We’re in the time of year where the Wild Card standings are constantly changing, and that change is good for the Atlanta Braves through Sunday.
With the Braves’ 11-8 victory over the Rockies on Saturday, Atlanta ended its current six-game losing streak, scored the second-most runs in a game all season, and returned to the playoffs. Max Fried and the bullpen had their struggles, but the Braves’ big hitters made sure Atlanta wouldn’t lose this game. With Matt Olson and Jorge Soler each playing one of their best individual games as a Brave, Atlanta got a much-needed win.
Now it’s crucial for the Braves to turn Saturday’s win into a turnaround. Starting Sunday, the Braves will face four straight left-handers in the final game of the series against the Rockies. Atlanta has been much better against lefties than righties this season, and with San Francisco now just two games back of the third Wild Card spot that Atlanta currently holds, this series becomes more important by the day.
But first, Atlanta must win this series against the Rockies. With Spencer Schwellenbach returning to the mound, Atlanta must be determined to keep the positive vibe going on Sunday.
Braves News
Ramon Laureano left Saturday’s game in the third inning due to pain in his right heel. He was replaced by Adam Duvall.
After being scheduled to play earlier this week, Eddie Rosario was sent directly to Gwinnett. In addition, Huascar Ynoa suffered a setback in his rehab due to shoulder soreness and will be out for at least the next week.
Despite having some bad luck on Saturday, Max Fried was far from his best. He’s had some shaky starts since returning from the injured list. The AJC’s Justin Toscano examines how confident the Braves are that Fried will return to form.
MLB.com’s Mark Bowman got comments from Matt Olson after he set a new career record for RBIs in a single game. Olson talked about how the Braves are hoping Saturday could be the start of a winning streak they’ve been waiting for for some time.
MLB News
The Phillies and Mets both lost on Saturday. Along with the Braves, all three teams have a 4-6 record in their last ten games. While that doesn’t mean much for the NL East race, it’s a major factor in Atlanta being back in the playoff race on Sunday, currently a half-game ahead of the Mets.
San Diego pulled off a great comeback win on Saturday to earn their seventh straight victory. They are now 16-3 since the All-Star break. They also sit atop the NL Wild Card race, four games ahead of the Braves.
The Diamondbacks beat the Phillies 11-1 on Sunday, keeping pace with the Padres and staying just one game behind them in the NL Wild Card race. Fortunately, Zac Gallen and Ketel Marte had to leave the game early due to injury concerns, but neither is expected to miss the game.
Jackson Holliday hit his fifth home run in ten games as Baltimore became the first team to reach 70 wins this season.
Luis Arraez announced that he has been playing with a torn ligament in his thumb since the end of June.
Triston Casas could return to action for the Red Sox this week after sitting out a ribcage injury.
Hunter Harvey, a big catch for the Royals at the trade deadline, was placed on the 15-day IL due to back problems.
