The Atlanta Braves closed out the road portion of the 2020 regular season schedule with a 7-0 win over the New York Mets Sunday. Kyle Wright turned in the best start of his young career limiting the Mets to just one hit over 6 1/3 innings. Perhaps even more important for Wright, he walked just one batter in the game while striking out six. He has looked like a different pitcher since returning from the alternate site and his latest performance has to be encouraging for the Braves as they close in on the playoffs.
Atlanta is returning home with a chance to clinch a third straight NL East crown as they open a four-game set against the Miami Marlins. The Braves lead the Marlins by three games in the standings entering Monday’s game after Miami split a doubleheader against Washington on Sunday.
The Marlins have to be one of the biggest surprises of the 2020 season as they are not only in playoff position, but have remained in the division race despite a relatively young roster. The series will begin Monday with Huascar Ynoa facing off against Miami lefty Trevor Rogers. Ynoa held the Orioles scoreless over four innings in his last start but had to exit early after his back tightened up. Cole Hamels will make his second start of the season in Tuesday’s game opposite Jose Urena. Hamels will be targeting 65-70 pitches as he continues to ramp up after spending most of the season on the injured list.
Marlins rookie Sixto Sanchez will start Wednesday’s game. Atlanta has yet to announce a starter and Brian Snitker said Sunday that they likely won’t until after Tuesday’s game. Could be another bullpen outing or they could opt to go with someone at the alternate site. Max Fried will get his final regular season tune up in Thursday’s series finale against righty Pablo Lopez.
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The Marlins designated Sean Rodriguez for assignment Sunday and activated Jon Berti from the injured list.
Bryce Harper left Sunday’s game against the Blue Jays in the seventh inning with what appeared to be some sort of leg injury. Harper appeared uncomfortable after chasing down a triple in the seventh. He stayed in the game but struck out with the bases loaded in the bottom half of the inning before exiting. Philadelphia is already dealing with injuries to J.T. Realmuto and Rhys Hoskins and can not afford to be without Harper for the final week.
Reds first baseman Joey Votto walked three times in Sunday’s win over the White Sox to pass Pete Rose as the franchises all-time leader with 1,211.