BRAVES NEWS
Albies, Acuña club Cubs late in 4-1 Braves win
The Braves got six strong innings from Brandon McCarthy on Wednesday, as he left having allowing just one run while striking out eight. His solid work, coupled with three shutout innings from the bullpen allowed Atlanta to hold a tie with the Cubs until the eighth inning. Ozzie Albies got the party started with a one-out triple to right-center, then Ronald Acuna singled him home to give the Braves a 2-1 lead. A Freddie Freeman single, followed by two bases-loaded walks later in the inning pushed the lead to 4-1 heading to the ninth. Arodys Vizcaino bounced back nicely from his erratic finish on Tuesday, working a perfect inning to close out an Atlanta victory.
Dansby Swanson to begin rehab stint in Rome Thursday
After a short stay on the disabled list, it appears that a return for shortstop Dansby Swanson is imminent. Swanson has been sidelined with a sore wrist, but will reportedly begin a rehab assignment with Low-A Rome on Thursday. Though Atlanta has played very well in his absence, the return of Swanson means relegating utility infielder Johan Camargo back to a bench role, giving manager Brian Snitker an added threat in late-game situations.
Braves GM didn’t expect success this early
Braves GM Alex Anthopoulos sat down with Zach Klein of WSB-TV and Jeff Schultz of AJC to discuss the early success of the club, his thoughts on Brian Snitker, and how the death of his father has impacted him.
MLB NEWS
Verlander spins 5-hit shutout, gets 2,500th K
Justin Verlander was at his best on Wednesday, pitching a five-hit shutout against the Angels. The Astros rotation continues to make a mockery of the American League.