Battery Power - September 3: Rockies 4, Braves 3Your one stop shop for everything Atlanta Braveshttps://cdn.vox-cdn.com/community_logos/52890/favicon-32x32..png2021-09-03T23:18:53-04:00http://www.batterypower.com/rss/stream/224201222021-09-03T23:18:53-04:002021-09-03T23:18:53-04:00Braves swing their way to 4-3 loss in Colorado
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<p>27 outs on 94 pitches in Coors Field</p> <p id="5O6ymQ">It was a frustrating night for the Braves, who fell to the Rockies on Friday night by a score of 4-3.</p>
<p id="SqEzgW">For whatever reason, Atlanta was hyper aggressive all night in the batter’s box and had little to show for it. They only saw 94 pitches across nine innings and seemingly swung early in the count at every opportunity. In this recent stretch of frustrating losses, I’m not sure any were more frustrating than this one.</p>
<p id="BJ4Tb7">Ozzie Albies, who returned to the lineup after missing the last two games with a bruised kneecap, led off the night with a solo homer to center. Albies showed no signs of being slowed by the injury throughout the evening, an encouraging sign for the young second baseman.</p>
<p id="ggj3qW">Charlie Blackmon answered in the bottom half of the first with a solo homer of his own to tie things at 1-1.</p>
<p id="BH3Q9N">Adam Duvall tripled in the second and was brought in by Eddie Rosario with a sac fly, but the lead was short lived as Colorado plated two runs in the third to take a 3-2 lead.</p>
<p id="fxXlqg">Austin Riley tied things up in the sixth with a two-out single to plate Freddie Freeman. But once again the Rockies would battle back with a two-out rally of their own; Trevor Story doubled and CJ Cron hit a hanging 0-2 slider just past Austin Riley to give the Rockies a 4-3 edge.</p>
<p id="RzSL7A">Huascar Ynoa was not sharp with his command, but he pitched well enough in his first career start inside Coors Field. He exited after 5.2 innings with five hits, four runs and a walk allowed. He struck out five. His ERA sits at 3.19 on the year.</p>
<p id="UeO5vI">The <a href="https://www.thegoodphight.com/">Phillies</a> got blown out by the Marlins on Friday night, so the division lead remains at two games.</p>
<p id="qD77tN">The Braves and Rockies will continue the four-game tilt on Saturday night with Ian Anderson (6-5, 3.36 ERA) set to face German Marquez (11-10, 4.10 ERA) at 8:10 p.m. ET.</p>
https://www.batterypower.com/2021/9/3/22656772/braves-rockies-recap-score-huascar-ynoaScott Coleman2021-09-03T19:21:25-04:002021-09-03T19:21:25-04:00Braves Notes: Ozzie Albies returns, Adam Duvall back in center
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<p>The Braves dodged a bullet with Albies injury.</p> <p id="O6DAOM">Ozzie Albies will return to the <a href="https://www.talkingchop.com/">Atlanta Braves</a>’ lineup Friday night and will see his first action since exiting Tuesday’s game in Los Angeles after he fouled a ball off his knee. </p>
<p id="bznfN6">“He probably could have played yesterday after we worked him out,” Snitker said before Friday’s game in Colorado. “I think everybody just kind of felt like it would be better to give him one more day. He should be really good to go today.”</p>
<p id="x867bJ">The team initially feared the worst as Albies had to be carried off the field, but X-rays came back negative and he is back after just a two game absence.</p>
<p id="pljwpk">“He went through a pretty vigorous workout yesterday and hit extra after that and felt really good,” Snitker added. “I think we probably dodged a bullet there and it will be good to get him back out there.”</p>
<p id="K3gfnW">Albies is hitting .259/.317/.482 with 23 home runs and a 110 wRC+. He has appeared in 130 games this season and never wants to take a day off. </p>
<p id="XAQMdS">“He’s a gamer who wants to play,” Snitker said of Albies. “He wants to be in there every day. Hopefully yesterday was the last game he misses the rest of the year.”</p>
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<p id="IXghTR">Adam Duvall will make his second straight start in centerfield Friday. Duvall has come through in some big moments since returning to Atlanta at the deadline. He homered in the series opener and gave the Braves a 6-5 lead that they wouldn’t relinquish. </p>
<p id="yrvnUQ">“It has just been so good to get him back here, Snitker said of Duvall. “He’s added a lot since he’s gotten back and I just kind of feel like this is where he belongs.” </p>
<p id="3N733m">Duvall has appeared in — games and is hitting .206/.292/.467 with eight home runs in 120 plate appearances with Atlanta. </p>
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<p id="LdfSSn">Snitker also said that a couple of relievers will be down for tonight’s game. While he didn’t disclose who that would be, Luke Jackson has pitched in three of the last four games and seems like a good candidate for a day of rest. Jackson has been a key piece of the bullpen of late allowing 10 hits and two runs over his last 15 games. He has 19 strikeouts and six walks in 14 1/3 innings during that span. Richard Rodriguez has pitched in two straight games while Tyler Matzek has made appearances in two of the last three. </p>
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https://www.batterypower.com/2021/9/3/22656566/atlanta-braves-notebook-ozzie-albies-returns-adam-duvall-back-centerfield-brian-snitkerKris Willis2021-09-03T16:56:04-04:002021-09-03T16:56:04-04:00Ozzie Albies returns to the Braves lineup Friday against the Rockies
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<p>Ozzie’s back!</p> <p id="3vbcpK">The <a href="https://www.talkingchop.com/">Atlanta Braves</a> snapped a three-game skid with a 6-5 win over the <a href="https://www.purplerow.com">Colorado Rockies</a> Thursday night. They will try to make it two-straight wins Friday when Huascar Ynoa matches up against Rockies righty Anthony Senzatela. </p>
<p id="1rMnH5">Ozzie Albies will return to the Braves lineup Friday and is back in the leadoff spot. Albies missed the last two games after fouling a ball off his knee in Los Angeles. Travis d’Arnaud is back behind the plate and will hit fifth. Adam Duvall will start for the second straight day in center and will hit seventh. Eddie Rosario gets another start in left and will hit eighth. </p>
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<p lang="en" dir="ltr">.<a href="https://twitter.com/theynoaa?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@theynoaa</a> takes the mound tonight vs. the Rockies!<br><br>Presented by <a href="https://twitter.com/TruistNews?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@TruistNews</a> | <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/ForTheA?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#ForTheA</a> <a href="https://t.co/OyfRWvhSKz">pic.twitter.com/OyfRWvhSKz</a></p>— Atlanta Braves (@Braves) <a href="https://twitter.com/Braves/status/1433892727255617537?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 3, 2021</a>
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<p id="9ikjvp">The Rockies will roll out the same group as Thursday with the exception of Raimel Tapia, who will hit seventh and play center, and Dom Nunez who is hitting eighth and will catch Senzatela. </p>
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<p id="i5DGHE">Friday’s game has a scheduled start time of 8:40 p.m. ET and can be seen on Bally Sports Southeast. </p>
https://www.batterypower.com/2021/9/3/22656383/braves-vs-rockies-lineup-ozzie-albies-returnsKris Willis2021-09-03T14:00:00-04:002021-09-03T14:00:00-04:00Huascar Ynoa, Braves look for another win over the Rockies
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<figcaption>Photo by David J. Griffin/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images</figcaption>
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<p>Ynoa will be making his fourth start since returning from the injured list. </p> <p id="NFdiiK">After successfully snapping a three-game losing streak, the <a href="https://www.talkingchop.com/">Atlanta Braves</a> will try to make it two straight wins Friday night when they continue their series against the <a href="https://www.purplerow.com">Colorado Rockies</a> at Coors Field. A two-run home run by Adam Duvall gave Atlanta a 6-5 lead Thursday night and the bullpen held strong to secure the win. The Braves will enter play Friday with a 71-62 record and a two game lead over the <a href="https://www.thegoodphight.com/">Philadelphia Phillies</a> in the NL East standings. </p>
<p id="oyNAvk">Huascar Ynoa will make his fourth start since returning from the injured list on August 17. He has been solid over his previous three starts allowing 10 hits and five runs while striking out 16 hitters in 17 1/3 innings. He allowed three hits, three walks and two runs over six innings in his last outing against the Giants. </p>
<p id="kKiR1L">The Rockies will go with right-hander Antonio Senzatela who is in the midst of his best stretch of the season. Senzatela allowed just two hits and struck out five over seven scoreless innings in his last start against the <a href="https://www.truebluela.com/">Dodgers</a>. He has allowed a total of 13 hits and three earned runs over his last 20 innings. Senzatela has pitched better at home posting a 3.89 ERA 12 starts at Coors Field versus a 4.56 ERA away from home. </p>
<p id="KhtOzB">Ozzie Albies worked out on the field prior to Thursday’s opener but sat out his second straight game. He appeared to be moving well and barring any setbacks, could return to the lineup Friday. </p>
<p id="UTYvEI">Friday’s game is scheduled to get underway at 8:40 p.m. ET and can be seen on Bally Sports Southeast. </p>
<h3 id="huNKrX"><strong>Game Info </strong></h3>
<p id="dmmsEg"><strong>Game Date/Time:</strong> Friday, September 3, 8:40 p.m. ET</p>
<p id="7NpGjy"><strong>Location:</strong> Coors Field, Denver, Colorado</p>
<p id="f9T5vB"><strong>TV:</strong> Bally Sports Southeast</p>
<p id="sl4MPN"><strong>Streaming: </strong>MLB.tv</p>
<p id="eWES86"><strong>Radio:</strong> 680 AM / 93.7 FM The Fan, WNNX 100.5, Braves Radio Network</p>
https://www.batterypower.com/2021/9/3/22655988/braves-vs-rockies-preview-time-tv-streaming-radio-huascar-ynoa-antonio-senzatelaKris Willis2021-09-03T12:00:00-04:002021-09-03T12:00:00-04:00Braves Mailbag: 2022 Outfield, Dansby Swanson, Touki Toussaint and more
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<figcaption>Photo by Mitchell Layton/Getty Images</figcaption>
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<p>Will Adam Duvall be in the Braves’ outfield in 2022?</p> <p id="XsLAbg">Thanks to everyone who sent in questions for this week’s <a href="https://www.talkingchop.com/">Atlanta Braves</a> mailbag. If I didn’t get to your question, we will do it again soon. Let’s get right to it!</p>
<p id="eDvUKy"><strong>What will the Braves do with Touki Toussaint? He’s pitching so well as a starter and is still so young (he just turned 25) it seems like an odd fit to pitch him out of the Bullpen.</strong></p>
<p id="1rJdXN">Obviously I received this question before Touki was put back in the rotation Thursday night. The plan was always to go with a six-man rotation during this road trip so he never was really out of the rotation. He got a significant amount of rest mostly because of back-to-back off days along with the return of Ian Anderson. The off days allowed the Braves to reset their rotation. With Smyly’s struggles, it seems as though Toussaint had a good opportunity to stick in the rotation but we will have to see how they play it after his struggles Thursday night. </p>
<p id="Ro2sGT">I don’t consider him as an odd fit for the bullpen though. I think he and Huascar Ynoa could be excellent options for the back end of the bullpen. The Braves need them in the rotation now but I wouldn’t rule out a move for either in the future yet. </p>
<p id="g8vUqU"><strong>With Dansby Swanson having a breakout season and coming into his final year of arbitration, might the Braves be looking to trade him and sign a lower priced SS? Between Freddie Freeman’s extension and Marcell Ozuna’s dead weight it seems like there may be a payroll crunch.</strong></p>
<p id="tiaXjf">It is possible, but they would be hard pressed to duplicate Swanson’s production at shortstop or elsewhere in the lineup. <a href="https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1udvcfwbKEYe18sBKBQDmv1-5zF4lp94NiQUzaVjm4HY/edit#gid=1520401900">Cot’s Contracts has the Braves</a> at just over $50 million in salary for next season. They need to get Freeman signed and have several arbitration-eligible players, including Swanson that will add to that number. The Braves were set to have their biggest payroll ever in 2020 before the pandemic hit. They were forced to reduce that at the start of this season but with fans back and the team ranking high in attendance, there is no reason they can’t push that payroll back up to where it was prior to the pandemic. </p>
<p id="HIUyje"><strong>I’m sure that I was like every other fan that thought the season was over when Ronald Acuna Jr. went down. Credit to Alex Anthopoulos for not thinking so. I love the deadline pickups. My question is can they all stay knowing Freddie Freeman has to be prioritized at some point?</strong></p>
<p id="rijMjm">The deadline additions don’t really have any bearing on Freeman’s situation. Eddie Rosario and Jorge Soler are both free agents at the end of the season. Joc Pederson and Adam Duvall both have mutual options, which are rarely exercised by both sides. Even if the DH comes to the National League, there is no way that all of them are coming back. You also have to remember, the Braves will get Acuña back at some point next season, they also have Cristian Pache and Drew Waters who if not traded, will be pushing for an opportunity. Then there is also the Marcell Ozuna situation that will have to play itself out. </p>
<p id="FM8bmd">I could see the Braves and Duvall agreeing to exercise his mutual option but he is closing in on a 30-homer season and could decide to seek a multi-year deal elsewhere. I think Atlanta will have interest in maybe keeping two of the group but a lot really depends on what happens this offseason. </p>
<p id="drYZ2X"><strong>What would be your ideal/realistic take on who they try to bring back for the outfield next year?</strong></p>
<p id="gYC5hJ">If it were up to me, I’d try to bring back Pederson and Duvall. If they elect to cut ties with Ozuna then I’d take a hard look at Soler as well. </p>
<p id="o8kXiV"><strong>Why is there no talk of dumping the DH from the game? Why is the talk only in one direction? I love the strategy of the NL game.</strong></p>
<p id="4NZEBa">I think it is time for the Universal DH. Pitchers get paid to pitch and you need not look any further than Max Fried getting hurt while running bases back an April as an example. I think the strategy argument is overplayed and no one was complaining about it last season. The DH will be good for the players and for the game. </p>
<p id="NAQ7Do"><strong>Other contending teams are more than comfortable w/ juggling their leadoff spot in order to get better matchups (see SF this past weekend). Will the Braves do this & get away from the notion that the top of the lineup needs to be set the same way every day? When Acuna was in that spot, then sure drive that consistency, because he’s one the top-5 players in the NL & he’s going to produce more times than not regardless of the handedness of the opposing SP. However, him being lost due to injury should IMO force the club to react differently to the leadoff spot & really strive to maximize what they can get out of the lineup spot that is going to have the most PAs. What would it take for the club to implement a platoon between Albies & literally anybody (Pederson & Rosario are two LHHs that would do better against RHP & Swanson, Duvall, & T’dA are three RHHs that would do better against RHP) in the leadoff spot?</strong></p>
<p id="Go13WK">This is a good question but it probably doesn’t have an appealing answer. I think the Braves take a very old school approach to the lineup in general. Brian Snitker likes to settle on something and doesn’t like to make wholesale changes. After Acuña’s injury, the Braves aren’t blessed with a lot of good candidates to lead off. I think Joc Pederson makes some sense there as would Dansby Swanson. I wouldn’t be excited about using Adam Duvall with his .290 OBP against right-handers in the leadoff spot though. </p>
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https://www.batterypower.com/2021/9/3/22655067/atlanta-braves-mailbag-2022-outfield-dansby-swanson-trade-touki-toussaint-rotationKris Willis