The Atlanta Braves came away with a disappointing result on Opening Day but we all can relish in the fact that Major League Baseball is back and appears to be returning to some since of normalcy. The ball didn’t bounce the Braves’ way in a 3-2 loss in 10 innings. Pablo Sandoval tied the game with a pinch-hit homer in the seventh off of Aaron Nola but the Phillies walked the game off in the 10th on a fortuitous bounce.
We didn’t hear much from Braves President Alex Anthopoulos during the spring, but was an in-game guest on Thursday’s broadcast where he discussed the team and the 2021 season. Anthopoulos revealed that Mike Soroka could potentially slot back into Atlanta’s rotation during the team’s second homestand which begins on April 23. Soroka made his only Grapefruit League appearance in the final exhibition game on Tuesday.
Anthopoulos was also asked about where things stand on extension talks with Freddie Freeman. Anthopoulos didn’t disclose any new information but said that the Braves want him here, he wants to stay in Atlanta and it is on them to get a deal done.
#Braves GM Alex Anthopoulos on Freddie Freeman extension via @BravesOnBally:
— Grant McAuley (@grantmcauley) April 1, 2021
"We want him here. He wants to be here and at the end of the day it's on us to get it done and that's certainly going to be our goal."
More Braves News
The Braves announced Thursday morning that the team will increase seating capacity at Truist Park to 50% during the team’s second homestand.
Thursday’s Starting Nine reveals nine stats that are the blueprint for a successful 2021 season for the Braves.
Our resident Braves historian Darryl Palmer takes a look back at the Otis Nixon trade that happened 30 years ago Thursday. Nixon would go on to play a big part on that 1991 “Worst to First” team.
Opening Day news
The game between the Washington Nationals and New York Mets scheduled for Thursday was postponed due to coronavirus concerns after three Nationals players tested positive for COVID-19. The Braves are currently scheduled to travel to Washington for a three game set on Monday.
Josh Donaldson left Thursday’s game in the first inning due to right hamstring tightness. Donaldson doubled and then ran gingerly into second base.
Oakland placed reliever Trevor Rosenthal on the injured list due to right shoulder inflammation.
Marlins starter Sixto Sanchez is being evaluated for a sore shoulder. Sanchez had his most recent throwing session cut short due to what was called “slight discomfort.”
The Angels reached a five-year, $26 million extension with second baseman David Fletcher.
Carlos Correa and the Astros weren’t as fortunate and it doesn’t sound like there is much hope that Correa will be in Houston beyond the 2021 season.