Braves News: Marcell Ozuna’s explosive start, rotation plans, and more
This Thursday’s roundup includes notes on Marcell Ozuna’s good start, the Braves’ intentions for their weekend rotation, and much more.
Due to the possibility of bad weather in the Atlanta region, the Atlanta Braves’ game against the New York Mets was postponed on Wednesday, giving them an unexpected off day. The game will be added to the conclusion of the Mets two-game series, which began on September 26 and ended on a mutual off day for both teams.
The Braves declared that Allan Winans’ planned start against New York on Thursday will now take place on the last day of the series. The rest of the rotation will have an extra day off as a result of that move. This implies that for Atlanta’s forthcoming series against the Marlins in Miami, which starts on Friday, Max Fried, Chris Sale, and Charlie Morton will start in the starting lineup.
Additional Braves News
Although he has had a rather sluggish start to 2024, Ronald Acuña Jr. had a fantastic game in the team’s victory over the Mets on Tuesday, registering two singles, three stolen bases, and three runs scored. After the game, Acuña told Mark Bowman of MLB.com that his knee felt excellent and was starting to round out after being out during the spring.
It appeared in April of last year that Marcell Ozuna may struggle to maintain his position on the Braves’ roster. Ozuna reinstalled himself in the center of Atlanta’s lineup on May 1st by slugging 38 home runs. In 2024, he is off to a tremendous start and doesn’t seem to be slowing down.
MLB News
A number of prominent pitchers have suffered serious arm injuries in the last week, which has been by far the biggest MLB story. One of the several pitchers sidelined by injuries in recent days is Spencer Strider of Atlanta. According to Andy McCullough of The Athletic, the league is investigating the increase in pitching injuries. Eno Sarris examined the causes of the increase in pitcher injuries in great detail for The Athletic as well, and found numerous contributing factors.
The Orioles’ decision to promote top prospect Jackson Holliday to the major leagues was the other significant MLB story. Holliday hit.333/.482/.595 with two home runs and five doubles in 10 games throughout the season after Baltimore decided to send him to the minors to begin the season. The Orioles placed veteran infielder Tony Kemp on the disabled list in order to create space on the playing roster for Holliday.
Regarding pitcher injuries, Kyle Bradish, the starting pitcher for the Orioles, is expected to start his rehabilitation soon. Bradish’s right elbow UCL sprain has kept him on the 15-day injury list since the beginning of the season.
For right-hander Kodai Senga of the Mets, who was placed on the 60-day injured list on Wednesday, the news is not as favorable. Therefore, he won’t be able to leave the IL until May 27. Senga suffered a strain to his shoulder capsule early in spring training, which kept him out of action.
In exchange for international bonus pool space, the Cleveland Guardians acquired right-hander Wes Parsons from the Toronto Blue Jays. That would be the same Wes Parsons who pitched in the majors in 2018 and 2019 after spending eight years in the Braves system. Prior to pitching for Toronto again last season, Parsons lived and worked in Korea during the seasons 2021 and 2022. The Blue Jays had designated him for disposal last week.
A ruptured labrum in his throwing shoulder will require season-ending surgery for Brewers catching prospect Jefferson Quero. During a dash back into first base during his Triple A debut, Quero injured his shoulder. His injuries should keep him out of commission for about nine months.
The White Sox may add another name to their list of casualties, which have already taken a serious toll. In Tuesday’s game, Yoan Moncada strained his left adductor while racing to first base. He will likely miss three to six months of action.
Ceddanne Rafaela’s eight-year contract extension was formally announced by the Red Sox. There is a $16 million club option for a ninth season as part of the $50 million contract. Rafaela has made 38 plate appearances as of Wednesday, hitting.212/.263/.364 with a 68 wRC+.
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