BRAVES NEWS
Braves blowout Phillies 7-3 but lose Freeman to injury
The Braves got a solid performance from Brandon McCarthy on Wednesday night, beating the Phillies 7-2 to take the series. The Atlanta offense was boosted by home runs from Ryan Flaherty, who launched a three-run homer in the fifth inning, and a solo homer from Dansby Swanson in the seventh. The bad news from the game was the injury to Freddie Freeman, who was hit on the same wrist that was broken last season, and immediately left the game on his own accord.
Braves optimistic Freddie Freeman did not suffer major wrist injury
While the Freeman injury is certainly disconcerting, reports late on Wednesday night indicated that the Braves are optimistic about the possibility that their star first baseman did not suffer any sort of major injury. The initial worry was that Freeman may have re-broken the wrist, and would once again miss a large chunk of the season as a result. The diagnosis is yet to be revealed, but optimism from the organization is certainly encouraging with regards to the severity of the injury.
Braves sign Jose Bautista to minor league deal
In what may be the most polarizing minor league signing in Braves history, the club announced on Wednesday that it had agreed to terms with Jose Bautista, formerly of the Blue Jays, to play third base. Bautista will begin his Braves tenure in extended Spring Training, but the potential for him to rediscover the power stroke that made him an All-Star in Toronto will likely afford him an opportunity at some point. This is a low-risk move for Atlanta, and while many have mixed feelings about Bautista, he could be of some use in the near future, especially if Freddie Freeman misses significant time.
Braves place Anibal Sanchez on DL, activate Johan Camargo
The Braves touched both ends of the spectrum with this announcement, as the return of Johan Camargo from injury is certainly exciting, and the non-contact pre-game injury to Anibal Sanchez is both sad and frustrating. Sanchez had regained some semblance of the pitcher that he once was early on this season, including a very impressive performance against the Cubs last time out, and will now be sidelined for an undisclosed amount of time. For Camargo, returning to the major leagues now means that he will face some competition for playing time with the emergence of Ryan Flaherty, despite how unsustainable it would seem.
Ender goes over the wall, makes snowcone grab
MLB NEWS
Sons of Puerto Rico help Twins top Tribe in 16
One night after Puerto Rico native Francisco Lindor homered in San Juan, two more native sons lifted the Twins to victory in 16 innings. Jose Berrios pitched seven shutout innings, while Eddie Rosario scored the winning run on a Ryan Lamarre walk-off single.