Braves News
Alex Wood has strong start as the Braves get back to .500 with 3-2 win over Dodgers
Alex Wood bounces back nicely from missing his last start with a stomach virus, going seven strong innings with just 1 ER allowed and 6 strikeouts. Cameron Maybin went deep for the Braves and Nick Markakis finished the scoring for the Braves with an RBI double in the 8th. Juan Uribe had a quiet debut with the Braves, going 0 for 3 with a walk and two strikeouts.
Braves Minor Leaguer Charged with Kidnapping and Rape
Elmer Reyes, an infielder for the Braves AAA affiliate in Gwinnett, has been charged with kidnapping and rape concerning a series of events after a game in Ohio. While there is certainly an investigative and legal process that must play out, the allegations themselves are extraordinarily troubling. His status with the Braves organization is unknown and there is a hearing on June 2nd where Reyes will be making an appearance.
Chris Johnson Activated from the DL, Call Up LHP Donnie Veal
Chris Johnson was activated from the DL despite the fact that two of his rehab starts were shortened or scuttled altogether by rain. Johnson believes he got enough swings in extended spring training to be good to go, and he joined the club in LA before Wednesday night's game. In the meantime, the Braves called up LHP Donnie Veal to fill the empty roster spot created when Ian Thomas was included in the trade to acquire Juan Uribe.
Julio Teheran Looking to Get Out of Rut
Julio Teheran has been maddeningly, at best, inconsistent this season and his last start was no different. He was keeping pace with Clayton Kershaw until the wheels fell off and he gave up 8 earned runs. When he's bad, he's REALLY bad. This article goes over his struggles this year and his attempts to overcome them.
SunTrust Park is Already Selling season tickets for 2017
While SunTrust Park won't be open until 2017, existing Braves season ticket holders (called A List members) can already buy their season tickets for the new park. There are additional perks included virtual tours of the new stadium and its amenities and whatnot, but its by appointment only and, again, only for existing season ticket holders.
MLB News
Jon Lester sets record after starting career going 0 for 59 at the plate
While not every pitcher can be a creature of uncommon grace at the plate like Bartolo Colon, its never good to set this sort of record. While he pitched very well in a loss to the Nationals, he set and re-set the record for most at-bats to start a career without a hit at 0 for 59.
Bryce Harper homered and the Nationals won again
In case you haven't noticed, Bryce Harper is becoming a bit of a force of nature and the Nationals seem to have turned things around for the time being. At least Harper is victimizing other teams as well as the Braves this year.
Cardinals could target Ryan Howard in a trade with Matt Adams out
Assuming the Phillies are still willing to eat the vast majority of Ryan Howard's contract, they could finally have a taker for him in the St. Louis Cardinals. Howard is a native of St. Louis and their starting 1st baseman Matt Adams has a quad injury that is going to keep him at least 3-4 months and may end up requiring surgery.
Its Open Season on the Mess in Miami
In what is turning in to a daily feature in this column, the Marlins continue to perplex the league and invite ridicule with their gross incompetence. They have some fine players, but its hard to think of many more dysfunctional front office and ownerships in sports right now. This article chronicles some of it and the fall out due to the decisions made this year thus far. My money is on the Marlins hiring Ozzie Guillen as a new GM to make the rails really fall off.