compiled a 0.97 ERA in 12 regular season starts a year ago.
For Bumgarner, the southpaw is coming off an outing in which he shutout the Diamondbacks over five innings before giving up three runs in the sixth. Bumgarner is 5-4 with a 3.58 ERA in 13 starts this season.
The trip to Atlanta marks the final stop of a nine-game road trip for the Giants. They took two of three from the D-backs in Arizona before losing two of three in Pittsburgh.

Heyward's bat heating up:
The early part of the season for Braves RF Jason Heyward has been marred by a terrible slump and an emergency appendectomy, but he's been turning things around as of late. Heyward is currently riding a ten-game hitting streak, during which he raised his batting average over the Mendoza line (.200).
After going 2-for-5 in Wednesday's game against San Diego, Heyward's average now sits at .215. During his hit streak, he is hitting .395 (17-for-43) with three doubles, three home runs, four runs driven in, and scored eight runs.

Side note:
Giants have struggled away from AT&T Park this season, going 13-20, including losses in 12 of their last 17 road games.
Giants manager Bruce Bochy selected Nationals manager Davey Johnson and Mets skipper Terry Collins as his coaches for the July 16th MLB All-Star Game at Citi Field. Bochy's coaching staff will also join him in New York.
Giants took three of four from Atlanta when they hosted the Brave sin San Francisco from May 9-12. Braves were outscored 21-10 in the series.
Braves are 9-11 vs. the NL West this season. Giants are 6-4 against the NL East.
On May 11th, Bumgarner pitched seven innings, allowed just one run on four hits, walked two, and struck out 11 in the win against the Braves.
Medlen struggled against the Giants the last he saw them, allowing five runs (three earned) on eight hits, walked five, and struck out only one in 5 1/3 innings in the loss back on May 12.

Thursday, June 13, 2013

What happens when Brandon Beachy returns?

The date was June 16, 2012. Braves P Brandon Beachy was making his 13th start of the season against the Baltimore Orioles at Turner Field. Beachy at the time, was leading the Major Leagues with a 2.00 ERA. After allowing a run on no hits, a walk, and struck out five Orioles, Beachy left the game after just 3 2/3 innings pitched with right elbow discomfort. Beachy has had bone spurs in the past and the Braves initially thought it had flared up again. While in New York for a three-game set with the Yankees, Fredi Gonzalez revealed Beachy's MRI to the media and the news was anything, but good. The MRI revealed a partial tear in his elbow which would require the dreaded Tommy John surgery. The timetable for recovery is 12-15 months.
News Photo: Brandon Beachy of the Atlanta Braves pitches against…
ATLANTA, GA - JUNE 16: Brandon Beachy #37 of the Atlanta Braves pitches against the Baltimore Orioles at Turner Field on June 16, 2012 in Atlanta, Georgia. (Photo by Scott Cunningham/Getty Images)


A year later, Beachy will make his 2013 debut in one of the doubleheader games on Tuesday against the Mets in Atlanta, which arises the question, what happens to the rotation after Beachy's start?There are plenty of ways to go about this situation. The Braves can go with the six-man rotation, put one starter in the bullpen, or put Beachy in the bullpen. Now, speaking of putting a starter in the bullpen, the two starters that pop up the most in the midst of this are Kris Medlen and Julio Teheran. Both pitchers have pitched well to this point. Teheran had the near no-hitter against the Pirates last Wednesday afternoon. Medlen has racked up the quality starts, but receives little to no run support, thus his 3-6 record. Should they put one of those guys in the bullpen for Beachy? I don't think so. The Braves are the ONLY team in baseball to use the same starting rotation from Opening Day. With this rotation, the Braves are 39-27 through 66 games this season to go along with a 5.5 game lead in the NL East. The six-man rotation could work, but for a veteran like Tim Hudson, it may screw around with his in-between starts routine. Then there is the "Kris Medlen" approach. Fredi Gonzalez could put Beachy in the bullpen and use him in long relief for the time being. There is no reason to rush him back into the rotation especially with no injuries to any starter.

Karl Moore
Karl Moore



This is a good problem to have for the Braves, but in my opinion, Brandon Beachy should be placed in the bullpen. The Braves' rotation is among the best in the Majors ERA-wise, so why try to fix something if it isn't broken? Also, who knows if Beachy will be as dominant as he was in 2012 as soon as he gets back? Fredi Gonzalez stated recently that the decision will be made based on what's best for the team. Whatever decision he makes will have some kind of an impact going down the stretch. Let me know what you guys think of the situation on my Twitter page.

Tuesday, June 11, 2013

Game 65 Preview: Atlanta Braves (39-25) at San Diego Padres (30-34)

Pitching Probables:
RHP Tim Hudson (ATL) 4-5, 4.48 ERA
RHP Andrew Cashner (SD): 4-3, 3.68 ERA

Tonight's Starting Lineups (10:10 pm ET, SportSouth):

Braves (career vs. Cashner):
Andrelton Simmons - SS (N/A)
Jason Heyward - RF (N/A)
Justin Upton - LF (0-8, 2 K)
Freddie Freeman - 1B (N/A)
Brian McCann - C (N/A)
Dan Uggla - 2B (0-0, BB)
BJ Upton - CF (N/A)
Ramiro Pena - 3B (N/A)
Tim Hudson - P (N/A)

Padres (career vs. Hudson):
Everth Cabrera - SS (1-8, RBI, BB, 2 K)
Will Venable - CF (3-10, HR, RBI, BB, 2 K)
Chase Headley - 3B (1-13, 2 BB, 4 K)
Carlos Quentin - LF (3-6, 2 HR, 3 RBI)
Kyle Blanks - 1B (0-2, BB)
Mark Kotsay - RF (5-9, 2 2B, HR, 2 RBI)
Logan Forsythe - 2B (0-2, 2 K)
Nick Hundley - C (0-3)
Andrew Cashner - P (N/A)

Preview:
In the month of June, Tim Hudson has returned to form, allowing just one run in 14 1/3 innings pitched in two starts this month, but still has not won a game since May 5, spanning six starts. In 12 career appearances against the Padres in his career, Hudson is 6-0 with a 2.70 ERA. The last time Hudson saw the Padres, on August 14, 2012, he logged 6 1/3 innings of shutout pitching, allowed just two hits, and struck out four.
Hudson had a miserable May, going 1-3 with a miserable 7.33 ERA. Based off his two starts in June, it looks as if Hudson has corrected his mechanical flaws.
On the mound for the Padres tonight is right-hander Andrew Cashner. Cashner (4-3, 3.68 ERA) has worked into the sixth inning in his last seven starts including pitching seven innings in his previous outing against the Rockies.
Cashner has a tough task to deal with tonight. The Braves lead the Majors with 88 home runs, including two from Heyward and a pinch-hit, three-run home run from Evan Gattis last night. Braves have a firm grip in the NL East, entering play tonight with a seven-game lead over the Nationals.
Cashner has pitched well against teams above .500 this season (Orioles, D-backs, Rockies, and Giants twice). He is 2-1 with a 3.26 ERA.

Ramiro Pena in lineup tonight:
Braves INF Ramiro Pena left Sunday's game in Los Angeles with right shoulder discomfort and did not play in last night's ballgame. Pena is good enough to play tonight, as he will start at third in place of Chris Johnson and will hit eighth in the lineup. Pena has impressed this season in a utility role, hitting .292 with three home runs, 12 runs driven in, and an OPS of .819.

Logan Forsythe returns to Padres lineup with a bang:
Padres 2B Logan Forsythe was activated from the 60-day disabled list prior to Monday's game against Atlanta. He missed the first two months of the season with plantar fascitis in his right foot. In his season debut, Forsythe went 2-for-2, including a 2nd inning solo home run off Julio Teheran. Forsythe is in the lineup again tonight at second base and will hit seventh.
Jedd Gyorko, who was playing in place of Forsythe while he was on the disabled list, is out indefinitely with a groin strain.

Side note:
Braves are 26-4 when scoring first this season.
Padres OF Cameron Maybin is 6-for-16 in his career against Tim Hudson, but is not in the lineup tonight. Maybin is hitting .157/.232/.235 with a homer and five RBI this season.
Jason Heyward looks to be snapping out of his season-long slump. He's 14-for-37 this month with three home runs, including two last night.

Monday, June 10, 2013

Game 64 Preview: Atlanta Braves (39-24) at San Diego Padres (29-34)

Pitching Probables:
RHP Julio Teheran (ATL) 4-2, 3.30 ERA
RHP Jason Marquis (SD) 7-2, 3.73 ERA

Tonight's Starting Lineups (10:10 pm ET, SportSouth):

Braves (career vs. Marquis):
Andrelton Simmons - SS (N/A)
Jason Heyward - RF (2-6, 2B, HR, RBI, 3 K)
Justin Upton - LF (2-11, 2B, BB, K)
Freddie Freeman - 1B (2-4, 2 BB)
Brian McCann - C (5-15, 2 2B, RBI, 5 BB)
Dan Uggla - 2B (4-16, 2B, HR, RBI, 3 BB, 2 K)
Chris Johnson - 3B (0-5, K)
BJ Upton - CF (N/A)
Julio Teheran - P (N/A)

Padres (2013 season stats):
Everth Cabrera - SS (.298/.374/.416 4 HR 24 RBI)
Alexi Amarista - CF (.260/.293/.425 4 HR 16 RBI)
Chase Headley - 3B (.230/.336/.361 5 HR 18 RBI)
Carlos Quentin - LF (.264/.366/.493 7 HR 21 RBI)
Kyle Blanks - 1B (.298/.383/.518 6 HR 21 RBI)
Will Venable - RF (.224/.282/.416 7 HR 21 RBI)
Logan Forsythe - 2B (making 2013 debut)
Yasmani Grandal - C (.167/.279/.222 0 HR 3 RBI)
Jason Marquis - P (.115/.115/.115 0 HR 0 RBI)

Preview:
Julio Teheran flirted with history in his last start, falling just four outs shy of notching Atlanta's 15th no-hitter in franchise history, and the first since 1994 when Kent Mercker completed the feat. Teheran allowed just one hit in eight shutout innings, walking two and striking out 11 in a 5-0 win against the Pirates last Wednesday. The righty looks to build on his best performance in his career when he takes the mound tonight against the Padres at Petco Park. Teheran's near no-hit bid was just the latest in a stretch of great outings by the rookie since late April.
In that start against Pittsburgh, Teheran recorded his sixth consecutive quality start, logging more than seven innings or more for the fourth time during that stretch. He also recorded a career-high 11 strikeouts after striking out nine in the previous start against the Nationals on May 31.
Teheran has been a key arm for the Braves' rotation, who leads thr Majors with a team ERA of 3.17 and rank third among starting rotations with a 3.32 ERA.
Toeing the rubber tonight for the Friars is former Brave, Jason Marquis, whom was selected in the first round of the 1996 MLB First-Year Player Draft. Like Teheran, Marquis is also coming off solid outing, allowing two runs on just three hits in 6 1/3 innings in the Padres' 6-2 win over the Dodgers. The win marked his sixth straight winning decision, the longest such streak since 2006 when he was with the Cardinals. Marquis leads the Padres with seven victories this season and is on pace for double-digits wins for the first time since winning 15 games with the Rockies in 2009.

Dan Uggla heating up:
Braves 2B Dan Uggla is beginning to catch fire. Since June 4th, the slugger is hitting .318 (7-for-22) with three home runs and seven runs driven in. In that stretch, Uggla has raised his batting averaged from .175 to .193.
Uggla went through a similar stretch in his first season with Atlanta in 2011, hitting .186 through the club's first 86 games. Uggla then went on a 33-game hitting streak which upped his averaged to .232. Uggla ended that season leading all second basemen in home runs with 36 home runs and drove in 82 runs.

Side note:
Julio Teheran makes his first career start tonight against the Padres. He's 4-2 with a 3.30 ERA in 11 starts this season.
In nine starts against his former team, Jason Marquis is 3-5 with an inflated ERA of 7.69.
Braves are 7-2 so far in the month of June, including 3-1 in one-run games. Atlanta has the second best record in the Majors, just two games behind the Cardinals for the best record.
After going 2-4 on their six-game road trip, Padres return home for a six-game homestand against the Braves and Diamondbacks.

Friday, June 7, 2013

Game 61 Preview: Atlanta Braves (37-23) at Los Angeles Dodgers (26-33)

Pitching Probables:
LHP Paul Maholm (ATL) 7-4, 3.68 ERA
LHP Hyun-Jin Ryu (LAD) 6-2, 2.89 ERA

Tonight's Starting Lineups (10:10 pm ET, FS South):

Braves (career vs. Ryu):
Andrelton Simmons - SS (1-3, K)
Jason Heyward - RF (1-3, 2B, K)
Justin Upton - LF (0-2, RBI, BB)
Freddie Freeman - 1B (1-3, RBI, 2 BB)
Evan Gattis - C (N/A)
Chris Johnson - 3B (1-3, K)
Dan Uggla - 2B (0-2, BB, K)
BJ Upton - CF (0-2)
Paul Maholm - P (1-2, K)

Dodgers (career vs. Maholm):
Yasiel Puig - RF (N/A)
Mark Ellis - 2B (0-2)
Adrian Gonzalez - 1B (3-14, 2B, 2 RBI, BB, 3 K)
Scott Van Slyke - LF (1-3, HR, RBI)
Jerry Hairston - 3B (7-20, 2B, 3 HR, 4 RBI, BB)
Andre Ethier - CF (3-11, RBI, BB, 4 K)
Ramon Hernandez - C (2-9, 2B, RBI)
Luis Cruz - 3B (1-3)
Hyun-Jin Ryu - P (1-2, RBI)

Preview:
Hyun-Jin Ryu takes the mound for the Dodgers to make his first start since May 28. The lefty was scratched from his start on Sunday because of a sore left foot. Ryu took a comebacker off that left foot during his two-hit shutout of the Angels. In that start, Ryu fanned seven Angels hitters, in by far his best outing as a Major Leaguer.
Ryu took a no-decision vs. the Braves back on May 17 in Atlanta, when he surrendered five walks over just five innings while allowing two runs. That start was the only in which Ryu did not pitch into the sixth inning.
Taking the hill for Atlanta will be left-hander Paul Maholm, who has won his last three starts. In his last start against the Nationals, Maholm allowed three runs (two earned) on five hits over six innings. The southpaw beat Ryu and these same Dodgers earlier this season by tossing six innings while giving up only two runs on eight hits.

Injury bug biting Dodgers:
Ted Lilly is now questionable to make his scheduled start Sunday against the Braves due to an ailing neck. Don Mattingly did not say who would replace Lilly if he is not able to start on Sunday.
As for Carl Crawford, Dodgers expect him to miss more than the minimum 15 days on the disabled list after an MRI revealed swelling in his strained left hamstring. Crawford was placed on the DL on Monday, retroactive to June 2.
Hanley Ramirez is not in the lineup for the second consecutive night with left hamstring tightness, the same hamstring that landed him on the disabled list, two games after returning from a broken bone in his right thumb.

BJ Upton showing progress, patience at the plate:
Following a horrendous start to the season, Braves CF BJ Upton is still trying to work himself out of his prolonged slump, but over the last couple of games Upton has shown patience at the plate, walking three times against the Pirates on Wednesday and walked two more times in last night's game against the Dodgers.

Side note:
Skip Schumaker, who is not in the lineup tonight for the Dodgers, extended his hit streak to 13 games last night.
Braves are 25-3 (.893) in games this season in which they score first.
In ten career start against the Dodgers, Paul Maholm is 2-5 with a 4.72 ERA to go along with just 28 strikeouts in 61 innings pitched.
In only five games in the month of June, Justin Upton is hitting .250/.348/.250 with no home runs and no runs driven in to go along with nine strikeouts in 20 at-bats.

Thursday, June 6, 2013

Game 60 Preview: Atlanta Braves (37-22) at Los Angeles Dodgers (25-33)

Pitching Probables:
RHP Tim Hudson (ATL) 4-4, 4.80 ERA
RHP Zack Greinke (LAD) 2-1, 4.80 ERA

Tonight's Starting Lineups (10:10 pm ET, SportSouth):

Braves (career vs. Greinke):
Andrelton Simmons - SS (N/A)
Jason Heyward - RF (1-5, 2 K)
Justin Upton - LF (6-12, 2B, 2 HR, 4 RBI, 3 BB, 3 K)
Freddie Freeman - 1B (0-2, K)
Brian McCann - C (1-3, HR, RBI, K)
Dan Uggla - 2B (3-6, 2B, 2 RBI, K)
Ramiro Pena - 3B (N/A)
BJ Upton - CF (4-22, 2B, RBI, BB, 11 K)
Tim Hudson - P (0-1)

Dodgers (career vs. Hudson):
Yasiel Puig - RF (N/A)
Nick Punto - SS (1-8, 2B, K)
Adrian Gonzalez - 1B (8-17, 2 HR, 4 RBI, BB, 2 K)
Scott Van Slyke - LF (N/A)
Andre Ethier - CF (3-20, 2 2B, 3B, RBI, BB)
Tim Federowicz - C (N/A)
Skip Schumaker - 2B (2-15, BB, 3 K)
Luis Cruz - 3B (N/A)
Zack Greinke - P (0-1)

Preview:
After Julio Teheran's eight inning, one-hit masterpiece yesterday, the Braves take to the road for a seven-game trip that begins in Los Angeles and ends in San Diego. Tim Hudson will take the mound for Atlanta tonight where he has struggled on the road this season. Hudson is 1-4 with a 7.67 ERA outside of Turner Field. The veteran right-hander will look to change his fortunes tonight as the Braves begin a four-game series with the last place Dodgers.
Hudson regained his form in his previous start against the Nationals last Saturday night, tossing 7 1/3 shutout innings in the no decision. Braves won 2-1 on BJ Upton's walk-off RBI single.
Opposing Hudson will be Zack Greinke, who's still trying to find his form since returning from a broken left collarbone. In four starts since his return, Greinke is 1-1 with a 6.75 ERA and has not pitched passed the sixth inning.

Braves catching fire once again:
Braves swept their sixth series of the season with a win over the Pirates on Wednesday. Braves have won five in a row, six of eight, and 14 of their last 18 games.
Julio Teheran had a career-high 11 strikeouts in Wednesday's win, losing his no-hit bid with two outs in the eighth inning on a pinch-hit, two-out single by Brandon Inge.

Dodgers making roster moves:
Hanley Ramirez was activated from the 15-day disabled list prior to Tuesday's game against the Padres and placed Chris Capuano on the disabled list with a lat strain.
Yasiel Puig was called up to make his Major League debut on Monday. In Tuesday's game, Puig hit two home runs, doubled, and drove in five runs. Puig returned to Earth last night, going 0-for-4 with two strikeouts.

Side note:
In 13 career starts against the Dodgers, Tim Hudson is 6-3 with a 3.67 ERA, while Zack Greinke is 0-1 with a 5.73 ERA in just two career starts against the Braves.
Dodgers 1B Adrian Gonzalez has had success against Hudson, going 8-for-17 with a couple of home runs and four runs driven in.
Braves OF Justin Upton has knocked around Greinke in his career, going 6-for-12 with a double, two home runs and four runs driven in.

Wednesday, June 5, 2013

Game 59 Preview: Pittsburgh Pirates (35-24) at Atlanta Braves (36-22)

Pitching Probables:
LHP Wandy Rodriguez (PIT) 6-3, 3.47 ERA
RHP Julio Teheran (ATL) 3-2, 3.71 ERA

Today's Starting Lineups (12:10 pm ET, SportSouth):

Pirates (career vs. Teheran):
Starling Marte - LF (0-4, 3 K)
Travis Snider - RF (2-2, 2 2B, BB)
Andrew McCutchen - CF (2-4, 2B)
Garrett Jones - 1B (1-2, 2B, 2 RBI)
Neil Walker - 2B (0-2, BB, K)
Pedro Alvarez - 3B (1-2, HR, RBI, BB)
Russell Martin - C (2-2, HR, RBI)
Clint Barmes - SS (0-3)
Wandy Rodriguez - P (N/A)

Braves (career vs. Rodriguez):
Andrelton Simmons - SS (0-2)
Jason Heyward - RF (5-11, RBI, BB)
Chris Johnson - 3B (2-7, BB)
Freddie Freeman - 1B (1-5, 2B, BB, 3 K)
Evan Gattis - LF (0-2)
Gerald Laird - C (4-9, 2B, RBI, 2 BB)
Dan Uggla - 2B (4-25, 2 2B, 2 RBI, 2 BB, 5 K)
BJ Upton - CF (1-8, HR, RBI, 4 BB, 3 K)
Julio Teheran - P (N/A)

Preview:
In Wandy Rodriguez's last start against the Reds, he allowed just two runs, both on solo home runs, in a 6-0 loss to Cincinnati. Today, Rodriguez has the tough task of keeping the ball in the yard against one of the most dangerous home run-hitting teams in baseball, the Atlanta Braves.
Rodriguez (6-3, 3.47 ERA) will face Braves youngster Julio Teheran. Teheran has gone at least six innings in each of his past five starts, allowing just ten earned runs in 34 2/3 innings. Rodriguez did dominate the Braves earlier this season, pitching seven innings of shutout ball while only giving up a single hit in the 6-0 win back on April 19.
In Teheran's (3-2, 3.71 ERA) previous start against the Nationals, he allowed three runs on seven hits, walked a batter, and struck out nine over 6 2/3 innings in the loss. Teheran in an earlier outing against this same Pirates team went five innings and surrendered four runs on seven hits, walked three, and struck out four in the no decision.
After this series, Pittsburgh is off to the northside of Chicago to begin a three-game series with the Cubs, while the Braves head out west for a seven-game road trip in Los Angeles and San Diego.

Starling Marte struggling:
Pirates OF Starling Marte has been struggling at the plate to say the least. In his final six games of May, Marte hit only .115. Marte showed signs of a breakthrough when he delivered a pinch-hit single against the Reds on Saturday. In the following three games, he went 2-for-14 with a couple of walks.

Justin Upton top vote getter among outfielders:
In the All-Star voting update, Braves OF Justin Upton is first among National League outfielders in votes for the 2013 All-Star Game at Citi Field. Upton has 14 home runs and has driven in 29 runs.
If the voting stands, this would be Upton's first All-star start and would be his third appearance. He trails only Buster Posey in votes among all National League players.

Side note:
Braves have the best record at home this season, going 20-7 (.741).
Wandy Rodriguez has fared well against the Braves in his career, going 4-3 with a 3.08 ERA in 12 career starts.
Atlanta has a seven-game lead over the Nationals in the NL East, the largest division lead of any first-place team in baseball.
Freddie Freeman is 12th in the NL in hitting (.311) and 7th in RBI (40).

The (36-22) Atlanta Braves Rally From Behind to Win 5-4 In Extra Innings over the Pittsburgh Pirates


"Atlanta Braves' Kris Medlen, left, and Dan Uggla share a pre-game ritual as the Braves prepared to play the Pittsburgh Pirates in a baseball game Tuesday, June 4, 2013, in Atlanta. (AP Photo/John Bazemore)"


After the Braves won 7-2 on Monday Night, Atlanta will look to extend their winning streak to four games tonight against the Pittsburgh Pirates. Locke will make his first career start in Atlanta against the team that drafted him in the second round of the 2006 MLB Draft before trading him to Pittsburgh in 2009 for Nate McLouth. Locke will oppose Mike Minor, who has been by far the Braves most consistent starting pitcher this season. He is 7-2 with a 2.48 ERA and has struck out 66 and walked only 14 in 11 starts. Minor will be just the second lefty the Pirates have seen in their last 22 games. Jeff Locke has been equally as impressive and has not allowed a run in his last 19 1/3 innings. He's 5-1 with a 2.25 ERA this season. In his previous start against the Tigers, Locke only went 5 1/3 innings pitched, but was brilliant nonetheless allowing no runs on seven hits, walked a batter, and struck out three in the no decision. Like Detroit, the Braves can hit. They roughed up AJ Burnett on Monday for six runs in five innings, the first time Burnett did not last six innings in a start since April 22nd. It was also the first time Burnett had surrendered more than three runs in a start this season. Braves, who lead the Majors in home runs, went deep three times off Burnett, all of which were two-run shots. One of our Braves players received a very prestigious honor this week. On Monday, Braves C/OF Evan Gattis was named NL Rookie of the Month for the second consecutive month. Gattis is batting .269 with 12 home runs and 32 runs batted in entering play tonight. He went deep six times and drove in 16 runs last month. On Monday, Braves C/OF Evan Gattis was named NL Rookie of the Month for the second consecutive month. Gattis is batting .269 with 12 home runs and 32 runs batted in entering play tonight. He went deep six times and drove in 16 runs last month. Also, Braves C Brian McCann recorded his 1,000th hit Monday night with a broken-bat single to left off Pirates reliever Mike Zagurski in the 7th inning. McCann went 2-for-3 with a two-run homer. Tonight, the Braves were looking to extend their NL East lead and also extend their winning streak to four games in a row. 


FIRST INNING:
"Atlanta Braves first baseman Freddie Freeman dives over the wall to catch a foul ball by Pittsburgh Pirates' Andrew McCutchen during the first inning of a baseball game, Tuesday, June 4, 2013, in Atlanta. (AP Photo/Jaime Henry-White)"

In Pittsburgh's first at-bats of the game, Starling Marte struck out swinging for the first out; followed by Jordy Mercer grounds out, shortstop Andrelton Simmons to first baseman Freddie Freeman and Atlanta earned a 1-2-3 inning as Andrew McCutchen popped out to first baseman Freddie Freeman in foul territory to end the Pirates offensive inning. In Atlanta's first at-bats of the evening, Andrelton Simmons singled on a fly ball to center fielder Andrew McCutchen; Jason Heyward popped out to shortstop Clint Barmes for the first out. With Justin Upton batting, Andrelton Simmons steals 2nd base. Justin Upton struck out swinging for the second out and Freddie Freeman strikes out swinging stranding a runner in scoring position and the game was scoreless.

SECOND INNING:

In Pittsburgh's second at-bat, they would capitalize as Gaby Sanchez homered on a fly ball to left center field to give the Pirates a 1-0 lead. The Pirates wouldn't cause any more damage as Russell Martin struck out on a foul tip; followed by Michael McKenry grounds out, shortstop Andrelton Simmons to first baseman Freddie Freeman and the inning would end as Pedro Alvarez strikes out swinging and the Pirates now owned a 1-0 lead. In Atlanta's next at-bat, Brian McCann flied out to left fielder Starling Marte; followed by Chris Johnson grounds out, second baseman Jordy Mercer to first baseman Gaby Sanchez. After Dan Uggla singled on a ground ball to third baseman Pedro Alvarez. Dan Uggla advances to 2nd, on a throwing error by third baseman Pedro Alvarez, the inning would end as B. J. Upton grounds out softly, second baseman Jordy Mercer to first baseman Gaby Sanchez and Pittsburgh maintained a 1-0 lead.

THIRD INNING:

"Freddie Freeman hits a 2 RBI double against the Pirates during the third inning.
CURTIS COMPTON"
In the Pirates next offensive stint, Clint Barmes reached on a fielding error by second baseman Dan Uggla. Atlanta's defense responded as Jeff Locke grounds a bunt into a force out, third baseman Chris Johnson to shortstop Andrelton Simmons. Clint Barmes out at 2nd. Jeff Locke to 1st for the first out; followed by Starling Marte flies out to right fielder Jason Heyward. Pittsburgh would create some two out offense as Jordy Mercer doubled on a line drive to left fielder Justin Upton. Jeff Locke to 3rd and would capitalize as Andrew McCutchen doubles (15) on a sharp ground ball to left fielder Justin Upton. Jeff Locke scores. Jordy Mercer scores to give the Pirates a 3-0 lead. Their portion of the inning would conclude as Gaby Sanchez grounds out, shortstop Andrelton Simmons to first baseman Freddie Freeman and the Pirates now held a 3-0 lead. In Atlanta's offensive stint, they would trim the lead after Mike Minor struck out swinging. Andrelton Simmons walked, placing a runner on with one out. Jason Heyward followed with a single on a fly ball to right fielder Russell Martin. Andrelton Simmons to 2nd. After Justin Upton pops out to second baseman Jordy Mercer on the infield fly rule, the Braves would capitalize as Freddie Freeman doubled on a ground ball to left fielder Starling Marte. Andrelton Simmons scores. Jason Heyward scores and the Braves trimmed the deficit to 3-2. After Brian McCann walked, the inning would end as Chris Johnson struck out swinging and now the Pirates led 3-2 heading into the next frame.

FOURTH INNING:

In the Pirates offensive stretch, they would add on another run. After Russell Martin was called out on strikes and Michael McKenry flied out to left fielder Justin Upton for the second out, Pittsburgh would earn more two outs offensive production as Pedro Alvarez homered on a fly ball to left field extending the Pirates lead to 4-2 and their inning came to an end after Clint Barmes struck out swinging. In Atlanta's offensive inning, they would be retired in a 1-2-3 fashion as Dan Uggla struck out on a foul tip; followed by B. J. Upton being called out on strikes and the inning would end with Mike Minor being called out on strikes and the Pirates took their 4-2 lead into the next inning.

FIFTH INNING:

In Pittsburgh's following at-bats, the Braves earned a 1-2-3 inning as Jeff Locke grounded out, shortstop Andrelton Simmons to first baseman Freddie Freeman; followed by Starling Marte grounding out to pitcher Mike Minor to first baseman Freddie Freeman and finally, Jordy Mercer strikes out swinging and the Pirates maintained their 4-2 lead. Atlanta's at-bats would generate little offense as Andrelton Simmons grounded out, third baseman Pedro Alvarez to first baseman Gaby Sanchez. After Jason Heyward doubled on a line drive to right fielder Russell Martin, the Braves couldn't bring the runner in as Justin Upton flied out to left fielder Starling Marte and Freddie Freeman grounds out, second baseman Jordy Mercer to first baseman Gaby Sanchez to end the inning and the Pirates would maintain their 4-2 lead.

SIXTH INNING:
 
"B.J. Upton hits a two run home run to tie the game 4 - 4 against the Pirates in the sixth inning on Tuesday, June 4 , 2013, in Atlanta. CURTIS COMPTON"

The Pirates would be retired in 1-2-3 fashion for the second consecutive inning as Andrew McCutchen flied out to center fielder B. J. Upton; followed by Gaby Sanchez flying out to right fielder Jason Heyward and finally Russell Martin grounds out, shortstop Andrelton Simmons to first baseman Freddie Freeman and the Pirates maintained their lead until Atlanta's offensive stint. The Braves would capitalize after Brian McCann grounded out softly, second baseman Jordy Mercer to first baseman Gaby Sanchez and Chris Johnson flied out to right fielder Russell Martin for the second out. The Braves would earn two out production as Dan Uggla singled on a sharp line drive to left fielder Starling Marte to keep the inning alive and the Pirates made a pitching change as Ryan Reid replaced Jeff Locke,which proved to be a costly decision as B. J. Upton homered on a fly ball to center field. Dan Uggla scores and the game was now tied at 4-4. Atlanta's inning came to an end as pinch hitter Jordan Schafer, whom replaced starter Mike Minor was called out on strikes and the Braves and Pirates were now tied 4-4.

SEVENTH INNING:

In the Pirates next offensive stint, Atlanta made a pitching change as Luis Avilan replaced Mike Minor. Avilan would retire the Pirates in a 1-2-3 fashion as Travis Snider grounds out, shortstop Andrelton Simmons to first baseman Freddie Freeman; followed by Pedro Alvarez striking out swinging and finally Clint Barmes flied out to right fielder Jason Heyward to end their portion of the inning. The Braves would generate a few hits; however, couldn't score as Andrelton Simmons singles on a fly ball to center fielder Andrew McCutchen. Jason Heyward out on a sacrifice bunt, pitcher Ryan Reid to first baseman Gaby Sanchez. Andrelton Simmons to 2nd; followed by Justin Upton grounding out to first baseman Gaby Sanchez. Andrelton Simmons to 3rd. After Tony Watson replaces Ryan Reid as the pitcher, he finished the inning as Freddie Freeman strikes out swinging and the score remained tied at 4-4.

EIGHTH INNING:

As the Pirates came up to bat, Atlanta made another pitching change as Jordan Walden replaced Luis Avilan as the pitcher and had an 1-2-3 inning as Neil Walker grounds out, shortstop Andrelton Simmons to first baseman Freddie Freeman; followed by Starling Marte flies out to right fielder Jason Heyward and finally Jordy Mercer strikes out swinging. As for the Braves, they would miss out on another opportunity to bring in runners after Brian McCann flied out to left fielder Starling Marte, Chris Johnson walked and would be replaced by Ramiro Pena. Dan Uggla walks. Ramiro Pena to 2nd. B. J. Upton would fly out to left fielder Starling Marte for the second out.  Pinch-hitter Evan Gattis replaced Jordan Walden and while  Evan Gattis was batting, a wild pitch was thrown by Tony Watson, Ramiro Pena to 3rd. Dan Uggla to 2nd and they would intentionally walk Gattis to load the bases with two outs. Unfortunately, the Braves wouldn't capitalize as Andrelton Simmons grounds out, shortstop Jordy Mercer to first baseman Gaby Sanchez and the score remained tied at 4-4.

NINTH INNING:
"Pittsburgh Pirates center fielder Andrew McCutchen makes the catch on a fly ball from Atlanta Braves' Freddie Freeman in the ninth inning. (AP Photo/John Bazemore)"

In Pittsburgh's next offensive stint, Craig Kimbrel replaced Jordan Walden as the Braves pitcher and would receive a small threat that he would work through as Andrew McCutchen earned a lead off single on a ground ball to center fielder B. J. Upton. After Gaby Sanchez pops out to second baseman Dan Uggla, Russell Martin walked and advanced Andrew McCutchen to 2nd; however the Pirates wouldn't capitalize as Travis Snider strikes out swinging and the inning would end as Pedro Alvarez lined out to center fielder B. J. Upton. In Atlanta's offensive stint, Pittsburgh made another pitching change as Jason Grilli replaced Tony Watson and the Braves couldn't capitalize as Jason Heyward strikes out swinging to open their inning. After Justin Upton singled on a line drive to left fielder Starling Marte, Freddie Freeman flied out to center fielder Andrew McCutchen who robbed him of a potential game winning hit and the inning would end as Ramiro Pena strikes out swinging and the game was heading for extra innings tied at 4-4.

TENTH INNING:
"Jason Heyward hoists Andrelton Simmons on his shoulders after he hits a RBI double to beat the Pirates 5-4 in the 10th inning. CURTIS COMPTON"

After Anthony Varvaro replaces Craig Kimbrel as the Braves pitcher, he would retire the Pirates in a 1-2-3 fashion as pinch-hitter Garrett Jones who replaced Jason Grilli lies out to left fielder Justin Upton; followed by Neil Walker grounds out, first baseman Freddie Freeman to pitcher Anthony Varvaro and finally Starling Marte grounds out, shortstop Andrelton Simmons to first baseman Freddie Freeman. In Atlanta's final at-bats, Mark Melancon replaced Jason Grilli as the Pirates pitcher. After Dan Uggla walked, B. J. Upton strikes out swinging. Another change was made as Pinch-hitter Reed Johnson replaces Anthony Varvaro and was hit by a pitch and the Braves would finally capitalize as Andrelton Simmons doubled on a fly ball to right fielder Travis Snider. Dan Uggla scores. Reed Johnson to 3rd and the Braves won by a final score of 5-4.


WINNING PITCHER:

Anthony Varvaro (3-0):

(1.0) Innings Pitched, No Hits, Walks, or Runs Allowed

LOSING PITCHER:

Mark Melancon (1-1):

(0.1) Innings Pitched, One Hit and Walk Allowed, One Strikeout, One Earned Run


PLAYERS OF THE GAME:

Andrelton Simmons/Braves Bullpen:
"Andrelton Simmons hits a RBI double to beat the Pirates 5-4 in the 10th inning."
CURTIS COMPTON

Andrelton Simmons earned his first career walk-off and it was only fitting that his great game would end that way. Simmons finished (3-5) with the game winning RBI and also accounted for three of the runs Atlanta scored en route to their comeback victory over the Pirates tonight. Simmons, 23, is emerging as one of the young and most impressive short stops in the majors. Simmons is also a great defensive player, only committing a few errors and one of Atlanta's best defensive players. His future is so bright in Atlanta and he will continue to impress the entire world of baseball. Tonight's great performance also extended his hitting streak to 10 games. Simmons is a special athlete and will continue to deliver for the Braves when he's needed the most. Also, the Atlanta bullpen was huge for the team as they pulled off yet another comeback win. After Mike Minor left the game trailing 4-2 in the fourth inning, the Braves bullpen who consisted of Luis Avilan, Jordan Walden, Craig Kimbrel and Anthony Varvaro allowed only one hit, one walk, struck out three batters and didn't surrender one run. Tonight's game was huge for the Braves bullpen, whose struggling to stay healthy; however, that didn't show in tonight's game. Atlanta did enough to keep their offense in the game and ultimately lead them to a win. The Braves bullpen have been very consistent for the most part and tonight's a prime example of why Atlanta's such a special team in all aspects of the game. 



CONCLUSION:

Tonight's victory over the Pittsburgh Pirates extended the Braves winning streak to four games and would look to earn a sweep over the Pirates tomorrow afternoon at 12:10 P.M. Tonight's game is another indicator that many positive things are on the horizon and Atlanta could see some great baseball played by these young men daily. With tonight's win, the Braves NL East lead remained at seven games over the Nationals, the largest lead of any division in baseball. Pirates fall to 35-24 this season and fall to third place in the NL Central, four games behind the division-leading Cardinals.  Atlanta continues to be one of the most impressive teams around the majors in the first half of the 2013 season and tonight's win displayed how special this unit could be throughout the season. Each night, the Braves are showing the nation that they can win ball games in many different aspects and tomorrow, they will look to extend their winning streak to five games in a row. Atlanta will look to sweep the Pittsburgh Pirates in Atlanta tomorrow aftenoon . Until tomorrow, GO BRAVES!!!

Tuesday, June 4, 2013

Game 58 Preview: Pittsburgh Pirates (35-23) at Atlanta Braves (35-22)

Pitching Probables:
LHP Jeff Locke (PIT) 5-1, 2.25 ERA
LHP Mike Minor (ATL) 7-2, 2.48 ERA

Tonight's Starting Lineups (7:10 pm ET, SportSouth):

Pirates (career vs. Minor):
Starling Marte - LF (N/A)
Jordy Mercer - 2B (N/A)
Andrew McCutchen - CF (0-4, RBI, BB, 2 K)
Gaby Sanchez - 1B (3-8, 2 2B, RBI, 3 BB, K)
Russell Martin - RF (1-3, 2B, RBI, K)
Michael McKenry - C (N/A)
Pedro Alvarez - 3B (1-3, HR, 2 RBI, K)
Clint Barmes - SS (0-2)
Jeff Locke - P (N/A)

Braves (career vs. Locke):
Andrelton Simmons - SS (0-4)
Jason Heyward - RF (1-6, RBI, K)
Justin Upton - LF (1-2, HR, RBI, BB, K)
Freddie Freeman - 1B (0-2, BB, K)
Brian McCann - C (0-2, K)
Chris Johnson - 3B (2-3, HR, 2 RBI, BB)
Dan Uggla - 2B (0-2, BB)
BJ Upton - CF (1-3, HR, RBI, K)
Mike Minor - P (N/A)

Preview:
Jeff Locke is going home. Sort of. On Tuesday night, Locke will make his first career start in Atlanta against the team that drafted him in the second round of the 2006 MLB Draft before trading him to Pittsburgh in 2009 for Nate McLouth
Locke will oppose Mike Minor, who has been by far the Braves most consistent starting pitcher this season. He is 7-2 with a 2.48 ERA and has struck out 66 and walked only 14 in 11 starts. Minor will be just the second lefty the Pirates have seen in their last 22 games.
Jeff Locke has been equally as impressive and has not allowed a run in his last 19 1/3 innings. He's 5-1 with a 2.25 ERA this season. In his previous start against the Tigers, Locke only went 5 1/3 innings pitched, but was brilliant nonetheless allowing no runs on seven hits, walked a batter, and struck out three in the no decision.
Like Detroit, the Braves can hit. They roughed up AJ Burnett on Monday for six runs in five innings, the first time Burnett did not last six innings in a start since April 22nd. It was also the first time Burnett had surrendered more than three runs in a start this season.
Braves, who lead the Majors in home runs, went deep three times off Burnett, all of which were two-run shots.

Gattis named NL Rookie of the Month for May:
On Monday, Braves C/OF Evan Gattis was named NL Rookie of the Month for the second consecutive month. Gattis is batting .269 with 12 home runs and 32 runs batted in entering play tonight. He went deep six times and drove in 16 runs last month.

McCann reaches milestone:
Braves C Brian McCann recorded his 1,000th hit Monday night with a broken-bat single to left off Pirates reliever Mike Zagurski in the 7th inning. McCann went 2-for-3 with a two-run homer.

NL All-star voting update:
Brian McCann - 5th among catchers
Freddie Freeman - 5th among 1st basemen
Dan Uggla - 5th among 2nd basemen
Andrelton Simmons - 4th among shortstops
Chris Johnson - 3rd among 3B basemen
Justin Upton - 1st among OFs
BJ Upton - 13th among OFs

Side note:
Pirates are 15-8 against teams over .500 this season, including 3-2 against the Braves.
Mike Minor has allowed eight runs and 15 hits in 12 career innings against the Pirates.
Pirates are 10-6 overall and 6-3 against NL East teams.
Braves enter play on Tuesday with the 3rd best record in the NL and has the largest division lead in baseball (7 game lead over Washington).

Monday, June 3, 2013

Kris Medlen dominant, receives help from offense in Braves 7-2 win over Pirates - Recap/Analysis



"Kris Medlen got the start Monday for the Braves against the Pittsburgh Pirates at Turner Field"(Scott Cunningham / Getty Images)






Following the series win over NL East rival Washington Nationals to push their division lead to 6.5 games, the Braves begin a three-game series with the Pittsburgh Pirates, who come into play tonight tied for the second best record in the NL with the Reds and trail the Cardinals in the NL Central by 2.5 games. Pirates send out their ace, AJ Burnett to the mound in the series opener. In 11 starts this season, Burnett is 3-5 with a 2.72 ERA. Burnett has not been able to notch a win since May 3rd, despite his consistent pitching. Braves will counter with Kris Medlen, who like Burnett, has pitched effectively, but has not received enough run support. Tonight, Medlen is looking for his first win since April 9th. Medlen's win-loss record is not indicative of how good he has been. In his first 11 starts this season, Medlen has given up three runs or less, despite having only one win.

Pirates CF Andrew McCutchen and Braves C/OF Evan Gattis will not be in tonight's lineup for their respective teams. After tearing up the Nationals this weekend, IF Ramiro Pena is also not in the starting lineup for the Braves. Dan Uggla and Jason Heyward return to the lineup tonight after getting the day off yesterday. Both look to get their seasons turned around against AJ Burnett tonight.


1st inning:

Looking to get off to a good start unlike his last outing against Blue Jays, Medlen did just that to begin the game by getting Starling Marte to fly out to center. Neil Walker then hit a bloop double to left for the Pirates first hit of the evening. The next batter was Garrett Jones, who could not advance Walker to third with a fly out to Upton in center field. Gaby Sanchez stranded Walker in scoring position with a fly out to Heyward in right field to end the Pirates half of the 1st.
Andrelton Simmons leads off for the Braves and quickly popped out to Sanchez at first for the first out. Jason Heyward, who is desperately trying to snap out of his season long slump, singles to left, snapping an 0-for-19 slump. Justin Upton then struck out for the second out of the inning. Freddie Freeman lines out to Clint Barmes on the 2nd base side of the bag to end the inning. No score after 1.


2nd inning:

Travis Snider led off the 2nd for the Pirates with a ground out to Simmons at short. Russell Martin promptly grounds out to Chris Johnson at third on the first pitch for the second out. Pedro Alvarez lined a two-out single past Uggla to keep the inning alive. Clint Barmes follows Alvarez with a single of his own through the right side of the infield. Medlen got out of the mini 2-out jam by striking out AJ Burnett.
Brian McCann leads off the inning for the Braves with a six-pitch walk. Chris Johnson could not move McCann into scoring position, striking out on four pitches. Dan Uggla walked on four straight to put runners on first and second with one out. BJ Upton was the next batter and flied out to Marte in center for the second out. Kris Medlen couldn't help his own cause at the dish, striking out to end the inning. No score after 2.


3rd inning:

"Pirates second baseman Neil Walker (18) is congratulated by teammates after scoring a run in the third inning that gave Pittsburgh an early lead against the Braves."
(Scott Cunningham/Getty Images)


Back to the top of the order for the Pirates as Starling Marte leads off the 3rd with a bunt single. On a 1-2 count to Walker, Marte is caught trying to steal 2B for the first out. On the very next pitch, Medlen plunked Walker. Garrett Jones flied out to Upton in center. Upton tried to gun down Walker who wondered too far off the bag at first and overthrew Freeman. McCann picks up the ricochet and was unable to throw out Walker trying to go to 2B, although replayed showed that Walker was out. Gaby Sanchez doubles to deep center to score Neil Walker, 1-0 Pirates. Travis Snider strands Sanchez in scoring position, as he strikes out.
Andrelton Simmons again leads off for the Braves and grounds out to Alvarez at third. Heyward follows suit with a ground out to Barmes for the second out. Justin Upton strikes out to end the Braves half of the 3rd. Pirates lead 1-0 after 3.


4th inning:


"Braves catcher Brian McCann rounds the bases after hitting a fourth inning home run against the Pirates."
(Scott Cunningham/Getty Images)

Kris Medlen gets his 4th inning of work started with a strikeout of Russell Martin. Pedro Alvarez follows with a ground out to Uggla for the second out. Medlen completes a 1-2-3 4th with Clint Barmes flying out to Heyward in right.
Freddie Freeman leads off the bottom half of the 4th with a walk on four pitches. Brian McCann CRUSHES a 3-2 pitch from Burnett into the right field seats to give the Braves a 2-1 lead. Chris Johnson follows with a shot in the gap for a double. AJ Burnett is struggling to find the strike zone and when his pitches are in the zone, they've been over the middle of the plate. Dan Uggla strikes out, his 14th in his last 28 at-bats. BJ then grounds out to Barmes at short for the second out of the inning. Russell Martin and Pirates manager Clint Hurdle were ejected for arguing balls and strikes. Michael McKenry comes in to replace Martin behind the plate. Medlen grounds out to Walker at second to end the inning. Braves lead 2-1 after 4.


5th inning:

"First baseman Freddie Freeman hits a two-run homer in the fifth inning that put the Braves ahead 6-1."
(Scott Cunningham/Getty Images)




After the ejection of his catcher and manager, ironically enough, AJ Burnett led off the inning for the Pirates with a single. Marte hits a grounder to Johnson at third, Johnson dives, but isn't able to get the speedy Marte at first. Pirates have runners on first and second with none out. Neil Walker quickly pops out to Simmons, the infield fly rule was called for the first out. Medlen then gets Garrett Jones to hit into a 3-6-1 double play to get out of the jam.
Simmons leads off the bottom half of the inning with an infield single, extending his hit streak to nine games. Jason Heyward then RIPS a 2-run home run to right for his 3rd home run of the season, widening the Braves lead to 4-1. Justin Upton then laces a single to right. Freddie Freeman goes OPPO for a 2-run home run of his own, Braves now lead 6-1. McCann hits a soft dribbler to Walker for the first out of the inning. Chris Johnson lines a double into the gap in right-center, but is thrown out trying to extend the double into a triple. Two outs in the inning. Uggla grounds out to Alvarez at third to end the inning. Braves lead 6-1 after 5.


6th inning:

Cruising along, Medlen gets Sanchez to ground out to Simmons for the first out of the 6th. Snider then strikes out for out number two. Medlen retires the side in order with the ground out of Michael Mckenry, who's in to replace Russell Martin after the ejection.
Jared Hughes comes in relief for AJ Burnett who once again struggled against the Braves at Turner Field. Hughes immediately gets BJ to ground out to Alvarez for out number one. Kris Medlen then gets himself into the hit parade with a one-out single. Simmons grounds into a 5-4 force play, two outs in the inning for Heyward. J-Hey puts a good swing on the ball, but flies out to Marte to strand Simmons at first. Braves lead 6-1 after 6.


7th inning:

"Braves catcher Brian McCann watches the 1,000 hit of his major league career fall near the line in left field in the seventh inning."
(John Bazemore, AJC)



Pedro Alvarez leads off the inning for Pittsburgh and Medlen shoos him away with a strikeout. On the 1-0 pitch, Barmes flies out to Heyward for the second out. Jordy Mercer comes to the plate to pinch hit for Hughes and strikes out on three pitches to end the top half of the 7th. 
Mike Zagurski came on to pitch for the Pirates, relieving Jared Hughes. Justin Upton leads off with a walk on a full count. Freddie Freeman strikes out for the first out. Brian McCann hits a soft liner to left for a base hit, his 1,000th hit of his career. Chris Johnson proceeds to line out to Snider in left, scoring Upton to increase the Braves lead to 7-1. Zagurski then walks Uggla, runners on first and second with two outs. BJ Upton walks as well to load the bases, spelling the end of the night for Mike Zagurski. Making his MLB debut for the Pirates is Ryan Reid, who went 6-1 with an 0.52 ERA in Triple-A Indianapolis. Pinch hitting for Kris Medlen is Reed Johnson, who grounds out to Alvarez at third to strand the bases load. Braves lead 7-1 after 7.


8th inning:

Alex Wood comes in to makes his second career MLB appearance, replacing Kris Medlen who was dominant over seven innings. Starling Marte flies out to Upton in left for the first out of the 8th. Neil Walker quickly grounds out to Simmons at short, two outs. Wood quickly retires Garrett Jones via the strikeout to complete the 1-2-3 inning.
Ryan Reid stays in for his second inning of work and quickly gets Simmons to ground out for out number one. Heyward then hits a chopper to Walker for the second out. Justin Upton also grounds out to Barmes to end the inning. Braves lead 7-1 after 8.


9th inning:

Alex Wood, in for his second inning of relief, allows a lead-off single to Gaby Sanchez. The wild pitch on Wood allows Sanchez to move into scoring position. On the very next pitch, Snider strikes out for the first out of the 9th. Michael McKenry falls victim to Wood as well, via the strikeout. Pedro Alvarez with a great at-bat, forces a two-out walk. Clint Barmes lines a soft single to right to score Sanchez, Pirates cut the lead to 7-2. Brandon Inge to the plate to pinch hit for Reid and grounds out to Simmons to end the ballgame. BRAVES WIN 7-2.


WP: Kris Medlen (2-6, 3.14 ERA), LP: AJ Burnett (3-6, 3.22 ERA)

Kris Medlen (ATL): 7.0 IP, 7 H, R, 0 ER, 6 K


AJ Burnett: (PIT): 5.0 IP, 8 H, 6 R, 6 ER, 3 BB, 5 K



Player(s) of the Game: Kris Medlen/Braves offense


"Braves right fielder Jason Heyward (right) embraces Freddie Freeman after hitting a home run in the fifth inning".



Kris Medlen absolutely dominated Pirates hitters tonight, pitching seven innings of shutout ball with the one run scoring due to BJ Upton's throwing error in the 3rd inning. Medlen picks up his first win since April 9th and has given up three runs or less in 11 of 12 starts this season.Braves offense finally gave Medlen some runs to work with tonight with three two-run home runs off the bat of Brian McCann, Jason Heyward, and Freddie Freeman. Coming into play tonight, Braves have given about three runs (2.85) of support per start this season, the second lowest in the Majors.



Conclusion:

Braves take the first of three against the Pirates at Turner Field and look to even up the season series tomorrow night when Mike Minor takes the mound. Minor is tied for 4th in the NL in wins (7) and sports an ERA of 2.48. Opposing Minor is Pirates starter Jeff Locke, who has been as impressive for Pittsburgh. Locke is 5-1 this season with an ERA of 2.25. With tonight's win, the Braves extend their NL East lead to seven games over the Nationals, the largest lead of any division in baseball. Pirates fall to 35-23 this season and fall to third place in the NL Central, three games behind the division-leading Cardinals.