4 Things You Need To Know For Today’s Atlanta Braves Game

From the return of Freddie Freeman in the final Atlanta Braves home game of 2017 to the big race between Paul Byrd and The Freeze, here’s what you need to know for today.

We are now in the final home game of the 2017 season. After coming back in the 8th last night, the Atlanta Braves are in line to close out SunTrust Park with a sweep against the Phillies. We have a nice match-up between 2 rookies as Luiz Gohara will face Nick Pivetta.

Final Home Game of 2017

Even though it has been a long season, it’s almost surprising that it is the final home game for the inaugural season at SunTrust Park. The Atlanta Braves will have a 37-43 record at home when they start today’s game and will try to finish it on a win.

Freddie Freeman is back in the game after staying home yesterday with a “24-hour bug.”  Here’s yesterday’s note about that:

Matt Adams – and Rio Ruiz in the 9th – filled in for Freeman last night and did well. Today Ruiz is back at 3rd. Johan Camargo, last night’s clutch hero, steps in at 2B and hits second while Kurt Suzuki fills the catching spot. The rest of the line-up remains the same.

Fan Appreciation!

There has been many giveaways & awesomeness as part of Braves Country’s festivities for Fan Appreciation Week and it’s not over yet.

For today’s game, the Braves are allowing free access to the attractions in Hope and Will’s Sandlot for all fans for ALL fans. It is also Alumni Sunday where Steve Avery & others will be making an appearance.

This is what Braves Retail had for their giveaway last night and the winner should be announced later today. They might be doing one more, so stay tune to their account.

Broadcaster and reporter Grant McAuley tweeted out his own giveaway as well where the winner will be decided tomorrow.

Can The Byrd Stop The Freeze?

It’s the cooooo-main event of the evening…not really but this could be a special moment. Today, Paul Byrd steps up and takes on the legend of The Freeze. Over the last few weeks, Fox Sports have been showing the build-up and the race is finally happening.

The Man Behind the Plate

Yesterday, the Braves announced that for 2018, Suzuki will be back behind the plate – presumably with Tyler Flowers – on a 1-year, $3.5M extension.

Just 2 nights ago, Suzuki had a 2-homer game and will be back in the line-up for today’s game.

Also ICYMI, the Braves made another official announcement last night as well, this one about the signing of 18-year old Korean shortstop, Jihwan Bae, a top high school prospect.

So there you have it, everything you need to know before today’s game!

Next: So Who's It Going To Be?

Don’t miss today’s game when it comes to you at 1:35 PM ET