Dansby Swanson hit a grand slam to back another good performance from Charlie Morton as the Atlanta Braves began a critical road trip with a 7-2 win over the Philadelphia Phillies. With the win, the Braves improved to 47-48 on the season and are now tied with the Phillies in the NL East standings. Atlanta picked up a half game over the New York Mets who were idle and are now four games back in the standings. The Mets will begin a three-game series with the Blue Jays Friday.
More Braves News
- Prior to Thursday’s win, Brian Snitker gave an update on the status of several injured Braves. Huascar Ynoa threw a live BP session Thursday and is tentatively scheduled to pitch in a game on a rehab assignment in Florida next Tuesday. Ian Anderson played catch in Atlanta Thursday and reported no issues with his shoulder.
- Catcher Travis d’Arnaud traveled with the team to Philadelphia and worked out on the field prior to the game. Snitker said that d’Arnaud will need to play some rehab games but that he is progressing towards a return.
“He’s going to need to take live BPs, and obviously, play some rehab games and all that kind of stuff,” manager Brian Snitker said. “It’s a good sign, I think, that he’s accelerating his activity. But still, you’re not going to rush something like this. They’ll be able to tell when he is ready. It’s just about the strength and repetitions, and seeing how his body handles all that again.”
- The Braves also announced that outfielder Ronald Acuña Jr. underwent surgery to repair his torn ACL on Wednesday. Dr. Neal S. ElAttrache performed the procedure in Los Angeles.
- Cristian Pache is the only Braves prospect to crack Keith Law’s midseason prospect list at The Athletic.
- The Tampa Bay Rays added a significant piece Thursday as they finalized a trade with the Minnesota Twins for DH Nelson Cruz. The Rays acquired Cruz and minor league pitcher Calvin Faucher from the Twins in exchange for prospects Joe Ryan and Drew Strotman.
- While there has been a lot of chatter, there hasn’t been that much action but executives around the league are expecting that to change per MLB.com’s Mark Feinsand.
The common theme? Don’t expect a whole lot to happen this week. Then buckle up.
- Rockies shortstop Trevor Story is one of the bigger names available at the trade deadline and six to eight teams have reportedly checked in on Colorado’s asking price. One team apparently is considering Story and having him switch to center field.
- MLB.com lists one player for every team to keep an eye on heading into the trade deadline. Some interesting names here including some relievers that could be in play for the Braves.
MLB News
- One day after declaring “It’s over” and his retirement in an Instagram post, White Sox rookie Yermín Mercedes was in uniform for Triple-A Charlotte.
- Finally, the Cleveland Indians have reportedly made a decision on a new name for their franchise but there is no indication yet for when it will be announced.