Atlanta Braves afternoon update: Mike Soroka activated blanks Mets 2-0
By Fred Owens
Sanchez to start Thursday
Anibal Sanchez will start Thursday’s game against the San Diego Padres but no decision’s been announced about the rotation after that.
Teheran said he’d be ready for Friday’s start but the Braves held McCarthy back in case they need him then (my opinion). If he’s not needed, the Braves could start McCarthy Saturday and push Newcomb back to Sunday.
The Braves try to give Newcomb an extra day whenever possible in order to keep him strong late in the season. While he threw 160 combined innings last season, major league innings are harder than AAA innings so that doesn’t equate to 160 MLB innings
While no innings limit’s been announced, the Braves would probably like to see no more than 170 from Newcomb this season. At his current pace that would take him through 27 or 28 starts.
This and That
Word came today that the Greyson Jenista received a $1.2M signing bonus about a $250K under slot. That leaves the Braves $7,067,300 in their first-round pool before penalties kick in.
No word on Carter Stewart’s status, I suppose ‘negotiations continue’ would work. Many of the remaining players are involved in the College World Series and can’t do anything until that’s complete.
Put me in coach I’m ready to play, that’s the word Ronald Acuna’s been spreading around the Braves clubhouse. Managers Brian Snitker and his training staff remain cautious with their budding superstar.
Ronald Acuña doing sprints around the infield this morning. Said yesterday he was feeling really good and he wasn't feeling pain when he was running. Hopes to begin a rehab assignment later this week/weekend. #Braves @680TheFan
— Kevin McAlpin (@KevinMcAlpin) June 13, 2018
He’s unlikely until he’s completed a rehab start or two. That could be early next week
Ozzie Albies second grand slam of the season in Tuesday’s game put him pretty elite company. Three other 21-years old players had two or more grand slams in a season; Ken Griffey Jr. Alex Rodriguez and Adrian Beltre.
The last Atlanta Braves’ player to do it was Brian McCann in 2012. The last Braves second baseman to manage it was Davey Johnson.
Mike Foltynewicz left last night’s game with the Mets with tightness in his triceps. Manager Brian Snitker said he’s fine and will make his next start.
"“I think everything checked out good, it’s just some tightness. He’s not scheduled to pitch until a week from today anyway, so he’ll have some extra time.”"
That’s a Wrap
The Braves are getting a lot of TV time as a result of their play this season. MLB Network carried the game today and even ESPN graced us with their presence Tuesday. They had Hank Aaron in the booth most of the game making it well worth putting up with their broadcast team to hear Hank tell stories.
That publicity and increased chat about them on talk radio means more All Star votes for the players. Freddie Freeman still leads overall NL All Star voting ahead of Nolan Arenado, Albies leads at second base and Nick Markakis is second among outfielders.