BRAVES NEWS
Braves downed by late Mets rally in 6-4 Spring Training loss
While the Braves dropped another Spring Training contest on Wednesday, all was not in vain as two of their youngest and brightest prospects made significant contributions. Ronald Acuna was the most notable offensive catalyst, picking up two singles, including a hit in the fourth inning that drove in two runs, and a stolen base. His showing at the plate was the first real glimpse of his offensive tools that have come to light this spring. On the mound, Kolby Allard worked two scoreless innings, though he did allow three baserunners in the process. In addition to the great showings by Acuna and Allard, newly-acquired veteran Brandon McCarthy worked three scoreless innings to begin the game.
McCarthy ‘spot on’ in scoreless Braves debut
Speaking of McCarthy, Mark Bowman writes that the right-hander was on top of his game in his Braves debut. While it may be a new setting for McCarthy this spring, he brings a lot of experience and insight into how to prepare for a major league season, and spoke briefly about the things that help him to prepare (and the things that do not).
Pitching in a game for the first time since allowing George Springer’s decisive homer in Game 2 of the Fall Classic, McCarthy retired the first four batters he faced, including three via strikeout. He surrendered a single and a walk in the second inning, then retired each of the next five batters.
McCarthy’s efficiency helped him successfully lobby to pitch through the third inning. The Braves’ starters are usually limited to two innings in their first start.
”I asked for another inning,” McCarthy said. “I hate that one-, two-innings outing. It feels like you’re not getting anything accomplished. Getting back out there for the third inning was nice after getting a little tired in the second.”
Mind game: Mental side is Riley’s focus
Braves third base prospect Austin Riley is spending time with another Braves third baseman this spring, learning the more cerebral side of hitting. There may be no better source of hitting knowledge in Braves history than Chipper Jones, and the newly-minted Hall of Fame third baseman is sharing his immense knowledge with of Atlanta’s rising stars.
Provided the thrill of facing the three-time Cy Young Award winner during Sunday’s game against the Nationals, Riley gained a better understanding of what he had learned while spending the previous few days talking to Chipper Jones about the cerebral approach to hitting.
“It’s been an honor to be around that type of player and pick his brain about, really, the mental side of hitting and the importance of trying to get inside the pitcher’s head,” Riley said. “I’m just really trying to progress with the mind game. Really, the next level is the game inside the game.”
MLB NEWS
Royals sign first baseman Duda to 1-year deal
A familiar Braves foe is headed to Kansas City, as former Mets first baseman Lucas Duda agreed to a one-year deal with the Royals on Wednesday. His left-handed bat will be counted on to aid in replacing Eric Hosmer, who signed with the Padres earlier in the offseason, in 2018.