Atlanta Braves News
Braves drop spring opener to the Mets
The Atlanta Braves opened the Grapefruit League season on Saturday with a 4-3 loss to the New York Mets. Touki Toussaint threw two innings and looked good despite allowing a two-run home run to Mets rookie Pete Alonso. Connor Lien homered for Atlanta in the loss.
Braves announce rotation plans for upcoming week
Brian Snitker announced his pitching plans for the next four days after Saturday’s game. Mike Foltynewicz will make his spring debut on Sunday against the Houston Astros. Max Fried will get the start in Monday’s home opener against Washington. Sean Newcomb will face the Mets on Tuesday while Kyle Wright will get the call in Wednesday’s game against St. Louis.
Riley out to show he’s ready for majors
Austin Riley went 0-for-2 with a pair of strikeouts in Saturday’s loss to the Mets but he told The Athletic’s David O’Brien that he feels like he is ready for the major leagues and that he is ready to show the Braves that they can trust him.
Touki Toussaint ready to win spot in Braves’ rotation
Touki Toussaint spoke with the Atlanta Journal-Constitution’s Gabe Burns about his spring debut on Saturday and what he is hoping to accomplish this spring.
MLB News
Bryce Harper Meeting With Phillies Owner John Middleton
Phillies owner John Middleton reportedly met with free agent outfielder Bryce Harper Friday night. However, Harper still hasn’t settled on a destination and MLB Network’s Jon Heyman reports that other teams are still in the mix.
Conflicting reports on Craig Kimbrel’s contract demands emerge on Saturday
Craig Kimbrel is another big name free agent that is still without a team. The Atheltic’s Jim Bowden cited Multiple GMs on Saturday in saying that Kimbrel’s asking price had not dropped and added that sources close to Kimbrel had indicated that he would consider sitting out the 2019 season. Kimbrel’s agent later refuted that report through The Athletic’s Ken Rosenthal calling it “wholly inaccurate” while saying Kimbrel was looking forward to signing a new deal in the near future.
After Friday step-back, Clayton Kershaw expected to resume throwing next week
Dodgers starter Clayton Kershaw is dealing with some sort of arm ailment but manager Dave Roberts told reporters on Saturday that Kershaw was feeling better and he is expected to resume throwing next week.
Jose Iglesias joins Reds on minor league contract with camp invite
Shortstop Jose Iglesias has agreed to a minor league deal with the Cincinnati Reds. Iglesias was worth 2.5 fWAR in 2018 but was unable to find a major league contract offer further signifying just how slow the free agent market is.
White Sox Sign Preston Tucker To Minor League Deal
Former Braves outfielder Preston Tucker has agreed to a minor league deal with the Chicago White Sox. Tucker opened the 2018 season as Atlanta’s left fielder before eventually giving way to Ronald Acuña Jr. Tucker was later dealt to Cincinnati in the Adam Duvall deal but was reacquired by Atlanta for the stretch run. He was outrighted off the 40-man roster this offseason and elected to become a free agent.
Jed Lowrie Out With Knee Strain, Could Miss Opening Day
Mets infielder Jed Lowrie is dealing with a knee sprain which could cause him to miss Opening Day.
Cardinals Extend Jose Martinez Through 2020
The St. Louis Cardinals and outfielder Jose Martinez have come to an agreement on a two-year extension that will pay him $3.25 million plus incentives.