Braves News
Braves Are Being Cautious With Minor
There's a real air of caution surrounding the Braves rotation lately after receiving news that both Kris Medlen and Brandon Beachy would be making visits to the Harbinger of Doom himself, Dr. James Andrews. So it's very understandable that despite Minor's wishes, the Braves are in absolutely no rush to push Minor to expedite his rehabilitation from a sore shoulder/ailing nether region. Minor will throw his first live BP session on Monday, though.
Wren: No More Additions To The Rotation
Frank Wren talked to the AJC's Dave O'Brien on Saturday and made it very clear: They aren't going to add to the rotation. From the article:
"You add, if there’s something that’s better than what you have," Wren said. "And right now I don’t see that out there."
For more on the subject, check out Ben's post on the subject.
Hale Has Strong Showing On Friday
With injuries to Medlen and Beachy causing a bit of concern for the Braves' rotation depth, the rest of the staff will have to step up and produce in their place in order to keep the Braves' high hopes for 2014 alive. One of those pitchers is rookie David Hale, who had a solid outing on Friday with three perfect innings in four innings of work.
Braves Impressed With Schlosser
Although minor league sidearmer Gus Schlosser will probably start the season at Gwinnett, the Braves have have been pleased with Schlosser's performances thus far in Spring. General Manager Frank Wren said that Schlosser has "established himself as a guy we can trust," which means that should there be an opportunity for Schlosser to make a spot start or contribute in long relief, the Braves are confident that he can do so.
How Will Santana Prepare For Braves Debut?
Our very own Ian Morris takes a look at Ervin Santana's timetable and preparation for his eventual debut. As expected, Santana will probably not be ready for the first week of the season, but this article should give you an idea of when to expect the newest Braves pitcher to make his first appearance for the Braves.
Fangraphs: "How Many Starters Do You Need?"
In light of the recent rash of injuries that have hit the Braves' rotation, Eno Sarris of Fangraphs asks a question: How many starters do major league teams need? He makes note of the stark contrast between the Braves' rotational depth in 2013 and in 2014.
Corbin Cuts Start Short Due To "Forearm Stiffness"
The Arizona Diamondbacks have been dealing with starting pitchers fighting off nagging injuries, as Bronson Arroyo and Trevor Cahill have both been nursing various ailments. However, the last guy that D-Backs fans want to see having injury problems is their ace Patrick Corbin, and they especially don't want to see him dealing with the ominous "forearm stiffness," which usually translates to something even worse. While Diamondbacks management has said that it isn't an elbow issue, it's definitely worth keeping an eye on to see if this turns out to be serious for Corbin.
17-Year-Old Wants To Finish 2014 As A Major Leaguer
Yesterday, the Dodgers sent 17-year-old minor leaguer Julio Urias out to start the game against the Padres. After making his minor league debut in Single-A ball last season, Urias has a big goal in mind for this season: He wants to finish it in the majors. If he does so, he'll be the first 17-year-old in the majors since 1964.
Machado Facing Increasingly Long Odds To Start Opening Day
Manny Machado is recovering from a pretty grisly knee injury that he suffered late last season, and it's logical that his goal is to return in time for Opening Day. Unfortunately, the third baseman is dealing with scar tissue in the injured knee that is keeping him from running. This setback will probably keep him out of Opening Day.
It's March 16th and Stephen Drew is still a free agent. The shortstop has been rumored to be a fit for the Red Sox (who are starting a rookie at shortstop) and the Mets (who are less than thrilled with their shortstop situation), but noted butt tweeter Peter Gammons has suggested that the Tigers could be a potential landing spot for Drew. Drew bounced back in 2013 for the Red Sox with a hitting line of .253/.333/.443 with 13 HRs and 109 wRC+ after having an injury-plagued 2011 and 2012. With Jose Iglesias suffering a shin injury that will keep him out of most of the 2014 season, this is becoming a likely scenario.
Oakland's Griffin Out For Three Weeks
After being sent to a doctor about elbow soreness (which as we all know is a very ominous sign), Oakland A's starter A.J. Griffin actually got some relatively good news -- He has flexor tendinitis which will knock him out for the rest of Spring Training. After starting 32 games last season for the A's with a 3.83 ERA and 4.55 FIP, Griffin was left off of Oakland's playoff roster due to a similar ailment to the one that is currently affecting him.
Two More Dodgers Will Miss Trip To Australia
Outfielder Matt Kemp and pitcher Zack Greinke are already not making the trip Down Under (which Greinke probably doesn't mind at all), and now the Dodgers will be missing a couple more players as well. Pitcher Dan Haren will be missing the trip due to "being tired," while outfielder Carl Crawford will be staying in the States to be by his fiancee's side as they are expecting the baby to come sometime around the date of the Australia series.
Marlins Offering Opening Day Tickets On Groupon
Opening Day is normally one of the hottest tickets on the baseball calendar. That's due to the fact that there's plenty of excitement and optimism concerning the start of the new season. Those two elements are nonexistent in Miami, however, as even with star pitcher and potential Cy Young contender Jose Fernandez taking the mound, tickets for Opening Day at Marlins Park are going for a whopping $13 on Groupon. They're also buy one, get one free (for a game in April or May)! Honestly, it's a good deal, but jeez.