Atlanta Braves News
Braves batter Scherzer and company as Atlanta tops Washington, 10-5
Ronald Acuna Jr pounded out four hits to help the Atlanta Braves to a 10-5 win over Max Scherzer and the Washington Nationals Friday night at SunTrust Park. With the win, Atlanta maintained a 7.5 game advantage in the NL East and reduced its magic number to 9.
Dave Martinez on Laz Diaz: Ump is ‘supposed to uphold the peace’
During the game, there was a back-and-forth exchange throughout the night between Bryce Harper and homeplate umpire Laz Diaz. Things finally reached a boiling point in the seventh inning and Dave Martinez came out to support Harper after a borderline strike call. After the game, Martinez questioned Diaz’s role in the argument.
“I’m not going to make any comments on balls and strikes there, but umpires are supposed to be nonconfrontational, they’re supposed to uphold the peace on the baseball field,” Martinez said. “For me, I think the MLB needs to take a look at that. That’s all I’m going to say. I’ve known Laz for a very long time, and I’m not going to throw anybody under the bus, but we’re in a pivotal moment of the game, and he’s saying things to Harp, and I thought that was uncalled for.”
Braves activate Arodys Vizcaino from 60-day DL
Prior to Friday’s game, the Braves added a potentially big piece to their bullpen with the return of Arodys Vizcaino from his rehab assignment. To make room on the roster, the Braves transferred Luiz Gohara to the 60-day DL.
Johan Camargo was out of the lineup again on Friday but could be nearing a return. Camargo is dealing with a sore groin and has missed the last three games. Brian Snitker told the AJC’s Steve Hummer prior to Friday’s game that Camargo worked out on Friday and would be available to pinch-hit if needed.
“He’s good,” the manager said. “He got treated yesterday and it felt better. We’re going to work him out (Friday). I wanted to get him back on the field before we just put him back in there. So, I don’t think there should be a reason he couldn’t pinch-hit tonight.”
Austin Riley, Cristian Pache make MLB Pipeline list
Braves’ prospects Austin Riley and Cristian Pache were named to Jonathan Mayo’s list of 20 prospects who improved their stock in 2018. Riley hit 19 home runs and moved up 54 spots in MLB Pipeline’s Top 100 list. Pache moved up to Double-A and showed more offensive ability to go along with his plus defensive skills. He is currently ranked at No. 55 in the Top 100 list.
MLB News
Judge returns to play defense; can’t hit yet
The New York Yankees activated outfielder Aaron Judge from the disabled list on Friday but he will not hit in games yet and will continue to rehab his right wrist fracture.
Polanco out 7-9 months after shoulder surgery
Pirates outfielder Gregory Polanco is expected to miss between 7-9 months after undergoing surgery on his left shoulder. Polanco suffered the injury on an awkward slide attempt last Friday. It is unclear at this time whether or not he will be ready for the start of spring training.
Clay Buchholz Out For Remainder Of Season
The Arizona Diamondbacks will shut down right-hander Clay Buchholz for the remainder of the season after he was diagnosed with flexor mass strain in his right elbow.
Bruce Bochy Says He Hopes To Manage Giants In 2019
Despite a disappointing season in San Francisco, Giants manager Bruce Bochy is hopeful that he will return in 2019 as the team’s manager. Bochy’s contract expires at the end of the 2019 season.
Explaining the MLB postseason tiebreakers
Finally, with the National League playoff picture still a jumbled mess, it might be a good time to brush up on tie-breaker rules in the event there is a tie for the final wild card spots.
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