Atlanta Braves Minor League Recap: 4/08

Tonight marks the first night of the minor league season, but unfortunately only 3 of the 4 Braves affiliates got their games in as Rome was rained out (and I was particularly looking forward to seeing how Teheran competed). But with the return of minor league baseball comes the return of the minor league recaps. Enjoy!

Charlotte 6, Gwinnett 8

F. Freeman 1-4 RBI
B. Hicks 0-2 2BB
C. Gearrin 1IP 1H 0R 1BB 3K
C. Kimbrel 1IP 0H 0R 1BB 0K

Gwinnett gets their season started the right way with a bit of offense from everyone. I can't believe I am saying it but I think Freddie Freeman is going to surprise people this year. He has caught a lot of flack this offseason for simply being in Jason Heyward's shadow and yet here he is, the youngest player in AAA at the start of the season. Cory Gearrin and Craig Kimbrel might be the best 8th & 9th innings guys anywhere in the minors.

Tennessee 4, Mississippi 3

C. Johnson 2-4 HR(1), 3 RBI, 2K
M. Minor 5IP 6H 4R 2BB 6K

Andrew Cashner struck out 10 Braves hitters in 4.1 innings and only surrendered the homer to Johnson to give up runs. Cody Johnson picked up right where he left off last season by bashing a baseball and striking out. Mike Minor got roughed up a little but I believe he will settle into AA fine. The surprise of the night for me was Donell Linares striking out 3 times in the game after only 41 in 505 AB last season. Also Cody Johnson was batting 7th.

Wilmington 1, Myrtle Beach 4

A. Milligan 2-4 2B, 2K
G. Rodriguez 1-4 HR(1), 2 RBI, 2K
R. Delgado 5IP 3H 1R 0BB 5K

This would have been a great pitching matchup to see with Mike Montgomery, the Royals top prospect, square off against Randall Delgado. Neither pitcher was involved in the decision but they combined for 10IP 4H 2R 1BB and 11K. Delgado will be in the same company as Teheran and Vizcaino at seasons end and the Braves could feasibly have 3 ace caliber Latin American pitchers waiting in the wings. I am glad to see Adam Milligan start strong as he is one of my favorite players and Gerry Rodriguez couldn't let Cody Johnson 1-up him on opening day.

Rome @ Kannapolis - Postponed

P.S. !!!

Don't forget about out minor league previews which can be found by clicking on the names below!