Atlanta Braves News
Freeman homers, Teheran thrives, but Braves drop both split squad games on Sunday
The Braves dropped a pair of split squad games on Sunday. Julio Teheran turned in a good performance allowing just one run while striking out six in five innings against the Houston Astros. Touki Toussaint allowed three runs (two earned) and struck out five in four innings against Detroit. Freddie Freeman hit a three-run home run but there wasn’t a whole lot of offense generated overall on Sunday.
Teheran taking control from the stretch
Speaking of Teheran, he has taken new pitching coach Rick Kranitz’s advice and has been pitching exclusively from the stretch ditching the windup. He’s hoping that the change will allow him to find a bit of consistency and hopefully lower his walk rate for the upcoming season.
Minter, O’Day likely to start season on Injured List
Brian Snitker acknowledged to MLB.com’s Mark Bowman Sunday morning that it is likely that relievers A.J. Minter and Darren O’Day will open the season on the injured list. Minter has been slowed by a sore shoulder but played catch last week. O’Day has been dealing with forearm stiffness and has not been cleared to resume throwing.
Mike Foltynewicz, Mike Soroka progressing, eyeing April return
It has been pretty much a lost spring for Braves’ pitchers Mike Foltynewicz and Mike Soroka, but both took a step in the right direction on Sunday. Foltynewicz completed a side session, reported no issues afterwards and is scheduled to be further evaluated on Monday. Mike Soroka threw live batting practice also on Sunday and made it through pain free. He is hoping to be able to pitch in games towards the end of spring training.
MLB News
Blue Jays ready to embrace change, finalizing minor-league pay increase of more than 50 percent
The Athletic’s Emily Walson and Ken Rosenthal report that the Toronto Blue Jays are about to make a significant move by finalizing a pay increase of more than 50 percent for its minor league players.
Yankees CF Hicks (back) to miss opening series
Yankees center fielder Aaron Hicks will likely miss Opening Day and open the season on the injured list due to a lower back injury. Hicks has been dealing with the injury since early March. He is hoping that he will be ready for New York’s second series which begins on April 1 against the Detroit Tigers.
Hinch suspended 1 spring game for ump issue
Major League Baseball handed down a one-game suspension to Houston Astros manager AJ Hinch after he was ejected by Angel Hernandez for arguing balls and strikes in Friday’s game against the Cardinals. Hinch called Hernandez “unprofessional” in an interview following the ejection. He served the suspension Sunday missing the game against Atlanta.
Indians To Sign Carlos Gonzalez
The Cleveland Indians are adding veteran outfielder Carlos Gonzalez on a minor-league deal. Gonzalez will earn a reported $2 million if he makes the major league roster and can gain another $1 million in incentives.
Manny Bañuelos is savoring his opportunity — even if Ervin Santana takes his rotation spot
Remember Manny Bañuelos? He is relishing in his opportunity this spring with the Chicago White Sox.