Braves News:
Atlanta Thrashes Chicago, Wins Series
Fresh off of an 11-6 win in Wrigley on Saturday, the Braves looked to take momentum into the third and final game of the series against the Chicago Cubs. Getting off to an early 7-0 lead after the third inning, All-Star Julio Teheran was able to work his magic, pitching seven innings and keeping the Cubs off of the scoreboard until the sixth. Coming off of a two-homer game on Saturday, Chris Johnson again lead the Braves with three hits and three RBI's on Sunday, helping the Braves take the series against the Cubbies.
Uggla Receives One-Game Suspension
The frequently criticized and now benched second basemen Dan Uggla was handed a one-game suspension, for "internal reasons" according to Freddi Gonzalez. Uggla has only been batting .162 on the season, so it's not as if his presence will be missed too much. Still, it's interesting to wonder if a more permanent move is in the Cards for Uggla.
Braves Targeting Andrew Miller?
Acquiring a left-handed reliever is one of the Braves' biggest priorities as the July 31st non-waiver trade deadline approaches. While it was reported that Atlanta had been scouting Cubs' relievers James Russel and Wesley Wright, David O'Brien writes that Boston's Miller is who the Braves really want. Miller is 3-5 on the season with a nifty 2.23 ERA.
Braves Rotation to be Finalized After All-Star Break
With the four-game All-Star break coming up, manager Freddi Gonzalez and the rest of the Braces will have some time to unwind, and start to plan for the second half of the season. The starting pitching rotation is certainly among that, and Gonzalez has essentially stated that it's yet to be sorted out:
"I’ve just got to wait a day or two to see who needs the extra day (of rest), who doesn’t," said Gonzalez, who will wait to see how Teheran feels Monday after pitching Sunday’s final game before the break. "I think I can tell you for sure that Santana is going to go Friday. And then we’ll see how it works after that."
MLB News:
USA Beats World, Gallo Named MVP in Futures Game
In the annual Futures Game, where the best prospects from the USA face off against from the best of the rest of the world, Rangers' slugging youngster Joey Gallo lead the way for the USA. The 20-year-old third baseman smacked a two-run home run in the sixth inning, en route to being named MVP, and a 3-2 USA victory.
Brock Holt's Five Hits Lead Red Sox Rout
The Boston Red Sox bludgeoned the Houston Astros today, 11-0, largely in part to Brock Holt's career day. He went 5-6. with one home run, one RBI, and two runs scored. He had arguably the best stat line of the day league-wide, as he becomes one of the best stories of the entire season.